journal article·2026-06-18Open access

Stress Evolution and Integrity Evaluation of Cement Sheath Under Alternating Temperature–Pressure Coupled Loads During Multi-Stage Fracturing in Shale Gas Wells

Mingxin Jiang, Yumei Li, Shengzhe Huo, Hailong Jiang, Yan Xi

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 12

Abstract

Based on measured data from a shale gas well, this study develops a wellbore temperature cycle model and a temperature–pressure coupled finite element model to evaluate cement sheath stress during multi-stage fracturing. Dynamic temperature and pressure boundaries are applied to calculate radial and tangential stresses, while cumulative mechanical degradation and failure modes are assessed using the modified Mohr–Coulomb criterion. The results show that cement sheath temperature changes significantly, and stresses vary periodically with fracturing stages. The injection period is the most critical stage for cement sheath failure. Lower casing pressure and reduced fracturing fluid displacement can improve stress distribution and reduce damage. Higher initial fluid temperature increases radial stress but decreases tangential stress, while shallower horizontal well depth weakens temperature–pressure coupling. Optimizing these parameters can mitigate cement sheath damage, enhance structural integrity, and ensure safe fracturing operations.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Drilling and Well Engineering · Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis · Rock Mechanics and Modeling

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Beijing Key Laboratory of Autonomous Navigation and Control for High-Dynamic Flight Vehicles, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100096, China

Key Laboratory of Modern Measurement & Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Beijing 100096, China

School of Automation, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100096, China

College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China

Chongqing Research Institute, Beijing University of Technology, Chongqing 401121, China

State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Chongqing Natural Science Foundation · Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering

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