The Smart Systems Group will be represented at the Offshore Technology Conference 2020, following the acceptance of a technical paper advancing seminal work in non-invasive sensing of applied loads in geomaterials via millimetre-wave radar.

Working in collaboration with the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering, also at Heriot-Watt University, Jamie Blanche will present “Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Analysis Of Dynamic Load Deformation In Geomaterials” on the 6th May 2020 during Session 38 for Advanced Geosciences.

This research advances the use of microwave radar to assess geomaterial properties by the novel application of frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar to uniaxially loaded sandstones in the laboratory, offering new insights into the evolution of deformation and failure in porous geomaterials and reports on a unique method to predict failure events in compressed sandstones.

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) brings together energy sector professionals to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

Celebrating 50 years since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston. OTC has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, and OTC Asia.