Patent ID: 8150667
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of predicting performance of a cutting structure in a subterranean formation, the method comprising: obtaining inelastic stress/strain characteristics of an actual rock material at a plurality of confining pressures greater than a hydrostatic pressure in excess of ambient pressure; simulating a virtual rock material using discrete element modeling (DEM); calibrating the virtual rock material using the obtained stress/strain characteristics to produce substantially the same inelastic stress/strain response over simulated confining pressures corresponding to at least some of the confining pressures greater than the hydrostatic pressure; simulating movement of a virtual cutting structure engaging the virtual rock material under high pressure conditions confining rock detritus cut from the virtual rock material at one or more simulated confining pressures greater than a simulated hydrostatic pressure; and using at least one DEM-generated stress/strain curve of inelastic response of the virtual rock material to the simulated movement of the virtual cutting structure to predict the performance of an actual cutting structure.