Alexandre Chemenda

University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis
Nice, France
Research interests: 

Geodynamics, Tectonophysics, Thermo-Mechanics of Lithosphere : Physical Modelling Fault mechanics : Fracturing of reservoirs Combined experimental and numerical modelling

1993-96 Université Montpellier II, France 
Visiting Professor 
1991-93 National Central University, Taiwan 
Visiting Professor 
1990-93 Research Center Geosphaera, USSR Academy of Sciences 
Head, Laboratory of Experimental and Theoretical Geodynamics 
1981-1993 Moscow State University 
Researcher, Head, Experimental Modelling Laboratory

GEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

A. Chemenda is an expert in physical modelling of geomechanical processes. He develops innovative experimental techniques for mechanical and thermo-mechanical modelling based on a new class of analogue materials enabling to satisfy the relevant physical similarity criteria. This method has allowed for the first time the implementation of a quantitative modelling of a number of fundamental geodynamic processes including rifting, sea-floor spreading, subduction, collision and the rapid exhumation of the crustal material from great depth (see references on Alexandre's Personal Homepage). A major component in all of these processes is failure of the geomaterial which largely defines the evolution of the geological systems. The brittle failure and fracturing of heterogeneous systems is one of the most complicated processes and can now be addressed using recently created low-strength brittle materials.

STATE AWARD

1985  Laureate, the USSR National Youth Prize in Science and Technology

TEACHING

·Evolution of the solar system and of the Earth

·Earth physics

·Geodynamics

·Gravity and lithospheric deformation

·Rock mechanics and rheology

·Geophysics