Our results are used to predict pressure and stress, design stable and safe drilling programs, and predict hydrocarbon migration and entrapment. We study the state and evolution of pressure, stress, deformation and fluid flow through experiments, models, and field study:

  1. Experimental: We analyze fabric, acoustic, electrical, and material properties of mudrocks : 0.1-100 MPa.
  2. Poromechanical Modeling: We develop and apply coupled models to link realistic rheologies, deformation, stress (shear and normal), and pore pressure.
  3. Field StudyWe analyze pore pressure, stress, and deformation in both conventional and unconventional basins.

We produce innovative concepts and analysis workflows that couple geology and geomechanics to predict and interpret pore pressure and stress in the subsurface. We have

  • developed online software that predicts reservoir pressure,
  • released databases and material models that describe mudrock material behavior, and
  • developed workflows to predict stress in salt systems and thrust belts.

Our research aims to develop a unified approach that incorporates stress dependency, creep, mineralogical transformation, and loading path to illuminate the state and evolution of pressure and stress in basins. We are applying this approach to develop two and three-dimensional whole earth models that improve well design, real-time drilling, borehole stability, reservoir simulation and seismic imaging.

Click here for more details about the Consortium, or contact the Consortium Co-Directors, Dr. Peter Flemings and Dr. Jack Germaine.

Workflows

UT GeoFluids produces innovative concepts and analysis workflows that couple geologic loading and fluid flow to predict pore pressure and stress in the subsurface. These include:

UT Centroid

Online software to predict reservoir pressure as a function of reservoir geometry and mudstone permeability.

Seismic Pressure Prediction Integrated with Geomechanical Modeling

A highly innovative workflow integrating seismic velocity data with geomechanical modeling to predict pressure and the full stress tensor.

Wellbore HF Model

An analytical tool to calculate fracture pressures for all possible modes of circulation losses.

Top News

  • Jack, Maria, and Peter enjoyed giving research updates and discussing study opportunities with to BP, Exxon, Chevron, and Shell in Houston, in late June 20256.
  • Peter visited Diamondback in Midland on June 19, 2025 to to discuss GeoFluids research updates.
  • Cathal Small graduated with a MSc Degree in May 2025.
  • Nick Ambeliotis graduated with a MSc Degree in Civil And Environmental Engineering. Nick will continue to contribute to the GeoFluids research as he is now pursuing his PhD under Dr. Germaine’s direction.
Germaine Lab Visit
  • Jack Germaine hosted high school interns for a laboratory visit and discussion about career opportunities in STEM in June 26, 2025.
Salt Mechanics Pic
  • Maria Nikolinakou was an invited speaker at the Center’s Fluids in Cascadia Topical Workshop on April 23-25 at the University of Oregon Portland campus. The workshop brought together a multidisciplinary group to advance our understanding of the coupled chemo-thermo-hydro-mechanical processes that affect the behavior of subduction zones.
Group Picture
  • Maria Nikolinakou joined 100 Salt-Mechanics enthusiasts from all over the world during SaltMech XI. The conference tool place in Santa Fe, NM, July 7-10, 2025 and explored salt behavior in scales spanning from microstructural to geologic. Maria presented her work on intrasalt shear zones related to an extensional basement fault.

Events