Rock Mechanics Research

Outline

Investigation of the physico-chemical processes within a fault zone during an earthquake is of fundamental importance for understanding earthquake mechanics and faulting. The KOCHI JAMSTEC is aiming at clarifying co-seismic processes in earthquake faults, rupture propagation mechanisms and stress conditions around the fault by using core samples obtained from scientific drilling programs such as Taiwan Chelungpu-fault Drilling Project (TCDP) and Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE).

 


Detail of Rock Mechanics Research

1)Advanced research on physical property of core sample

⇒We are currently focusing on the studies of coseismic frictional behavior of a fault, measurements of various physical properties such as permeability, porosity and thermal conductivity at high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, estimations of three-dimensional in-situ stress, as well as cutting-edge geo-chemical analyses of natural and experimental fault rocks.


2)Development of advanced apparatus for physical-property measurements

⇒We design and modify deformation and fluid flow apparatuses to try reproducing deformation conditions in nature as possible as we can and to determine physical properties of core samples more precisely.


3)Joint research and education

⇒We collaborate with Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University and China University of Geosciences in research and education for rock mechanics and fluid flow.



Members


Takehiro Hirose Principal Researcher

Wataru Tanikawa Senior Researcher
Personal Website

Yohei Hamada Senior Researcher

Osamu Kuwano Researcher (Ⅱ)

Hanaya Okuda Researcher

Keishi Okazaki Visiting Senior Researcher
Personal Website