Experimental study on brittle-to-ductile transition mechanism of lower Silurian organic-rich shale in south China

Brittle-ductile transition conditions and mechanisms are key scientific issues embedded in the reservoir deformation-related difficulties faced during shale gas exploration and exploitation. In this study, shale deformation experiments under different temperatures, confining pressure and differential stress were conducted using a NaCl solid confining pressure medium, taking the Lower Silurian marine shale from South China as an example. We aimed to clarify the characteristic textures and structures of brittle and ductile deformation in organic-rich shale and then, to reveal the conditions and mechanisms of the brittle-to-ductile transition under the deep in-situ environment of high-temperature, high-confining pressure and high-stiffness surrounding strata. Deformation characteristics of experimentally deformed shale showed significant differences between brittle and ductile deformed shale in terms of fracture development, failure combining form, deformation distribution homogeneity, shear angle and the structures and textures within intensely deformed zones. The micro-deformation structures of brittle deformed shale are characterized by the development of fractures and the simple mechanical crushing of shale blocks and mineral particles. The strong deformation zones of ductile deformed shale mainly show micro-deformation features, such as solid-state rheological deformation and accompanying fragmentation, rounding and directional arrangement of mineral particles. Comparison of control group experiments supported the conclusion that increasing confining pressure significantly improves the elastic modulus and compressive strength of shale and leads to a transition from large-area uniform deformation to narrow-band concentrated deformation. A confining pressure of 75-100 MPa is required for the brittle-to-ductile deformation transition of the target shale at 200 degrees C. An elevated temperature enhances shale deformation in the yield and creep stages. Finally, we revealed the progressive process and mechanism of brittle-to-ductile transition with the increase of confining pressure; that is, increasing confining pressure leads to a gradual transition of the shale microdeformation mechanism, from brittle failures to ductile rheological deformation, by suppressing tension fracturing and enhancing friction.