MEMS-lost circulation materials for evaluating fluid loss and wellbore strengthening during a drilling operation

Micro-electro-mechanical systems lost circulation materials (MEMS-LCMs) of various sizes, shapes, and specific gravities may be used in a drilling fluid to determine the preferred LCMs for use in wellbore strengthening of the wellbore. For example, a method may include drilling at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a drilling fluid that comprises a base fluid, a plurality of MEMS-LCMs, and a plurality of LCMs, wherein the MEMS-LCMs and the LCMs are substantially similar in size, shape, and specific gravity; measuring a first concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid before circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; measuring a second concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid after circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; performing a comparison of the first and second concentrations of the MEMS-LCMs; and changing a composition of the drilling fluid based on the comparison.