Integrated dynamic models of subduction initiation, slab evolution, arc - back-arc deformation and mantle convection. A major debate in plate tectonics concerns the driving mechanism for formation of extensional back-arc basins in the overriding plate along a convergent tectonic boundary, where a subducting plate is thrust into the mantle underneath an overriding plate. One hypothesis states that such extension results from sinking and rollback of the subducting plate. The physical validity of t ....Integrated dynamic models of subduction initiation, slab evolution, arc - back-arc deformation and mantle convection. A major debate in plate tectonics concerns the driving mechanism for formation of extensional back-arc basins in the overriding plate along a convergent tectonic boundary, where a subducting plate is thrust into the mantle underneath an overriding plate. One hypothesis states that such extension results from sinking and rollback of the subducting plate. The physical validity of this hypothesis will be tested using both laboratory and numerical modelling techniques. The modelling will investigate overriding plate - subducting plate - mantle interaction in three-dimensional space and quantify the role of key physical parameters on the subduction process.Read moreRead less
Confined comminution and particle flow: a general model for large-scale canonical solutions. The project integrates recent advances in continuum mechanics to develop a novel theory of comminution for large-scale problems of grain-size reduction, beyond the reach of particle-based simulations. We will deliver new knowledge and predictive tools by solving fundamental and significant comminution problems. Underpinning this development will be a direct link between energy and particle kinematics. Th ....Confined comminution and particle flow: a general model for large-scale canonical solutions. The project integrates recent advances in continuum mechanics to develop a novel theory of comminution for large-scale problems of grain-size reduction, beyond the reach of particle-based simulations. We will deliver new knowledge and predictive tools by solving fundamental and significant comminution problems. Underpinning this development will be a direct link between energy and particle kinematics. This unique methodology will enable the prediction of energy flow in fault zones, and energy losses from machine to particle and between particles.Read moreRead less
Multiphysics instabilities during diagenesis of shale gas reservoirs. This project aims to understand the formation, geometry and fluid connectivity of unconventional high-temperature and high pressure shale gas reservoirs using volumetric instabilities of ductile materials. Unconventional shale gas/oil are the most abundant fossil fuel resources on Earth, but are inaccessible to conventional techniques. This project will investigate the mechanisms, critical parameters and applicability of the t ....Multiphysics instabilities during diagenesis of shale gas reservoirs. This project aims to understand the formation, geometry and fluid connectivity of unconventional high-temperature and high pressure shale gas reservoirs using volumetric instabilities of ductile materials. Unconventional shale gas/oil are the most abundant fossil fuel resources on Earth, but are inaccessible to conventional techniques. This project will investigate the mechanisms, critical parameters and applicability of the theory to unconventional reservoirs. It will do so by testing the theory under controlled laboratory experiments, fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) modelling and analytical modelling. The outcomes should allow a rigorous assessment of the potential of unconventional reservoirs under Australia’s extreme conditions.Read moreRead less
Quantification of Multiphysics phenomena of Gas flow in organic rich shales. We address the scientific question of the nature of gas extraction from nominally impermeable rocks such as shales. Our main aim is to develop a fully coupled microstructurally enriched thermodynamic continuum model to predict the Multiphysics behaviour of shale reservoirs during gas production and verify the model with representative experiments conducted on formations from three Australian Basins including Cooper, Per ....Quantification of Multiphysics phenomena of Gas flow in organic rich shales. We address the scientific question of the nature of gas extraction from nominally impermeable rocks such as shales. Our main aim is to develop a fully coupled microstructurally enriched thermodynamic continuum model to predict the Multiphysics behaviour of shale reservoirs during gas production and verify the model with representative experiments conducted on formations from three Australian Basins including Cooper, Perth and Beetaloo, where the samples are available to the investigators. We approach this problem in a hybrid theoretical-numerical-experimental study. This is the first international attempt to develop such experimentally verified thermodynamic based model, particularly for Australian shales.Read moreRead less
Understanding the molecular structure and chemical behaviour of asphaltenes. This project will advance the science underpinning technologies for cost-effective use of heavy oil resources. Asphaltene aggregation and precipitation pose enormous challenges for extraction, transport, storage and refining of heavy oils. Understanding the physicochemical properties of asphaltenes is crucial to the future oil industry as light crudes become scarce. This project plans to develop and deploy an innovative ....Understanding the molecular structure and chemical behaviour of asphaltenes. This project will advance the science underpinning technologies for cost-effective use of heavy oil resources. Asphaltene aggregation and precipitation pose enormous challenges for extraction, transport, storage and refining of heavy oils. Understanding the physicochemical properties of asphaltenes is crucial to the future oil industry as light crudes become scarce. This project plans to develop and deploy an innovative molecular probe technique, combined with sequential thermal and solvent extraction and advanced tools for nanoscale characterisation, to reveal the molecular structure and chemical behaviour of asphaltenes. The resulting understanding of the mechanisms of asphaltene aggregation and dissociation may provide a scientific basis for controlling asphaltene precipitation to improve the stability and thus improve the use of heavy oils.Read moreRead less