Sam Graham

• PhD Student in Shale Micromechanics School of Engineering
• Email: s.graham4@ncl.ac.uk

Sam is a PhD student currently studying the micromechanical properties of shales. His work focuses on nano and microscale mechanical characterisation of the elastic and time-dependent properties of shale over length-scales from tens of nanometres up to hundreds of microns. This allows an understanding of how the mechanical properties of the individual material building blocks contribute to the whole. This is achieved using experimental techniques such as atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation. This data is then used to better inform and calibrate micromechanical models that predict the mechanical properties of the bulk composite from its constituents. This forms a critical input parameter into geomechanical models dealing with fracture initiation and growth, with significant implications for CO₂ leakage for example.