Academic catalogue

Degrees incorporating this pedagocial element :

• Master in Earth, planetary and environmental sciences

Description

In the geomechanics course, the principles of continuum mechanics are applied to specific problems in the Earth Sciences. The module focuses on two aspects:

- a complete course presenting the basics of geomechanics, allowing students who have never studied continuum mechanics to get up to speed;

- numerous examples of applications from real-world studies, both in geotechnics and geodynamics. A large exercise bank allows students who have already acquired the basics of mechanics to exercise themselves in data analysis and in applying the geomechanics approach on a more advanced level.

Upon completing the module, students should have a solid base in: 

- continuum mechanics:

- measuring and applying the elastic properties of materials

- using the failure criterion to assess the mechanical stability of a structure: friction and fracturing phenomena.

Evaluation :

A mid-term control counting for 50% of the final mark

A final exam counting for 50% of the final mark

Recommended prerequisite

Basic mechanics (statics and dynamics)

Basic matrix algebra and trigonometry