In the Computational Geosciences Group, we study, through analytical and numerical modeling, the physical processes that govern multiphase flow in aquifers and conventional/unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs (e.g. shale). Needless to say that the skills required for this research are also in high demand in the energy/petroleum industry.
Funded students are of course always welcome to join my group and work on various outstanding challenges in modeling subsurface flow. A few example projects relate to:
- Development of simulator for thermal/steam injection (non-isothermal reservoirs), with applications in the recovery of heavy/viscous oils (e.g. in Canada),
- CO2 sequestration, with consideration of capillary effects, fractured and layered formations,
- Study/implementation of novel finite element methods for flow in porous media,
- Mesh generation (construction of 3D unstructured grids with hexahedral, prismatic, and tetrahedra elements, to match fractures, faults and other formation features),
- Study of hysteresis in three-phase relative permeability and capillary pressures, and/or threshold capillary pressures,
- Modeling of mechanical dispersion,
- Finite element modeling of geomechanics.
Mike Wilkins has a useful list of funding opportunities on his website.
Additionally, our state-of-the-art finite element simulator for compositional multiphase flow in (fractured/heterogeneous) porous media can be used/adapted for a wide range of applications in gas/oil/water reservoirs, as well as for problems related to hydrogeology/contaminant-transport/remediation etc. Flow in porous media also occurs in various industrial processes, as well as inside the human body. This offers the potential for interesting interdisciplinary research, and I encourage anyone to get in touch with me with an interest in using our modeling capabilities for novel applications.
As I secure funding for additional student and postdoc positions, I will update this page.