Drilling EngineeringDirectional Drilling
Radius of Curvature from Dogleg Severity Formula
Radius of Curvature from Dogleg Severity calculates radius of curvature for directional drilling workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (DLS) 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, R_c equals 442.382062 ft.
DLSdegree/100 ft
12.951650724128216
Inputs
DLS
degree/100 ftDogleg Severity
Outputs
R_c
ft
Radius of Curvature
DLS
degree/100 ft
Dogleg Severity
Source and review
reviewedDirectional drilling dogleg severity and radius-of-curvature relationship.
Source