Analysis of damage accumulation in positive displacement mud motors under complicated drilling conditions

Authors

  • O. O. Rudenko Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas 15 Karpatska St., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76019, Ukraine
  • Ya. S. Grydzhuk Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas 15 Karpatska St., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76019, Ukraine
  • O. O. Slabyi Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas 15 Karpatska St., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76019, Ukraine
  • R. O. Deineha Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas 15 Karpatska St., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76019, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1141-7672
  • I. M. Mykytii Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas 15 Karpatska St., Ivano-Frankivsk, 76019, Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31471/1993-9965-2026-1(60)-74-87

Keywords:

positive displacement mud motor; power section; rotor; stator; stress-strain state; damage accumulation; durability

Abstract

Under modern conditions of deep, directional and horizontal drilling, positive displacement mud motors operate under increased axial, torsional and lateral loads, dynamic vibrations, temperature effects and aggressive drilling fluids. This causes accelerated damage accumulation in the motor power section, including elastomer stator degradation, rotor fatigue failure, contact damage development and loss of sealing in working chambers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main damage mechanisms of positive displacement mud motors under complicated drilling conditions and to determine the relation between operational factors and the technical state of power section elements. The study is based on analytical review of scientific publications, generalization of field data, and concepts of solid mechanics and tribology. It is established that the main factors influencing motor durability are variable contact stresses in the rotor-stator pair, cyclic deformation of the elastomer, local overheating, abrasive action of solid particles in drilling mud, and overloads during drilling. The paper proves the need for a complex account of mechanical, thermal and hydraulic factors when evaluating motor life. The obtained results can be used for life prediction of mud motors, drilling mode optimization, and improvement of drilling tool reliability.

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Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Rudenko, O. O., Grydzhuk, Y. S., Slabyi, O. O., Deineha, R. O., & Mykytii, I. M. (2026). Analysis of damage accumulation in positive displacement mud motors under complicated drilling conditions. Scientific Bulletin of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, (1(60), 74–87. https://doi.org/10.31471/1993-9965-2026-1(60)-74-87

Issue

No. 1(60) (2026): SCIENTIFIC BULLETIN OF IVANO-FRANKIVSK NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF OIL AND GAS

Section

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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