This project represents a major new direction for digital-rock research, going beyond the current perspective that the solid framework is rigid. The project builds on a new paradigm for fluid-solid geomechanical interactions, creating numerical methods to implement this new process understanding in realistic digital-rock models. The project adopts a quasi-static perspective that accounts for changes in states, but with a design philosophy that envisages a subsequent move to full dynamic conditions.
Context
Recent work, enabled by a Royal Society Theo Murphy Blues Skies Award, developed a fundamentally new understanding of the interactions between pore fluids and the geomechanics of the solid framework of rock materials. That work developed a digital-rock micro-mechanics approach, using a simple model configuration, which challenges the existing theory of poroelasticity (10.1190/geo2018-0577.1). These concepts have repercussions for the idea of ‘effective stress’, with implications for fractured reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing, vein injection, and seal integrity (journal papers in review). This PhD project represents a key step towards using these concepts in practical ways.
Scientific objectives
This PhD project involves the enhancement of existing digital-rock approaches that are primarily focused on the pore space (including pore-network modelling, lattice-Boltzmann simulations, finite-volume methods, AI approaches, etc) so as to create equivalent models (and methods) for the solid framework as for the pore space. A key idea is that the pore space and the solid framework are exact volume complements, so that any changes or uncertainties in one are mirrored in the other. The objective is to devise methods that generate solid-framework models from pore-system models, including the cases of pore systems comprised of multi-scale components (matrix pores, fracture-like elements). Such combined models (networks of solid and void) then have to be transformed into meshed models that suit numerical simulations, with the meshing designed to accommodate the spatial uncertainties. The project will also involve numerical simulations of the fluid/solid interactions, progressing as far as possible, and certainly identifying and addressing the key issues of how to apply boundary constraints to a non-solid domain. Subsequent and/or parallel research will extend the methods to the dynamic (acoustic) version of poroelastic response. Still further work will use the approach as the basis for digital-rock methods that calculate electrical conduction, radar responses (10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3002147), and provide the basis of in operando experiments with direct observation of deformation and fluid flow (10.1029/2018JB016522).
Expected results
The student is expected to develop deep understanding of the issues that arise in creating compatible digital-rock models of linked pore space and solid-framework elements, and how the uncertainties can be usefully captured in simulation models that are able to discriminate which uncertainties matter against those which do not. The progress towards creating numerical process simulations will provide the student with strong skills that will be important in the wider digital-rock subject area. The project outcomes will underpin a significant suite of follow-on work.
How to Apply
Please complete our online application form. Please select PhD Petroleum Geoscience programme and include the project reference, title and supervisor names on your application. If these details are not included your application may not be considered. Please note that applicants may only submit ONE proposal.
Please also provide a supporting statement outlining how you would approach the research and upload this to the research proposal section of the online application. You will also be required to upload a CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and one academic reference. Until your nominated referee has uploaded their statement, your application will not be marked as complete and will not be considered by the review panel.
You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already studied for a degree that was taught in English). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.
Timetable
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2021. Applicants MUST be available to start the course of study on a full-time basis in September 2021.
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