Finite Strain with large rotations: A new hybrid numerical/experimental approach. Deformation up to large strains and rotations is important in rocks, metals, polymers, and biomaterials. Computational mechanics is a standard tool for modelling such deformations. However, in earth sciences, mechanical theories use small-strain formulations or large-strain approaches with classical stress rates. Classical stress rates can lead to incorrect stored energies. This project proposes to test a new large ....Finite Strain with large rotations: A new hybrid numerical/experimental approach. Deformation up to large strains and rotations is important in rocks, metals, polymers, and biomaterials. Computational mechanics is a standard tool for modelling such deformations. However, in earth sciences, mechanical theories use small-strain formulations or large-strain approaches with classical stress rates. Classical stress rates can lead to incorrect stored energies. This project proposes to test a new large-strain theory tailored to rocks experimentally, and to apply it to a pivotal geological problem: shear zone formation. The project will advance our fundamental understanding of the mechanics and energetics of rock deformation and provide a novel tool for the modelling of large deformations.Read moreRead less
Flow characteristics of lower crustal rocks: developing a toolbox to improve geodynamic models. This project will investigate in detail how rocks flow in the lowest part of the Earth's crust. The results will be used to improve sophisticated computer simulations of large-scale geological processes, allowing a better understanding of earthquakes, the formation of volcanic areas and location of energy resources.
Shear heating in granular materials: micromechanics of thermal conduction and production. Oil, gas and geothermal exploration are amongst the major energy industries in Australia and must be optimised to enable efficient production. These processes are dominated by the transfer of heat through granular soil media. Past research was based on continuum heat-flow solutions, but these problems are governed by distinct networks of particle-particle contacts and interparticle pore-fluids. Heat-flow so ....Shear heating in granular materials: micromechanics of thermal conduction and production. Oil, gas and geothermal exploration are amongst the major energy industries in Australia and must be optimised to enable efficient production. These processes are dominated by the transfer of heat through granular soil media. Past research was based on continuum heat-flow solutions, but these problems are governed by distinct networks of particle-particle contacts and interparticle pore-fluids. Heat-flow solutions depend on effective terms of thermal conduction, production and convection, but these change with loading. A systematic study must therefore be accomplished to formulate the micromechanics of the effective thermal properties, such that continuum solutions are refined to optimise energy exploration.Read moreRead less
Four dimensional lithospheric evolution and controls on mineral system distribution in Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic terranes. This project will resolve important questions about the links between the evolution and preservation of continents and important mineral deposits in Australia and West Africa between 2.7 and 1.8 billion years ago. The results will improve the understanding of a key period of Earth history and make a major contribution to mineral exploration.
Three-dimensional Bayesian Modelling of Geological and Geophysical data. The project aims to develop technologies enabling rapid informed decision-making related to the management of natural resources, including critical metals, copper and water. This new technology will support a greener future, securing our energy future, our access to clean water and reduce the mining footprint. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capability in interoperable, integrated three-dimensional geological and geop ....Three-dimensional Bayesian Modelling of Geological and Geophysical data. The project aims to develop technologies enabling rapid informed decision-making related to the management of natural resources, including critical metals, copper and water. This new technology will support a greener future, securing our energy future, our access to clean water and reduce the mining footprint. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capability in interoperable, integrated three-dimensional geological and geophysical modelling in order to predictively characterise sub-surface geology. The outcome will be an open-source forecasting dashboard enabling decision making while considering underlying risk related to resource extractions and management with significant benefits to the Australian society (lower emissions, clean water).Read moreRead less
Enabling three dimensional stochastic geological modelling. This project aims to develop technologies to mitigate three dimensional (3D) geological risk in resources management. This project expects to create new knowledge and methods in the field of 3D geological modelling through the innovative application of mathematical methods, structural geology concepts and probabilistic programming. The expected outcomes are an enhanced capability to model the subsurface, characterise model uncertainty a ....Enabling three dimensional stochastic geological modelling. This project aims to develop technologies to mitigate three dimensional (3D) geological risk in resources management. This project expects to create new knowledge and methods in the field of 3D geological modelling through the innovative application of mathematical methods, structural geology concepts and probabilistic programming. The expected outcomes are an enhanced capability to model the subsurface, characterise model uncertainty and test multiple geological scenarios. This enhanced capability is important for the future of Australia's subsurface management, including urban geology and our continuously growing sustainable resources industry.Read moreRead less
The Origin of Australian Opal Deposits: Unlocking the Secrets of an Australian Icon. Opal is the National Gemstone of Australia. With over 95% of world's precious opal being mined in Australia, this precious mineral is not only one of our major export earners but also the life blood of many central Australian townships. Despite its economic significance and long history of mining little is known about the formation of opal. Consequently, exploration is still based on old-fashioned prospecting me ....The Origin of Australian Opal Deposits: Unlocking the Secrets of an Australian Icon. Opal is the National Gemstone of Australia. With over 95% of world's precious opal being mined in Australia, this precious mineral is not only one of our major export earners but also the life blood of many central Australian townships. Despite its economic significance and long history of mining little is known about the formation of opal. Consequently, exploration is still based on old-fashioned prospecting methods rather than on genetic exploration models that have made base metal exploration so successful. The aim of this project is to investigate the processes controlling the formation of Australian opal and to use this information to construct an exploration model that will lead to more effective and efficient exploration methods.Read moreRead less
Where to find giant porphyry and epithermal gold and copper deposits. This project will determine when and where giant gold or copper deposits should form, consolidating links with Indonesia, and using South East Asia as a vast natural laboratory in which to examine the effect of large-scale tectonic processes. The project will produce a four-dimensional virtual exploration toolkit to show how to apply the methods.
A complex systems approach to granular rheology: interconnecting topology, stability, dynamics and function. The response of granular materials (e.g. soil, rocks) to applied stresses and strains will be characterised in detail. Information mined from experimental and simulation tests will be used to develop robust predictive models of granular behaviour, crucial for effective earthquake mitigation as well as greener mining and construction technologies.
The structure and geochemistry of mineral interfaces in Earth's mantle. The interfaces between mineral grains are critical in determining rock properties and behaviour, yet we know little about them. This project uses emerging nano-technologies to establish the structure, chemistry and energy characteristics of interfaces in rocks from Earth’s mantle that control fundamental Earth processes such as plate tectonics and melting. The expected outcomes include a new understanding on one of the funda ....The structure and geochemistry of mineral interfaces in Earth's mantle. The interfaces between mineral grains are critical in determining rock properties and behaviour, yet we know little about them. This project uses emerging nano-technologies to establish the structure, chemistry and energy characteristics of interfaces in rocks from Earth’s mantle that control fundamental Earth processes such as plate tectonics and melting. The expected outcomes include a new understanding on one of the fundamental controls on rock properties and an enhanced ability to predict and model rock behaviour. The project provides research training in innovative research methodologies, will strengthen Australia’s leadership in nano-geoscience and will provide new methodologies for advanced rock characterisation.Read moreRead less