Thermal Hoop Stress from Wellbore Temperature Change Formula
Thermal Hoop Stress from Wellbore Temperature Change calculates thermally induced hoop stress for in-situ stress and rock mechanics workflows in geomechanics and fracturing.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (alpha_T, E, nu, DeltaT) are known and the assumptions behind the cited in-situ stress and rock mechanics 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, sigma_DT equals -666.666667 psi.
0.000005
5000000
0.25
-20
Inputs
alpha_T
1/degFLinear Thermal Expansion Coefficient
E
psiYoung's Modulus
nu
dimensionlessPoisson Ratio
DeltaT
degFWellbore Temperature Change
Outputs
sigma_DT
Thermally Induced Hoop Stress
DeltaT
Wellbore Temperature Change
Source and review
reviewedIntroduction to Energy Geomechanics, Espinoza, D.N.
Espinoza, D.N. Introduction to Energy Geomechanics, Chapter 6.4, thermal stress term following Eq. 6.18.
Source