This is an undergraduate research position, made available through either the NSERC USRA or the Work Learn IURA program.*
Role Details
Project Name: Laboratory Research Assistant, Fluid Mechanics and Rheology | Complex Fluid Lab, UBC Vancouver
Supervisor Name: Soheil Akbari | Preferred Contact: soheil.akbari@ubc.ca
Deadline to Apply: Application procedures are different for these two programs – visit our undergraduate Research Opportunities page for application details.
- NSERC USRA: Send your cover letter, resume, and transcript to Soheil Akbari (soheil.akbari@ubc.ca) by Feb 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM to be considered.
- WL IURA*: If proposal is approved for funding, this position may be available through the WL IURA program. Applications would open on UBC CareersOnline from March 10 – 26, 2025. CareersOnline ID: TBA
- Interested students would also be able to contact Soheil Akbari (soakb@math.ubc.ca) with resume and transcript.
*WL IURA availability is subject to funding approval for this role.
Project Description
Reservoir fluid leakage from oil and gas wells is a major public concern due to the risks of groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Wells pass through sensitive geological zones that often contain brine and hydrocarbons. To prevent collapse, a casing is installed inside the wellbore, and cement is used to displace the fluid between the casing and the surrounding rock, sealing the space behind the casing. This process ensures wellbore stability and helps prevent fluid leakage. Proper displacement of the fluid by cement is critical to creating a strong bond between the cement and the casing, as wells can remain operational for decades.
Unfortunately, poor cementing practices have resulted in thousands of leaking wells in Western Canada, contributing to significant methane emissions. This research focuses on enhancing the understanding of displacement and exchange flows during the cementing process. Beyond preparing complex fluids and analyzing their rheological properties, the study examines the flow dynamics involved in displacing Newtonian and non-Newtonian (viscoplastic) fluids. It also explores the effects of irregular wellbore walls, casing rotation, and inclination on these flows. A unique aspect of viscoplastic fluids is their yield stress, which determines whether the material will flow under applied stress, raising important questions about its role in displacement and buoyancy-driven flows.
This project integrates experimental and modeling approaches to address these critical issues, aiming to advance industry practices and mitigate environmental risks. The project integrates experimental and modeling approaches to study these critical issues, aiming to advance industry practices and mitigate environmental risks.
Student Role
- Assist with experimental operations, including fluid preparation, rheometry measurements, and running displacement flow experiments.
- Perform image processing and flow visualization to analyze experimental data.
- Learn the physical principles underlying well cementing processes and their industrial applications.
- Study the complex dynamics of fluid flows in confined media.
- Contribute to modest design tasks involving mechanical components of the experimental setup.
What You’ll Gain
The internship will be hosted in the Complex Fluids Laboratory (PI: Ian Frigaard)
- Hands-on Experience: Develop laboratory skills, including complex fluid preparation, rheometry, and flow visualization.
- Research Training: Collaborate with graduate researchers on cutting-edge fluid mechanics projects, receiving direct mentorship.
- Broader Exposure: Participate in group meetings, explore other lab projects, and gain insight into how a research team operates.
- Practical Skills: Build a foundation in rheology, image processing, and experimental design that is highly valuable for both academic and industrial careers.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for students in Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, or Chemistry who have hands-on laboratory experience and are eager to gain research experience in fluid mechanics and rheology. Students seeking funding under the NSERC USRA should have mostly A grades to be competitive in this program.
Take this opportunity to be part of innovative research addressing critical environmental and industrial challenges!
Other Information
Position duration: May-August 2025 (16 week minimum, possibly extendable. Possibility of an 8-month position for the right candidate.)
Total pay including award: $10,133.76* for the minimum 16 week period (35 hours per week), inclusive of 4% vacation pay.
*Pay will adjust to reflect any Provincial increases to BC minimum wage.
Will this position be hired if funding is not received: No.