Multi-field coupling mechanics of deep heterogeneous rocks: Progress and prospects
Abstract
The mechanical response of heterogeneous rock masses under multi-field coupling conditions is central to geo-energy development and underground storage. This study synthesizes key insights from Session 49 of the second “International Geo-Energy Frontier Forum”, entitled “Multi-field Coupled Mechanics of Deep Heterogeneous Rock Masses”. Twenty-two experts and scholars presented their recent advances in heterogeneous-structure characterization, laboratory testing, mechanical mechanisms, and engineering applications. The discussion was organized around the experimental characterization of deep heterogeneous rocks, mechanistic links between local damage and fracture-network development under coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical conditions, and implications for energy development and underground storage. Perspectives distilled from these themes may provide useful guidance for optimizing stimulation schemes, assessing containment safety, and evaluating long-term reliability in deep geo-energy operations.
Document Type: Perspective
Cited as: Wu, M., Yang, F., Zhao, G. Multi-field coupling mechanics of deep heterogeneous rocks: Progress and prospects. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2026, 20(3): 205-208. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2026.06.02
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2026.06.02Keywords:
Deep rocks, heterogeneity, multi-field coupling, geo-energy, geological storageReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mingyang Wu, Fujian Yang, Guokai Zhao
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.