We use XRCT and digital image correlation to monitor proppant pack deformation.
The approach provides a non-invasive method to track sub-fracture-scale movement.
Proppant movement was studied in a core of Marcellus shale loaded to 10,000 psi.
The analysis captured a failure event in the proppant pack.
The event coincided with the appearance of vortex-like grain motions.