PhD Thesis
I have finished my PhD Thesis entitled "Finite Element Modelling of Lithospheric Stress and Deformation". It is curently in review, however, if you would like to take a look, please feel free.
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Palaeo-Stress Modelling
Using the engineering finite element modelling software package ABAQUS I have modelled the horizontal compressive stress of the Indo-Australian plate for time periods dating from the Eocene. This work was carried out as part of the Tectonic Reactivation and Palaeo-Stress (TRAPS) project in collaboration with Shell, BHP Billiton, Woodside Petroleum and SANTOS in order to create a framework for predicting the tectonic reactivation of faults. This research has also been utilised by gold mining companies to assist exploration and may also prove very useful to seismic studies of Australia.
Lithospheric Basin Extension Modelling
Using the particle in cell finite element modelling software Ellipsis I have undertaken numerous studies into the effects that various types of initial weakness have on the rift geometry of the lithosphere during basin extension. By utilising the software programs Condor and Nimrod I aim to create a large heterogeneous cluster within the School of Geoscience at the University of Sydney with which to run many thousands of Ellipsis models in order to acertain the relative importance of procceses involved in continental rifting. The Ellipsis project is being funded by ExxonMobil and is ongoing. We have recently finished work on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Ellipsis program which will allow the program itself to become much more accessible and hopefully a valuable teaching tool for all geodynamics courses the world over. To see some images and movies from this research please click here or take a look at my University Blog.
Curriculum Vitae
You can download a copy of my Curriculum Vitae by clicking here.