Percussion Drilling for Geothermal Applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Gunther Brenner
• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics ; Mechanics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545592505

The primary goal of the project is to improve the drilling performance of ultra-deep geothermal wells in hard-rock formations, with a specific focus on the crystalline basement. The key research objective of the proposed research and development initiative is to advance the understanding of the impact of rheological, physical, and mechanical aspects of rock formations encountered during ultra-deep geothermal drilling. Consequently, the goal is to enhance drilling performance by leveraging the positive effects of coupling mechanical rock destruction mechanisms under in-situ conditions at significant depths. To fulfill this objective, the project will give considerable attention to two essential components: Firstly, a three-dimensional modeling approach will be adopted to characterize rock properties and their interplay with mechanical rock destruction mechanisms under relevant conditions. Secondly, the project will focus on generating experimental data to validate the models and demonstrate the improved drilling capabilities.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Partner Organisation: Agence Nationale de la Recherche / The French National Research Agency
• Cooperation Partner: Laurent Gerbaud, Ph.D.