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

Fengbiao Wu (), Tao Meng (), Kehao Cao, Panpan Zhang, Ziying Zhang, Chuanda Zhang, Guanghui Zhao, Zhixia Wang, Pengtao Liu and Xiaomeng Wu
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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

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-22

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.

Keywords: underground energy storage; salt cavern gas storage; energy security; salt rock–gypsum composite; discrete element method; crack evolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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