📢 Numerical Modeling of THMC Couplings in Host Rocks for Radioactive Waste Disposal

Institution: ASNR (with collaboration from GeoRessources, Université de Lorraine) work in Paris region
Project Context: EURAD-2 (2024–2028) – European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management
Research Area: Multiphysics modeling, porous media, THMC processes, upscaling, SPH, LBM

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ASNR (in collaboration with GeoRessources, Univ. of Lorraine) is seeking a researcher (PhD level) to model coupled THMC processes in the Callovo-Oxfordian argillite, France’s proposed host rock for radioactive waste disposal (Cigéo project). The work focuses on gas migration, mechanical deformation, and phase changes at micro/meso scales, using DNS tools (SPH & LBM), GPU computing, and 3D imaging data. Objectives include upscaling pore-scale simulations to the continuum, improving physical couplings (thermal, multiphase, reactive), and benchmarking with simplified models and surrogate approaches (e.g., PINNs).

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Please find attached a proposal for a two-year postdoctoral research project, in collaboration with La Rochelle University, ENSTA | IP Paris, and INRAE in Aix-en-Provence.
The proposed topic is:
Constitutive laws for partially saturated granular materials via thermodynamics-based artificial neural networks trained on GPU DEM-LBM simulations.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

PhD call – 4 years – € 19,000 yearly
Deadline: 27/08/2025 – 14:00 CET
https://www.ssmeridionale.it/avcp/bando-di-concorso-xli-ciclo-dottorato-di-ricerca-della-scuola-superiore-meridionale/
A call for applications for 10 Doctoral Programs has been announced by the Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM) in Naples (Italy). Specifically, the MERC program (Modeling and Engineering Risk and Complexity) emphasises an interdisciplinary approach to studying and managing complex systems, designing and engineering resilient systems, and analysing and managing risks and cascading effects. Within this context, geotechnical methods can be utilised to address hazard assessments related to landslides, seismic site responses, and other issues. Detailed hazard assessments can be further integrated into risk analyses for structures and lifelines to evaluate both their serviceability and ultimate state. This can also lead to the development of risk mitigation strategies through a decision support system.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

A postdoctoral position on “ Stability of galleries intersections excavated at great depth in rock ” is now open at University of Lyon (ENTPE). For further information, see the attached pdf.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

We are looking for a PhD candidate fascinated in modelling erosion processes in sensitive clay slopes. The highly sensitive clays, called quick clays, can change from solid to liquid with small environmental perturbations. We want to be able to understand how a changing environment will accelerate toe erosion thus affecting the stability of sensitive clay slopes, probably triggering catastrophic failures. We offer access to unique experimental data and computational tools developed by our research team for addressing a timely societally relevant problem.

For details, see:
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14057&rmlang=UK

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

We are looking for a PhD candidate fascinated by the response of quick clays that can change from solid to liquid with small environmental perturbations. The aim is to unravel the mechanisms, and time scales involved at particle scale, for the formation and failure of quick clays. A novel combination of miniaturised thermal-hydro-mechanical experiments and particle level modelling will be pursued to unravel the unique mechanisms that make quick clays so hazardous and at the same time so special. The originality of the experiments is in the combination of X-ray based scattering and imaging methods to monitor the changes at the particle scale during testing.

For application process and details, see
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14061&rmlang=UK

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

This position involves pedagogical (50%) and research (50%) work in the field of mining engineering. It covers a 2-year period (starting on 15 Sep. 2025), renewable twice, in order to achieve a PhD in Applied Sciences.

The topic of the thesis, to be defined in collaboration with the candidate and the supervisor, will concern one of the research areas of the unit. Geomechanics is an area of particular interest, with topics such as constitutive laws for geomaterials, the stability of structures, the destructibility of rocks and the relationship between geology and geomechanics. The thesis could focus on rock destruction mechanisms, particularly in crushing processes, combining experimental and numerical approaches. A better understanding of the energy aspects linked to fragmentation positions this work at the core of current concerns in terms of sustainable development.

More details : Un assistant sous mandat (f/h/x) à temps plein au sein du Service Génie Minier / A full time mandate assistant (f/m/x) in the Mining Engineering Unit – Université de Mons

Modeling of granular media with electrostatic interactions

In granular materials composed of sub-millimeter particles, electrostatic charges can arise due to multiple contacts and friction. These charges result in attractive or repulsive interactions, playing a significant role in flow behavior and agglomeration phenomena [1]. Electrostatic interactions often have a negative impact on powder processing operations, due to issues such as particle agglomeration, dust accumulation on surfaces, or equipment clogging. These effects are also critical in space exploration, where in the absence of water, fine particles easily adhere to measuring instruments, impairing their functionality.

Project: Modelling of fracturing mechanisms in unconsolidated sand reservoirs under fluid injection
Research Unit : Laboratoire Navier, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
Industrial partner: TotalEnergy
Duration: 24 months
Project start date: September 2025 (possibly earlier)

Context:
In hydrocarbons producing fields, Produced Water Re-Injection (PWRI) is known as an economically attractive and environmentally friendly method to manage the produced water. This method has the advantage to maintain the pressure level in the reservoir in order to enhance the hydrocarbon production. However, this technique faces challenges such as the deterioration of the injectivity due to the filtration, around the injection well, of suspended solid particles contained in the produced water. Re-injection in the so-called ‘fracturing regime’ is an option to maintain the injectivity by fracturing the clogged zone formed by the agglomeration of fine particles at the face of the injected formation. However, controlling the injection in the fracturing regime is a key issue for the safety of the production as fracturing should not deteriorate the cap rock integrity.

Hydraulic fracturing has been extensively studied for brittle rocks with low permeability and is dominated by tensile failure. However, the mechanisms involved in fracturing of unconsolidated reservoirs which behave as cohesionless granular materials are fundamentally different and are controlled by shear failure, fluidization and induced channelization around the injection point.

For further information, please refer to the attached document.