Zhi Ye

Research Expertise

My research primarily focuses on reservoir geomechanics, rock mechanics, and experimental rock deformation, with applications in geo-energy recovery and storage. Over the past decade, I have been involved in various aspects of reservoir geomechanics, such as rock deformation under HPHT conditions, hydraulic fracturing, in-situ stress determination, induced seismicity, and frictional fracture slip by fluid injection. I aim to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge of geomechanics, geophysics, and engineering rock mechanics to explore the coupled THMC (thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical) processes of rocks and rock fractures, as well as their associated seismic response when subjected to fluid injection within the Earth's upper crust. Through my research, I seek to provide valuable insights for engineering geo-energy and storage reservoirs in an efficient manner, while also addressing environmental concerns.

Brief Bio

I am an Assistant Professor of Geological Engineering at the South Dakota Mines (SDM). I earned my Ph.D. degree in Petroleum & Geological Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining SDM, I worked as a Research Scientist at the University of Oklahoma and as a Centennial Research Fellow at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. My research primarily focuses on reservoir geomechanics, specifically in the areas of geo-energy recovery and storage. I was honored with the prestigious Rock Mechanics Research Award by the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) in 2019.

Teaching

My teaching interests encompass a broad spectrum of geomechanics and subsurface energy, including reservoir geomechanics, well completion, petrophysics, drilling engineering, production engineering, reservoir engineering, as well as subsurface energy and storage.

Course Listing