Understanding shale rock swelling for energy systems: novel integrated modelling and experimental approaches

A fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Professor Carbone (Department of Chemistry) and Professor Taylor (Department of Earth Science) at the University of Manchester starting from September 2024.

When immersed in solution or exposed to high relative humidity, natural and synthesised porous materials tend to swell. The swelling occurs not only in the macro- and mesoscopic pores, but also in the nanometer-scale ones, where the fluid molecules are confined and pressure can build up very rapidly affecting the mechanical stability of the entire structure. Swelling in response to interaction with water is a particular critical issue in subsurface engineering as shales (fine-grained sedimentary rocks with low porosity and ultra-low permeability) in contact with water, expand. In the case of waste disposal, swelling can provide important barriers around the waste and enhance the sealing ability of rocks. For shale gas exploration purpose, however, swelling may cause wellbore instability. Therefore, a careful study of shale swelling is critical for subsurface energy related applications such as carbon capture or shale gas exploration.

In this project we will use a novel combination of molecular dynamics and grand canonical montecarlo simulations [1] and state-of-art experiments [2] to investigate the swelling mechanism of shale rocks. The student will have the opportunity to not only develop the molecular model for the rocks and perform the simulations but also to integrate the simulation results with the experimental data for validation and model optimization.

The student will join two active and multidisciplinary groups and work across departments using cutting edge modelling and experimental techniques. Pre-knowledge on simulation methods or programming is desirable but not necessary.

Informal enquiries can be sent along with a CV to [email protected] or [email protected]

Eligibility

Comments/amends: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and other relevant STEM degrees.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected].

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).