Pst doc Modelling of two-phase flows in porous media (M/F)

The candidate will be involved in using and improving modules for modelling two-phase gas-water flows using a pore network approach developed in the iMorph software. He/she will also be responsible for developing new modules for simulating sorption phenomena.

Because of the very low capillary numbers (very slow flows) likely to characterise these flows, it is crucial to determine the macroscopic properties (retention curve, relative permeabilities) with a high degree of accuracy in the range of very high water saturations. This is precisely the saturation range where experimental data acquisition is unreliable. There is therefore great hope of significantly improving the characterisation of these properties by digital means, taking full advantage of advances in imaging at different scales. The first objective is to characterise the permeability, relative permeabilities and retention curve of a clayey rock (Callovo-Oxfordian clay (COx)) using numerical simulations on multi-scale pore networks constructed from 3D images of the microstructure obtained at different scales:
typically 3D images on a "FIB" scale (for pores that are frankly submicron) and on an "X microtomography" scale (for pores close to the micron and beyond). It is also planned to simulate sorption curves in order to confirm the overall consistency of the approach developed. This project is part of a wider project (MECHE project of the CNRS NEEDS programme). The person recruited will have to interact with other project teams, in particular the IC2MP team at the University of Poitiers, which produced the digital images and measurements of the properties studied.

The post-doctoral research contract to be filled is part of the MECHE project of the CNRS NEEDS programme. This project concerns the numerical study of two-phase gas-water flows in media with a wide pore size distribution (argillite, cement, etc).

The position is located in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival be authorised by the competent authority of the MESR