Finite Element for Simulating BHA-Casing-Rock Interactions

The Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) design is consider a very important subject in the planning of any oil and gas well, and any mistake in BHA design will lead to additional increase in drilling cost, due to corrections needed in well trajectory.This study was intended to predict the trajectory path, by analyzing the tendency of the BHA to build, hold, or drop the angle of inclination. The other task of this work was to measure the effect of formation strength on wellbore trajectory. In this work finite element model (FEM) results are evaluated and verified using lab data supported with results obtained from some published analytical and numerical solutions and also verified with worldwide utilized software in Oil Industry (Landmark). The FE results significantly match with tubular mechanic lab data. The BHA model permits prediction of wellbore curvature based on both BHA mechanical behavior and geological influences.