Exploring Dynamic Properties of Earth and Planetary Materials Using Neutron and X-Ray Methods

Integration of beamline technologies and rock deformation experiments can facilitate the investigation of the feedback between evolving mechanical properties, deformation textures, and deformation mechanisms, leading to much more robust extrapolation of lab-based rheological models to Earth and other planets. The NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (RCN) “In Situ Studies of Rock Deformation” (ISRD) aims at developing novel methods that exploit the beamline capabilities, enabling the next generation of rock deformation experiments, wherein samples can be examined while they are deforming.  

The 4th ISRD-RCN workshop, hosted by the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) and the University of Grenoble Alpes will take place in-person at ILL/ESRF campus on May 21-23, 2024. This workshop will focus on neutron and X-ray scattering and imaging as well as their applications in studying the dynamic properties of earth and planetary materials.

The list of speakers includes:

Damien Freitas (University of Manchester): “4D Synchrotron triaxial apparatus at TOMCAT”

Olga Stamati (ESRF): “SPAM: a software tool for studying volume deformations and correlations”

Robert Farla (DESY): “PETRA III and the bespoke large volume press”

Helen Lewis (Heriot-Watt University): “Neutron and X-ray studies of fluid flow in reservoirs”

Peter Moonen (University of Pau): “Geological H-storage, a multidisciplinary study”

Francois Renard (ESRF/University of Oslo) “Fluid flow in rocks in 4D: from images to processes”

Chelsea Neil (Los Alamos National Lab): “Porosity studies of shale gas recovery and H2 storage”

Hiroyuki Kagi (University of Tokyo): “High pressure geoscience enabled by PLANET”

Pierre Bésuelle, (UGA), “Failure prediction, strain localization from full field analyses”

Alessandro Tengattini, (UGA/ILL), “Geomechanical studies enabled by NeXT-Grenoble”

We expect additional presentations on measurement needs from participants and emerging techniques.

Participants will also visit ESRF and ILL to discuss with beamline scientists and other participants about potential beamline experiments. All participants will be partially supported to attend the workshop, the level of support will depend on fund availability.

Please mark your calendar. We will put up the workshop registration page shortly on the ISRD website (https://www.isrdrcn.org).

Alessandro Tengattini, Chair, ISRD-RCN NeXT Workshop Organizing Committee

Daniel Hussey, Co-Chair, ISRD-RCN NeXT Workshop Organizing Committee

Wenlu Zhu, Co-Chair, ISRD-RCN NeXT Workshop Organizing Committee

Abstract submission for ICBBG 2025

This is a friendly reminder on abstract submission to the Internation Conference on Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (ICBBG2025), which is due March 15, 2024. Attached please find a flyer.

The conference seeks to present the state of the art in the field of Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (BioGeotechnics), promote co-operation and exchange of information about the emerging field of bio-geotechnics; develop and promote improved modeling of bio-mediated and bio-inspired processes; translate fundamental bio-inspired knowledge into enabling technologies with future commercialization potential; and facilitate the adoption of bio-mediated and bio-inspired solutions into geotechnical engineering practice.

Abstract Submission Deadline: March 15, 2024

Submit an Abstract: https://icbbg2025.com/submissions/call-for-abstracts

Learn more: https://icbbg2025.com/

Contact us:  icbbg2025@gmail.com

Research Fellow position at Université Gustave Eiffel, Laboratoire Navier

A Research Fellow position is now open at Université Gustave Eiffel, Laboratoire Navier, on “Multiscale mechanics of materials for sustainable construction: coupling experiments to models”

Information and Applications:  https://www.concours.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/charge-e-de-recherche-du-developpement-durable-de-a126.html as well as on this pdf page (in both French and English)

1 Postdoc position opening at University College Cork, Ireland.

Postdoc in geothermal infrastructure

The Postdoc will work on a large-scale EU geothermal infrastructure project “ ‘LEG-DHC’ – Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks” in a consortium of 15 partners, with a balanced participation of Universities and public institutions (8 partners) and private companies (7 partners).

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Civil / Geotechnical / Geological / Energy Engineering. Experience in deep / shallow geothermal energy, district heating, energy management would be an advantage.

Contact person: Dr. Zili Li zili.li@ucc.ie

Postdoctoral Openings in Computational Geomechanics at the University of British Columbia

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the Theoretical & Applied Geomechanics research group at the University of British Columbia. Both positions offer a two-year appointment with the possibility of a contract extension. Successful candidates will benefit from exposure to a dynamic international research environment and opportunities for various areas of professional development.

Position 1 Description

The selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out continuum-based numerical analyses with advanced constitutive models to address problems involving large deformations. The computational techniques of interest include Material Point Method (MPM), Finite Element Method (FEM), or Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). Additionally, the candidate should apply machine learning techniques for conducting inverse analyses.

Position 2 Description

The selected candidate will conduct discrete element modeling (DEM), focusing on the monotonic and cyclic shearing response of granular soils. The study involves the assessment of various micromechanical descriptors of the granular system in loading scenarios of interest in soil mechanics. This work is crucial for advancing our understanding and application in constitutive modeling.

Selection Criteria

  • Hold a PhD in Geomechanics, Mechanics, or a related field.
  • Have expertise in one of the following computational methods: Material Point Method (MPM), Finite Element Method (FEM), Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM), or Discrete Element Method (DEM).
  • Be well-versed in constitutive modeling.
  • Have strong programming skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills.
  • Show the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

How to Submit Your Application

Please submit a single PDF containing a 1-page cover letter detailing your qualifications for the desired position, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, the contact information for two references, and two representative publications to Prof. Mahdi Taiebat at mtaiebat@civil.ubc.ca.

14th ALERT Olek Zienkiewicz course – 22-26 April 2024

The 14th ALERT Olek Zienkiewicz course 2024 will be organized by INRAE from April 22nd to 26th in Aix-en-Provence, France.

The title of the school is: “Hydro-mechanical behavior of geomaterials for civil engineering structures: Theoretical models, simulations, lab testing and risk analysis

The content of the course will address the characterization and the modeling of the hydro-mechanical behavior of geomaterials from the microscale to the structure scale. You will find more details in the attached flyers both from scientific and practical point of view.

The school is free of registration fees and the lunches will be offered to participants. Please register as soon as possible here so that we can plan accordingly: https://evento.renater.fr/survey/course-ed353-et-oz-c…-m1opux05

A web page should be created very soon on the web page of the organizing research unit RECOVER (https://recover.paca.hub.inrae.fr/zoom-sur2/oz-doctoral-course).

ALERT Workshop & School 2024

Featured

Dear ALERT members,
Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to announce to you the themes and dates of the ALERT Workshop and School 2024.

ALERT WORKSHOP 2024
Dates of the ALERT Workshop 2024: 30th September to 2nd October 2024

  • Session 1: “Emerging properties in geomaterials across the scales
    Organizers: Antoine Wautier, Farhang Radjai and Francesco Froiio.
  • Session 2 (half-day): “Geomechanics in the submicron-scale
    Organizers: Katerina Ioannidou and Gilles Pijaudier-Cabot.
  • Session 3: “Continuum-based particle methods
    Organizers: Claudio Tamagnini, Matteo Ciantia, Lorenzo Sanavia and Antonia Larese.

ALERT SCHOOL 2024
Dates of the ALERT School 2024: 3rd October to 5th October 2024

  • Numerical methods in geomechanics
    Organizers: Claudio Tamagnini, Lorenzo Sanavia and Manolo Pastor.

Hoping to see you in Aussois !

Academic Positions in Geotechnical Engineering Imperial College London

The Geotechnics Section in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London is delighted to be recruiting new colleagues who wish to develop an academic career focusing on any of the following areas: (i) Geotechnical Engineering for Offshore Renewable Energy, (ii) Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, or (iii) Geotechnics for Climate Change Resilience.   With these application areas in mind, we welcome applications from candidates with experience that could include soil-structure interaction, development of quantitative ground models for predictive analyses in offshore environments, laboratory testing, field investigations or numerical modelling, or other experience relevant to any of the three application areas listed.  

Candidates at the start of their academic careers should consider applying for the Lecturer/Senior lecturer position. 

Candidates with established academic careers should consider applying for the Reader/Chair  position. 

Informal inquires can be made to cath.osullivan@imperial.ac.uk .