Rock Physics: A study of micromechanics of rocks and granulated materials.

这一建议将提供对颗粒材料的微观力学的理解，以及当颗粒包经历机械应力或压实时颗粒尺度上的变化。沉积岩是致密粒状物质的一种自然形态，储量丰富，往往为地下油气储量提供底层。该项目将回答石油工程中的一些基本问题，解释沉积油藏在采油过程中如何以及为何致密化。从这个项目中获得的知识在建筑行业和地下水管理中也有重要的应用。

This proposal will provide an understanding of the micro mechanics of granular materials and of changes at the grain scale when a granular pack undergoes mechanical stress or compaction. Sedimentary rocks, as a natural form of compact granular materials, are abundant in nature and often provide the bed for underground hydrocarbon reserves. This project will answer some of the fundamental questions in petroleum engineering, explaining how and why a sedimentary oil reservoir compacts during oil extraction. The knowledge gained from this project has also important applications in the construction industries and ground water management.