Position Title: Finite element Modeling of fractured reservoirs during EOR Process
Category: Post-Doctoral Fellow
TRC has developed a National Research Strategy for Oman which is linked to the Sultanate’s overall development plans and, has the clear goal and vision of improving all aspects of life in Oman. It sets up a system that is responsive to national and international needs; fosters innovation and scientific excellence; and makes a positive contribution to society.
Research Project Outline:
The ever-increasing energy demand and decline in number and size of new oil discoveries have set the stage for advanced research on new technologies including Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). This technology, which involves the injection of fluids into hydrocarbon reservoirs to increase its pressure, proved to be economically viable and environmentally friendly to a large extent. In Oman, this technology allowed to increase oil production by 17% in 2009 after a decrease of 27% between 2001 and 2007. EOR is particularly mature in conventional reservoirs, as it has been used extensively for decades. However, it still needs an extensive research work to adapt it to naturally fractured reservoirs. The purpose of this project is to investigate fractures’ reactivation due to fluids injection at different levels of temperature and pressure and identify the impact of such operations on the performance of fractured reservoirs.
As a team member of the research project, the candidate will contribute to the progress and outputs of the research project. With the guidance of the research project leaders, and within the bounds of the research project mandate, the candidate will develop:
- A novel continuum damage mechanics approaches to describe the initiation, evolution and coalescence of fractures.
- Finite element Code using C++
- Numerical Modeling of EOR Process based in advanced coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes to describe mathematically the process within geological materials.
- Optimization of the oil production from fractured reservoirs with use of High Performance Computing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct studies of related literature and research to develop a theoretical model describe the behavior and damage of rocks.
- Identification of Damage/Fracturing characteristics based in the Geo-mechanical tests
- Programming and development of Finite element Code using C++
- Develop FEM of reservoirs during EOR Process
- Write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals;
- Develop collaborative links with core scientific personnel;
- Play a coordination role to communicate the research project information and coordinate the research tasks;
Education Level: PhD in : Mechanical Engineer/Civil Engineer /Applied mathematics
Skills required:
- Experience of C++ programming and finite element code development and knowledge of parallel computing are desired.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience in experimental in Mechanical test is preferred.
- Expertise in nonlinear material behavior, fracture mechanics, finite element analysis and material failure modeling is preferred.
Terms and conditions:
Principally this research work will be implemented in Dhofar University with effective Collaboration with University of Western Australia. The initial contract will be for a period of 1 year, which can be extended to 2 years. Priority will be given to Omani candidates.
Date to start: as soon as possible.
Applications:
To apply, please send a motivation letter and a detailed CV to:
Dr. Fethi ABBASSI,
fethi [at] du.edu.om (fethi[at]du[dot]edu[dot]om)
Department of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering
College of Engineering,
00968 23237319