Fast simulation of deposition of wave energy along the shore lines

The group of "Geological Process Modelling" (GPM) at Schlumberger tries to model the formation of the geology as it is today, starting with a tilted plane, then simulating water erosion, wave erosion, sediment deposits, compaction and more, and then trying to fit the geology as it is seen today by adjusting the simulation parameters.

 

For this computationally heavy process of modeling, it is important to ask the question about whether accuracy can be traded for speed, that is, using simpler mathematical equations and/or more effective numerical methods. It should be pointed out that the solutions should be provided for a 2D grid of approximately size 400 x 400, so the goal is not to have a solver that scales for very large grids, but rather to increase the speed for a certain grid size. (In the language of high-performance computing, we have a strong-scaling problem as opposed to a weak-scaling problem). With respect to simulating the incident wave energy onto the shore lines, in particular, it remains to be investigated whether the wave equation can sufficiently approximate the water waves for shallow water. The suitability needs to be carefully examined by comparing with conventional approaches that are both mathematically and numerically more involved.

The project

The candidate is expected to first review the existing relevant algorithms, then to try to implement one or several of them. For the computational efficiency, attention will be given to devising effective data structures and, if necessary, adopting a suitable parallelization of the wave simulator. After verifying the correctness of the simulator using simplistic examples, realistic bathymetry and shore line data will be adopted. The wave equation solver will then be incorporated in the complete workflow for simulating the incident wave energy onto the shore lines. The achieved accuracy and computational speed will thereafter be thoroughly compared with those produced by existing approaches.

Learning outcome

The candidate will become fluent in efficient numerical methods and software for wave simulation. The candidate will also acquire advanced knowledge in modeling geology formation and, specifically, simulating the deposition of wave energy along the shore lines. Moreover, the candidate will get first-hand experience with research practices in the industry.

Other advantages

Schlumberger can offer an office location if the candidate wants. It can also be pointed out that historically former students have had the privilege to be considered first, when open positions are available at Schlumberger.

Qualifications required

The candidate is expected to have some knowledge in simple numerical methods and basic programming skills. The candidate must be hard-working and eager to learn new skills and knowledge.

Contacts

Interested students are asked to send detailed questions about the project to the external supervisors at Schlumberger (Bratberg & Natvig).