Geophysics
In 21st century, for the development of energy resources, utilization of underground spaces and preservation of the Earth's environment, we need to understand the underground structure in various scales. To solve such problems, imaging technology to visualize underground structure is quite important. For the targets that cannot be visualized, experimental and numerical approach is quite effective to assimilate the field observation data.
We are studying and developing geophysical prospecting methods to visualize the underground structure using elastic and electromagnetic waves in a non-destructive way at remote distances. For the targets such as fault friction that cannot be seen by the above methods, we conduct laboratory and numerical experiments to reproduce the phenomena observed in the nature. To archive such research targets, we need to involve the knowledge in various research field such as geology, seismology, elasticity, electromagnetics, and tribology.
Academic Staff
Eiichi FUKUYAMA
Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)
Research Topics
Large scale rock friction experiments and fault rupture simulation along complicated fault system have been conducted based on rock fracture mechanics and dynamics of rock friction to evaluate the strength of Earth's crust and stress applied there, whose information had been considered to be difficult to evaluate. Large scale friction apparatus is a very unique testing machine in the world. Using this apparatus, scale dependency of friction on the sliding surface size and detailed rupture front propagating along the fault have been studied. In addition, using boundary integral equation method, dynamic rupture propagation along complicated fault system can be achieved, which provides us with an information on the strength of the fault as well as the applied stress to the fault system. These may lead us to understand the evaluation of crustal rock strength.
Contacts
Room 112, Bldg. C1, Katsura Campus, 615-8540, Kyoto, Japan
TEL:+81-75-383-3209
E-mail: fukuyama.eiichi.3x
kyoto-u.ac.jp
Junichi TAKEKAWA
Associate Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)
Research Topics
It is essential to reveal mechanical and engineering behavior of rock mass for development of earth resources, earthquake disaster prevention and global environment protection. I study failure phenomenon occur in connection with seismic wave propagation, fluid flow occur in connection with failure phenomenon by using numerical approach.
Contacts
Room 113, Bldg. C1, Katsura Campus
TEL: +81-75-383-3197
FAX: +81-75-383-3198
E-mail: takekawatansa.kumst.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Nana YOSHIMITSU
Assistant Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)
Research Topics
My interest is to monitor the underground structure around resource mining and geothermal power generation areas through elastic waveform analysis. In addition, we simulate the microearthquakes and water propagation process in the natural crust in the laboratory to observe the stress field and heterogeneous structure. The interaction between two different scales of studies will help to understand the detailed underground condition.
Contacts
Room 111, Bldg. C1, Katsura Campus, 615-8540, Kyoto, Japan
TEL: +81-75-383-3195
E-mail: yoshimitsu.nana.6ikyoto-u.ac.jp