Technical Petrophysics @KIT: We are an interdisciplinary working group of scientists studying and teaching physical properties of minerals and rocks from atomic to global scale. Our focus lies on the in-situ behavior of geomaterials under dynamic load conditions (e.g. cyclic loading) and the interrelation of properties. We use a wide variety of methods to better understand and quantify the underlying mechanisms and processes of the observed material behavior. The gained knowledge is used to improve geo-energy technologies and to better sustain our environment.

In other words: “Let us better understand and quantify entropy in geosystems.”

We contribute to the UNO Sustainable Development Goals “Quality Education”, “Affordable and Clean Energy” with respect to “Climate Action”, and “Clean Water”, together with national and international “Partnerships for the Goals”.

Research Topics

• Crystallography
• Physical Properties of Minerals and Rocks
• Strain Investigations using Neutrons
• Geomechanics
• Computational Geodynamics

The term petrophysics is composed of the Greek terms πετρος, petros „stone“ or „rock“ and φυσική, physike „the natural“: physical properties of minerals and rocks.

The professorship of "Technical Petrophysics" is endowed by Dr. Herrenknecht.