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.