This is a MSc/PhD position within the Earth Systems Science Computational Centre (ESSCC). Various scenarios exist for a modeller to study porous media flows using the finite element software escript/Finley, which is an advanced 3D FEM implementation which is continuously developed within ESSCC, UQ. Applicants are invited to choose from one or more scenarios in porous media such as:
- Soil-plant-atmosphere interaction
- Geo-ecology of landscapes
- Erosion
- Ground Water Flows
- Saturated and Unsaturated Reacting Geophysical Flows
- Variable Porosity Geophysical Flows including Partial Melts and Mantle Plume Dynamics
- Formation of Magma Chambers
- Effects of Porosity Upon Fault Dynamics
There are also opportunities to research mining and mined land rehabilitation (see also the following project). Applicants are invited to share their interests to tailor their projects to suit their individual needs and background.
The aims of this project are to:
- develop a mathematical model for the application of interest
- apply the model to different scenarios
- develop software based on the escript/Finley and VTK python interface
- seed a concentration in porosity modelling at ESSCC
escript/Finley has already been applied by researchers in Perth to several problems in reactive transport.
The ideal candidate will have some of:
- knowledge of computational methods
- continuum mechanics / porous flow modeling
- relevant mathematical, engineering and/or physics qualifications
- background or interest in Geophysics / Geo-ecology / Mining theory and or applications
Depending on your interest and focus, you will be supervised by one or more of Prof Hans Muhlhaus (Theoretical/Computational Geophysicist), Dr Thomas Baumgartl (Hydrogeology, Soil Hydrology and Soil Mechanics) with advice from Mr Matt Davies (Computational Software). For further information please contact Prof Hans Muhlhaus.