Computational Geomechanics Lab at HKUST

Computational Geomechanics

Core competencies

Granular micromechanics
Computational mechanics
Geomechanics
Continuum and discrete modelling
Computational multiscale modelling
Particle morphology
Constitutive modeling

Problems

The Computational Geomechanics Lab at HKUST aims to develop innovative theoretical and computational tools to empower our predictive capacity and capability towards thorough and deep understanding of the complicated responses of granular media subjected to different challenging conditions, including the presence of multiphase interstitial fluids, coupled mechanical, hydraulic, thermal, chemical conditions, and conditions encountered in planetary explorations.

Approach

We develop advanced multiscale and multi-physics modeling approaches to simulate and characterize quasi-static and dynamic responses of granular materials from nano- to macro- scales. Continuum approaches including FEM, MPM, Peridynamics and CFD are rigorously coupled with discrete-based approach such as DEM and Contact Dynamics to offer next-generation computational multiscale modeling tools to tackle emerging engineering challenges relevant to granular media.

Findings

Our research offers unprecedented insights into the micromechanics and microstructural mechanisms that links directly to intriguing macroscopic phenomena observed in granular media. focus on fabric structure, grain morphology, grain breakage, strain localization, and multi-physics effect. We have developed a range of novel computational tools capable to handle solid-fluid mixtures, crushable granular material, grains with complex morphology, and porous media. Many of our tools are made available to the public.

Impact

Our research has made and will continue to make interdisciplinary impacts in: (i) geotechnical engineering with reference to large deformation and failure, debris flow and landslide, and offshore geohazard, (ii) processing of granular materials and powders in mining and chemical engineering, pharmaceutical and food industries, and 3D printing), where we address challenging and critical issues related to complex grain morphology, grain breakage, hydro-/thermal-/chemical-/mechanical-coupling, and/or phase changes, and (iii) geology and planetary science where grain fragmentation and strain localization in geological formation are studied with granular mechanics.

Current members

Shiwei Zhao (Post-doctoral Research Fellow)
Fan Zhu (Post-doctoral Research Fellow)
Yiqiu Zhao (Post-doctoral Research Fellow)
Weijian Liang (Ph.D. student)
Yong Kong (Ph.D. student)
Amiya Prakash (Ph.D. student)
Ke Shi (Ph.D. student)
Tao Yu (Ph.D. student)
Quan Ku (Ph.D. student)
Terry Leung (M.Phil. student)
Recent Graduates
Fan Zhu (Ph.D.)
Zhijie Yu (M.Phil.)
Xingyue Li (Ph.D.)
Huanran Wu (Ph.D.)

Funding agencies

Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
Natural Science Foundation of China
Australian Research Council
Croucher Foundation
K.C. Wong Education Foundation

Additional information

- Zhao S., Zhao J., Lai Y. (2020). Multiscale Modeling of Thermo-mechanical Responses of Granular Materials: A Hierarchical Continuum-discrete Coupling Approach. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 367: 113100.
- Li X., Zhao J., Soga K. (2020). A new physically-based impact model for debris flow. Géotechnique. Online. doi: 10.1680/jgeot.18.P.365.
- Wu H., Papazoglou A., Viggiani G., Dano C., Zhao J. (2020). Compaction bands in Tuffeau de Maastricht: Insights from X-ray Tomography and Multiscale Modeling. Acta Geotechnica. 15(1): 39-55.
- Wu H., Zhao J., Guo N. (2019). Multiscale modeling of compaction bands in saturated high-porosity sandstones. Engineering Geology. 261: 105282.
- Zhao S.W., Zhao J.D. (2019). A poly-superellipsoid-based approach on particle morphology for DEM modeling of granular media. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics. 43(13): 2147-2169.
- Liang W., Zhao J. (2019). Multiscale modelling of large deformation in geomechanics. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics. 43(5):1080-1114.
- Zhu F., Zhao J. (2019). Modeling continuous grain crushing in granular media: a hybrid peridynamics and physics engine approach. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 348: 334-355.
- Zhu F., Zhao J. (2019). A Peridynamic Investigation on Crushing of Sand Particles. Géotechnique. 69(6): 526-540.
- Li, X.Y., Zhao, J.D. (2018). A Unified CFD-DEM Approach for Modeling of Debris Flow Impacts on Flexible Barriers. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics. 42(14): 1643-1670.
- Wu H., Zhao J., Guo N. (2018). Multiscale insights into borehole instabilities in high-porosity sandstones. Journal of Geophysical Research - Solid Earth. 123(5): 3450-3473.
- Guo N., Zhao, J. (2016). Parallel hierarchical multiscale modelling of hydro-mechanical problems for saturated granular soils. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 305: 37-61.
- Zhao J., Guo N. (2015). The interplay between anisotropy and strain localisation in granular soils: a multiscale insight. Géotechnique. 65(8): 642-656.
- Mollon G., Zhao J. (2014). 3D Generation of Realistic Granular Samples Based on Random Fields Theory and Fourier Shape Descriptors. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 279: 46-65.
- Guo, N., Zhao, J.D. (2016). 3D multiscale modeling of strain localization in granular media. Computers and Geotechnics. 80: 360-372.
- Guo, N., Zhao, J.D. (2016). Multiscale insights into classical geomechanics problems. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics. 40(3): 367-390.
- Guo N., Zhao J. (2014). A coupled FEM/DEM approach for hierarchical multiscale modelling of granular media. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering. 99: 789-818.
- Mollon, G., Zhao, J.D. (2014). 3D Generation of Realistic Granular Samples Based on Random Fields Theory and Fourier Shape Descriptors. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 279: 46-65.
- Zhao J., Guo N. (2013). Unique critical state characteristics in granular media considering fabric anisotropy. Géotechnique. 63(8), 695-704.
- Guo N., Zhao J. (2013). The Signature of shear-induced anisotropy in granular media. Computers and Geotechnics. 47: 1-15.
- Zhao J., Shan T. (2013). Coupled CFD-DEM simulation of fluid-particle interaction in geomechanics. Powder Technology. 239, 248-258.

Computational Geomechanics Lab at HKUST