Julia S Reece
,My research is focused on active hydromechanical systems. I try to understand and model fundamental processes, such as the interrelation of sedimentation, deformation, and porous media fluid flow and the evolution of physical rock properties (compressibility, permeability, anisotropy, etc.) with increasing consolidation. I am particularly interested in the influence of particle size and mineralogy on deformation and fluid transport behavior of marine mudstones. In order to analyze the compression and permeability behavior of mudstones, I synthetically prepare samples of natural mudstones under controlled conditions in the laboratory and then consolidate them uniaxially. Based on the results I develop models that predict compressibility and permeability which are important input parameters to basin and geodynamic models.
In addition to soft rocks, I also work on tight gas shale systems. I am part of a team effort to understand mass transport in tight shales such as the Barnett Shale. We perform steady state and pulse transient decay permeability measurements and characterize the rocks through scanning electron microscope imaging, thin sections, mercury porosimetry, and gas adsorption. This project is a collaborative effort with the Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering Department whose participants perform the theoretical pore network modeling.
Areas of Expertise
soil and rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, sedimentology, physical sediment properties
Current Research Programs & Projects
UT GeoFluids ( view )Shell-UT Unconventional Research (SUTUR) - Mass transport in gas shales
Best Student Speaker Award in Technical Session - Jackson School of Geosiences, The University of Texas at Austin (2011)
Best paper published by a JSG graduate student - Jackson School of Geosiences, The University of Texas at Austin (2011)
Ewing/Worzel Fellowship - UT Institute for Geophysics (2011)
AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award - AGU Fall Meeting (2010)
Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship - Ocean Leadership (2010 - 2011)
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award - Jackson School of Geosiences, The University of Texas at Austin (2009 - 2010)
Hess Fellowship - Hess Coorporation (2009)
Ewing/Worzel Fellowship - UT Institute for Geophysics (2008)
Chevron Excellence Award - Chevron (2008)
Ewing/Worzel Fellowship - UT Institute for Geophysics (2008)
Chevron Excellence Award - Chevron (2007)
ConocoPhillips Distinguished GeoFluids Fellowship - ConocoPhillips (2007)
