The research tasks and accomplishments reported here represent a major contribution towards the rational development of a comprehensive simulator for hydraulic fracture processes. In particular, formulations and results from one-dimensional and advanced finite element simulations are presented. The developed model yields reasonable comparisons with published results on fracture length, height, and width for reservoirs with symmetric and unsymmetric in situ stress distributions. Problems associated with symmetric material property contrasts and vertical height penetration criteria are also detailed. The in situ stress analysis program can be used as a predictive tool for examining principal stress variations in reservoirs. Subsequent Mohr-Coulomb-Griffith failure analyses can identify potential naturally fractured regions and the orientations of these tectonically relaxed fracture systems. The fundamental solutions for the penny-shaped and elliptical crack models provide an economical framework for conducting parametric-sensitivity design studies. In addition, the validation of sophisticated numerical codes is facilitated. The non-Newtonian fracture fluid leak-off investigations furnish basic insight on the role of the power law exponent of pseudo-plastic type fluids. The inclusion of these non-Newtonian characteristics in the governing mass conservation equation is warranted since the leak-off expression is substantially modified. Finally, the judicious coupling of the induced hydraulic fracture geometry with a compatible reservoir model represents a logical step towards an integrated systems approach for optimum resource extraction. 11 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.