Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
This course provides students with an understanding of advanced concepts of geomechanics and their application to safe, environmentally friendly and efficient drilling for, and production of, hydrocarbon fluids. The course has no formal pre-requisites, but is intended for students on the Honours Petroleum Engineering Degree Programme and students will require a strong Engineering, or Physics background (to Level 3), and a good grasp of Engineering Mathematics at Level 3 (or equivalent).
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 10 credits (5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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The course introduces students to advanced topics in geomechanics. The tectonic stress field and the concept of pore fluid pressure are explained. Experimental techniques for the measurement of rock properties and the relationships between the properties, seismic wave velocity and log data are discussed. Constitutive laws and failure criteria are presented. Advanced analytical and numerical modelling techniques for characterising the failure envelope of rocks are examined in the context of practical field applications, e.g. wellbore stability, sand production and control, and hydraulic fracture. Real life case studies are used to support students’ learning.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (90%) and continuous assessment (10%)
The continuous assessment will be based on reports on two reservoir simulation assignments.
Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (90%) and assessment of answers to "seen" questions (10%) - the continuous assessment grade from the first attempt may be used in place of the "seen" questions.
There are no assessments for this course.
a) Assessment grade and feedback comments will be provided on the coursework report.
b) Students can receive feedback on their progress with the Course on request at tutorial sessions.
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