Plate kinematics to plate dynamics: understanding plate boundary processes at the global scale. This proposal aims to create geodynamic models which can be used a basis for a new, smart resource exploration and extraction industry which uses simulation to help characterize regions where traditional geophysical imaging alone is not able to penetrate. It provides essential scientific underpinnings for
The Australian Computational Earth System Simulator Major National Research Facility (ACcESS).
Thick-skin continental deformation and the rheology of faulted continental lithosphere. We plan to study the way in which major, long-lived faults influence the large-scale deformation of continental lithosphere in response to plate and mantle derived stresses. We will develop realistic computer models of networks of faults embedded in the crust to examine the way large faults (e.g. the San Andreas fault in California) interact with the deep crust and shallow mantle and the way they interact w ....Thick-skin continental deformation and the rheology of faulted continental lithosphere. We plan to study the way in which major, long-lived faults influence the large-scale deformation of continental lithosphere in response to plate and mantle derived stresses. We will develop realistic computer models of networks of faults embedded in the crust to examine the way large faults (e.g. the San Andreas fault in California) interact with the deep crust and shallow mantle and the way they interact with each other. No one previous model has been able to incorporate all the important dynamics. The work will be used by structural geologists, planetary scientists and be a valuable tool in mineral exploration.Read moreRead less
A computational approach to fracture of quasi-brittle materials across the scales. The mining industry is a significant contributor to the economy of Australia. Since only a small part of the input energy in mining is useful, improving the energy efficiency through simulation-based optimisation of rock fracturing processes will have a huge impact on reducing the costs of mining operations. Besides, the numerical prediction of rock mass failure in mining, and collapse of concrete structures under ....A computational approach to fracture of quasi-brittle materials across the scales. The mining industry is a significant contributor to the economy of Australia. Since only a small part of the input energy in mining is useful, improving the energy efficiency through simulation-based optimisation of rock fracturing processes will have a huge impact on reducing the costs of mining operations. Besides, the numerical prediction of rock mass failure in mining, and collapse of concrete structures under extreme conditions in civil engineering and defence will also benefit from the project. This will improve Australia's capability to deal with catastrophic events. Through advances in numerical simulation of fracture of geomaterials, the project will also enhance Australian research in computational failure mechanics.Read moreRead less
The Influence of particle shape fragmentation and compaction on 3D hopper flow. According to world-leading material scientist Patrick Richard, "Granular materials are ubiquitous in nature and are the second-most manipulated material in industry (the first one is water)". Our research will produce massive three dimensional computer simulations predicting and analysing the influence of particle size and shape on the morphology of industrial and natural granular flows. The results will have directl ....The Influence of particle shape fragmentation and compaction on 3D hopper flow. According to world-leading material scientist Patrick Richard, "Granular materials are ubiquitous in nature and are the second-most manipulated material in industry (the first one is water)". Our research will produce massive three dimensional computer simulations predicting and analysing the influence of particle size and shape on the morphology of industrial and natural granular flows. The results will have directly and immediately relevant applications in a range of Australian industries, including mass mining and minerals processing and will further make a major contribution to understanding and modelling a variety of geo-hazards.
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