

Albin Wessling
Luleå University of Technology
Background
- Master of Science in Engineering Physics and Electrical Engineering with a specialization in computational technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå.
- Degree project at Hohai University, College of Hydrology and Water Resources, People's Republic of China.
Project: Development of particle based methods for granular flows and wear of tools during rock drilling
Introduction
Granular materials are present in alot of areas and the modeling of its behavior is a complex task. My research concerns the development of particle-based models of granular materials, e.g. rock and soil, and its interaction with the drill bits. This involves fluid-structure interactions (FSI), large deformation, abrasive- and impact wear, coupling with CFD for transportation of drill cuttings and characterization and validation of constitutive models.
Project goals
As a part of my doctoral thesis, I am working on the GeoFit project. The goals for my involvement in the project are:
- Develop and demonstrate modelling strategies based on particle based methods and finite element methods of the drilling and excavation process. This involves the characterization, calibration and validation of the constitutive- and wear models.
- With the use of the numerical model: predict the performance of the drill bit in terms of wear, pressure distribution and vibrations in the adjacent soil and rock.
- From the performance prediction: improve the drilling parameters, tool performance and material selection for different requirements in order to reduce tool damage and maintentance.
Supervisors
Main supervisor: Jörgen Kajberg
Assistant supervisor: Pär jonsén
Assistant supervisor: Simon Larsson