PhD Position Multiscale Simulation of Deformable Fractured & Faulted Reservoirs

Jobdescription

Subsurface geological formations contribute significantly to decarbonization of energy sector and climate action. To achieve a green net-zero world, carbon dioxide is expected to be stored in the subsurface formations by 3-10 Gt per year. Moreover, 20 Mt of green hydrogen per year is expected to enter the EU energy market by 2030. Such a transfer towards green gas can happen successfully if large-scale storage technologies are also developed. For that geological porous reservoirs and salt caverns are seen as the viable options. Safe and effective utilisation of these formations require advanced simulation techniques, which allow for multiscale simulations of highly heterogeneous and fractured porous media. We have successfully developed pEDFM method for hydro-thermal flows in fractured media, with heterogeneous properties for both matrix and fractured domains [Tene et al., AWR 2017; HosseiniMehr et al., AWR 2022]. These methods have been also integrated within our Adaptive Dynamic Multiscale Framework (ADM) [HosseiniMehr et al., JCP, 2018].

In this project, we aim to extend the pEDFM-ADM to include deformation of fractures, i.e., geomechanics. This would allow for analyses of pore pressure fluctuations on the stability of the geo-system, especially the fractures and fault activations. We aim to follow an embedding strategy, similar to pEDFM, but now devised for mechanical deformation.

The PhD researcher will be required to implement the advancements in our open source inhouse DARSim (https://gitlab.com/darsim) simulator so the stakeholders from universities to industries take advantage of it.

Job requirements

The PhD candidate needs to hold a relevant MSc degree in computational geoscience field or applied mathematics or any other engineering field. Having strong numerical and programming skills for forward and/or inverse problems are crucial. Communication, interpersonal and leadership skills are essential to conduct the project successfully.

We are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented student will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore pledge to fully account for any circumstances that the applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process that does not rely purely on common research metrics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.