Drilling EngineeringDirectional Drilling
Dogleg Severity - Minimum Curvature Method Formula
Dogleg Severity - Minimum Curvature Method calculates dogleg severity for directional drilling workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (I_1, I_2, A_1, A_2, dMD) are known and the assumptions behind the cited directional drilling relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, DLS equals 12.951651 degree/100 ft.
I_1degree
15
I_2degree
25
A_1degree
20
A_2degree
45
dMDft
100
Inputs
I_1
degreeUpper Survey Inclination
I_2
degreeLower Survey Inclination
A_1
degreeUpper Survey Azimuth
A_2
degreeLower Survey Azimuth
dMD
ftMeasured Depth Interval
Outputs
DLS
degree/100 ft
Dogleg Severity
beta_deg
degree
Dogleg Angle
Source and review
reviewedDirectional drilling minimum-curvature dogleg severity method.
Source