ERPE 230 Rock Mechanics for Energy Geo-Engineering

Prerequisites: Introductory calculus, physics, mechanics. Rock formation; tectonism; geological structures and reservoirs. Fractured rock mass (Fracture characterization, description of fracture sets); intact rock versus fractured rock. Initial conditions: stress field in the earth crust, fluid composition and pressure. Hydraulics: matrix and fractures; mixed fluids and reactive fluids; evolution of fluid pressure during production. Mechanics: strain hardening and softening, strain localization, tensile and shear failure, creep, constitutive models and yield-envelope. Thermal properties and heat transfer. Classical hydro-mechanical coupling (effective stress, reservoir compaction, deformation, fault reactivation), and multi-HTCM couplings. Well and reservoir engineering: drilling and stimulation in various formations. Challenges: shale instability, sand production and creep. Laboratory and field rock and rock mass characterization.

Credits

3