Linking rock physics and rock mechanics of sedimentary rocks is a focus area of research in CERE. We cover a wide range of rock types including sandstone, chalk, other carbonate rocks, shale and diatomite. So although we base our research on a solid geological understanding, we see the rocks as representatives of a range of physical properties as porosity, pore size, elasticity and strength.
Rock mechanics addresses the response of a rock in a stress field and quantifies how much elastic deformation in a given stress field is required before pore collapse or failure. The rock is traditionally characterized with respect to mineralogy and petrophysical properties as porosity, pore fluid saturation, and permeability, but we emphasize the role of diagenetic cementation and consequent elasticity.
Rock physics relates elasticity of rocks to their mineralogy, porosity, fluid content and degree of diagenetic cementation. It is traditionally the discipline connecting rock properties with seismics, but in addition to this, we see it as a link between petrophysics and rock mechanics.
The ROCKS project is an extension of NextOil, which is a HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) research program in relation to deep oil and gas exploration in the Danish part of the North Sea, where rock physics and rock mechanics play central roles.
Further, the project includes the petrophysical part of the SmartWater program, which investigates advanced water flooding techniques. SmartWater is focussed on two types of sedimentary rocks in the Danish part of the North Sea, chalk and greensand. Samples of both types of rocks are analysed in advanced flooding equipment at CERE.
Initiated: 2013 (built on previous projects NextOil and SmartWater).
Industry partners: DONG E&P and Maersk Oil.
Coordinator: Prof. Ida L. Fabricius, ilfa@byg.dtu.dk