FYS-GEO9510 – Introduction to mechanical geomodeling

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Dimensional analysis and scaling. Finite difference methods: diffusion equation in 1d and 2d; elastic wave equation in 1d and 2d; fracture. Approximation techniques: trial functions, and Galerkin’s Finite Element Formulation. Finite Element programming in Matlab: program structure; matrix elements and vectors. Laplace’s and poisson’s equations. Elasticity: plane stress; plane strain; three-dimensional solid: dynamics, thermal stress. Viscous, visco-elastic, and visco-elastoplastic rheologies. Coupling of deformation and fluid flow.

Learning outcome

  • The mathematical formulation of geomechanical problems using partial differential equations
  • Computer implementation of various numerical techniques with a focus on the finite element method as applied to heat transfer and solid/fluid mechanics
  • The theory of linear finite element method for the model parabolic, elliptic, and hyperbolic problems:
    - Approximate solution using the weak form formulation
    - Numerical interpolation, differentiation and integration
    - Isoparametric elements for multidimensional problems
    - Error analysis, stability, convergence
    - Stable discretizations and solution strategies for the incompressible Stokes problem
  • Direct and iterative methods for solving linear systems of equations
  • Basic solution strategies for coupled non-linear problems

Admission

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor-degree in physics, geoscience, or applied mathematics.

Teaching

The course is given every spring semester and contains 30 hours of lectures, and a series of 10 compulsory computer-based exercises. Students must prepare an lecture on a given subject.

Examination

10 compulsory exercises (Pass/fail). In addition a final oral exam (Pass/fail).

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
PhD
Teaching
Every spring

This course will not be offered Spring 2013.

If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching

Examination
Every spring
Teaching language
English