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Influence of Layering and Fracture Angles on the Performance of Salt–Gypsum Composites: Implications for the Safety of Underground Energy Storage

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  • Fengbiao Wu

    (Shanxi Institute of Energy, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Tao Meng

    (School of Energy and Materials Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Kehao Cao

    (School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Panpan Zhang

    (Shanxi Institute of Energy, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Ziying Zhang

    (Shanxi Institute of Energy, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Chuanda Zhang

    (Shanxi Institute of Energy, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Guanghui Zhao

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Zhixia Wang

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Pengtao Liu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Xiaomeng Wu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

Abstract

With the intensifying global energy crisis, ensuring robust and reliable energy reserves has become crucial, and underground energy storage offers a safe, large-scale, and cost-effective solution. Among various options, salt cavern gas storage is recognized for its excellent sealing capacity and geological stability; however, many natural salt domes contain inherent fissures and interlayers (e.g., gypsum) that can jeopardize operational safety. Hence, this study aims to clarify how different fissure angles and bedding plane dip angles affect the mechanical behavior of salt–gypsum composites, providing insights for enhancing safety measures in underground gas storage facilities. Based on practical engineering demands, we employ finite element software (RFPA2.0) under a confining pressure of 25 MPa to investigate the compressive strength, fractur patterns, and acoustic emission responses of salt–gypsum composites with varying bedding plane and fissure angles. The results indicate that (1) the composite’s compressive strength gradually increases with the fissure angle, being lowest at 0° and highest at 90°; (2) as the bedding plane angle increases, the compressive strength first rises, then decreases, and finally rises again, with its minimum at 60° and maximum at 90°; and (3) when the bedding plane angle exceeds 60°, cracks preferentially develop along the bedding plane, dominating the overall fracture process. These findings provide theoretical guidance for optimizing the design and ensuring the long-term safety and stability of underground salt cavern gas storage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Fengbiao Wu & Tao Meng & Kehao Cao & Panpan Zhang & Ziying Zhang & Chuanda Zhang & Guanghui Zhao & Zhixia Wang & Pengtao Liu & Xiaomeng Wu, 2025. "Influence of Layering and Fracture Angles on the Performance of Salt–Gypsum Composites: Implications for the Safety of Underground Energy Storage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2287-:d:1646217
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shan Zhao & Hua Liu & Yongfeng Zhu & Shen Wang & Xianzhang Yang, 2022. "Quantitative Evaluation of Gypsum-Salt Caprock Sealing Capacity Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process—A Case Study from the Cambrian in the Tarim Basin, Western China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Jingcui Li & Jifang Wan & Hangming Liu & Maria Jose Jurado & Yuxian He & Guangjie Yuan & Yan Xia, 2022. "Stability Analysis of a Typical Salt Cavern Gas Storage in the Jintan Area of China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Tarkowski, Radoslaw, 2019. "Underground hydrogen storage: Characteristics and prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 86-94.
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