About this Research Topic
Mechanical testing methods including but not limited to nanoindentation, micro-scratch, AFM-based nanomechanical mapping, and microcantilever, etc. which are considered micro/nanoscale in materials science, have become popular in the mechanical characterization of coal and organic-rich shale to support subsurface energy extraction endeavors. These techniques offer several advantages over conventional geomechanical techniques (mesoscale), including higher quality and resolution of the data, shorter experimental duration without any particular sample preparation steps, and small volume requirements for testing. Consequently, these methods have opened new horizons in the mechanical characterization of geomaterials providing novel research perspectives, to enhance global exploration and development of unconventional reservoirs.
This Research Topic focuses on established methodologies and innovative application of micro/nanomechanical testing techniques in the characterization of geomaterials, specifically coal and shale within the context of unconventional hydrocarbon development and/or carbon geological storage. We seek papers that explore different experimental approaches to develop corresponding standards for determining the mechanical properties of shale and coal and their constitutive phases at the micro/nanoscale, as well as how they would be related to mesoscale properties to glean better upscaling methods.
Key Areas of Interest:
Advances in using these techniques to resolve key issues currently existing in shale petroleum/coalbed methane exploration and development, such as defining high-resolution mechanical stratigraphy, a better assessment of elastoplasticity, rheology, fracturing, and crack propagation, heterogeneity, and anisotropy, in these rock types. Besides an advanced understanding of organic material type and thermal evolution from the mechanical perspective in relation to the mineral phase are of particular interest. Ultimately, pioneering research papers in both experimental, theoretical, and modeling domains are highly encouraged to submit their work. We emphasize that papers showcasing these experimental techniques in the geological storage of carbon dioxide are also highly welcomed.
This Research Topic focuses on established methodologies and innovative application of micro/nanomechanical testing techniques in the characterization of geomaterials, specifically coal and shale within the context of unconventional hydrocarbon development and/or carbon geological storage. We seek papers that explore different experimental approaches to develop corresponding standards for determining the mechanical properties of shale and coal and their constitutive phases at the micro/nanoscale, as well as how they would be related to mesoscale properties to glean better upscaling methods.
Key Areas of Interest:
Advances in using these techniques to resolve key issues currently existing in shale petroleum/coalbed methane exploration and development, such as defining high-resolution mechanical stratigraphy, a better assessment of elastoplasticity, rheology, fracturing, and crack propagation, heterogeneity, and anisotropy, in these rock types. Besides an advanced understanding of organic material type and thermal evolution from the mechanical perspective in relation to the mineral phase are of particular interest. Ultimately, pioneering research papers in both experimental, theoretical, and modeling domains are highly encouraged to submit their work. We emphasize that papers showcasing these experimental techniques in the geological storage of carbon dioxide are also highly welcomed.
Keywords: Rock mechanics, energy geomaterials, nano/micromechanical testing, unconventional oil and gas development, shale petroleum, coalbed methane, CO2 storage
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
