Granite Fracturing Mechanisms Under Compressive–Shear Loads | Advancing Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Research
1. Introduction Granite plays a pivotal role as the primary reservoir rock in Hot Dry Rock geothermal systems, where its fracture behavior governs permeability enhancement and heat extraction efficiency. Investigating granite under compressive–shear loading conditions provides critical insights into subsurface stress responses encountered during hydraulic stimulation. This research-driven introduction establishes the relevance of fracture mechanics to sustainable geothermal exploitation, emphasizing the need for controlled fracturing to minimize environmental risks while maximizing energy output. 2. Stress Interaction in Granite Under Compressive–Shear Conditions This topic focuses on how combined compressive and shear stresses interact within granite matrices, altering crack initiation thresholds and fracture angles. Experimental observations reveal that stress coupling significantly affects failure modes, transitioning from tensile-dominated cracking to shear-driven fracture...