Modelling the impact of rock fractures, alteration, and mineral composition on rock properties [...]

Université de Lyon / ENTPE; France; Sur place; EUR 18 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious engineering university in France is offering a 3-year PhD scholarship focused on the socio-economic and environmental challenges of geothermal energy. Candidates must hold an MSc in relevant engineering fields and possess knowledge in mechanics of porous/fractured media. The role involves modeling rock properties and predicting reservoir behavior. Candidates will develop technical skills in numerical methods and geomechanics.

Qualifications

• Graduated students (MSc.) in relevant engineering fields.
• Basic knowledge of mechanics of porous/fractured media.
• Ability to communicate in English.

Responsabilités

• Integrate fracture structure and mineral composition into hydromechanical assessments.
• Model evolution of mineral content due to alteration processes.
• Predict impact on reservoir behaviour and geothermal production.

Connaissances

Knowledge of mechanics of porous/fractured media

Constitutive modelling of geomaterials

Interest in numerical methods in geomechanics

Advanced numerical methods

Poromechanics

Elastoplasticity

Formation

MSc in civil, mechanical, materials, geotechnical engineering, or geosciences

Outils

Comsol MultiPhysics

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université de Lyon / ENTPE Research Field Engineering Technology » Energy technology Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country France Application Deadline 29 Jun 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Context:

The propose study addresses socio-economic and environmental challenges of using soil and subsoil resources, particularly in the context of the energy transition. Nowadays, a key focus is on deep geothermal energy, which relies on the ability of underground rock formations to store and transmit thermal fluids effectively. High-enthalpy geothermal systems depend on the quality of reservoir rocks, which is governed by, for instance, their porosity, fracture structure, permeability, and fluid circulation. All of which are influenced by the rock structure and mineral composition, as well as its possible evolution. This is particularly the case for rock-fluid interaction in porous or fractured rocks, possibly leading to rock damage, alteration, and porosity/mineral variation (e.g. dissolution, precipitation, etc.). For instance, the precipitation of minerals (e.g. clay) tends to reduce hydraulicpermeability, affecting fluid circulation and the efficiency of geothermal systems.

Objectives and method:

• Integrate fracture structure and mineral composition into the assessment of hydromechanical rock properties.
• Model the evolution of mineral content due to alteration processes.
• Predict the impact on reservoir behaviour and geothermal production at larger scales.

To achieve this, the study will develop a theoretical and numerical multiphysical (TH(MC)) model that linksmicrostructural properties to macroscopic rock behaviour. This geomechanics and rock mechanics work will be realised using finite element modelling approaches (e.g. Comsol MultiPhysics).

Candidates can apply for a 3-year PhD scholarship at University of Lyon (ENTPE engineering school, LTDS laboratory, Lyon, France). Applications are welcome from students graduated (Msc.) in the fields of civil, mechanical, materials, and geotechnical engineering, or geosciences. Basic knowledge in mechanics of porous/fractured media, constitutive modelling of geomaterials, multiphysics, and interest for numerical methods in geomechanics is required. The 3-year project will give the applicant opportunities to develop various technical skills (advanced numerical methods, poromechanics, elastoplasticity, damage approach, etc.) and to integrate a dynamic geomechanics network having a large experience in numerical modelling. The successful applicant will use and improve coupled non-linear finite element models, based on experimental data. The ability to communicate orally and write in English is required and internationalmobility is encouraged.