Lectures > Lecture 10

Lecture 10 by by Stephen Hall, Solid Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden

Title: Grains to Rocks: Bridging the Discrete-Continuum Gap in Porous Geomaterials with Micro-CT and Micromechanics.

This lecture presents an exploration of the micromechanics of rocks and granular materials, employing micro-CT and a host of analytical and numerical tools to bridge the gap between discrete and continuum mechanics. By focusing on two primary systems – sand and heterogeneous rocks with embedded discontinuities – we aim to discuss the measurable quantities that inform the transition from discrete to continuum models and vice versa. We will discuss how complex interactions between constituent phases of these materials contribute to their mechanical properties and how analytical and numerical tools can inform a deeper understanding of material behaviour. We will showcase a range of in-situ experiments utilising lab-based micro-CT systems alongside synchrotron and neutron facilities, providing a unique insight into the kinematics and dynamics processes governing these transitions. Through this investigation, we aim to identify the potential limitations and strengths of current modelling approaches, paving the way for more accurate predictions of material behaviour across different scales.

Biography: Stephen Hall is a Senior Lecturer in Solid Mechanics at Lund University.