Zhihe Wang
School of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering and Information Technology
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.
As a Grant Funded Researcher of the Mining Group at School of Chemical Engineering (SCE), I am currently working on multiphysics modelling of In-Place Recovery of copper (CRC-P project).My research focuses on advancing new and innovative mining technologies to extract minerals and energy resources. Main research fields include multiphysics flow behaviors in fractured/porous rocks, rock hydraulic properties quantification and upscale, perturbation analysis, and CFD.
Multiphysics flow behaviours: We focus on how different physical and chemical processes interact with fluid flow in fractured and porous rocks, including variably saturated flow, flow channelling, anomalous transport, solute mixing, and fracture-pore void alteration by heat, stress, and reaction.
Rock hydraulic property quantification and upscale: We develop quantitative relationships between permeability and void structure parameters through conceptual models and approximated analytical solutions; and upscaling relations to link lab-scale and field-scale properties.
Lab-scale multiphysics modelling: We use high-fidelity CFD-based modelling approaches to simulate coupled fluid flow, mass transport, heat transfer, and chemical reaction in fractured and porous rocks; and to assess multiphyiscs flow behaviours and quantify rock properties.
Filed-scale multiphysics modelling: We develop new comprehensive modelling frameworks to assess performance and optimise design for field-scale In-Place recovery (IPR) of critical minerals, hot dry rock enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and groundwater control for underground mines.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Grant-Funded Researcher | University of Adelaide |
| 2020 - 2022 | OCPC Exchange Fellow | Shenzhen University |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Chinese (Cantonese) | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 2019 | University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| 2012 - 2015 | China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) | China | Master |
| 2008 - 2012 | Xi'an University of Science and Technology | China | Bachelor |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Zhou, C., Rui, Y., Qiu, J., Wang, Z., Zhou, T., Long, X., & Shan, K. (2025). The role of fracture in dynamic tensile responses of fractured rock mass: Insight from a particle-based model. International Journal of Coal Science and Technology, 12(1), 19 pages. Scopus21 WoS20 |
| 2025 | Lyu, C., Luo, S., Li, Y., Lv, W., You, R., Wang, C., . . . Xie, P. (2025). Experimental study on instability and failure mechanism of sandstone under freeze-thaw and load. PLoS ONE, 20(5 May), e0323484. Europe PMC1 |
| 2025 | Liu, J., Li, C., Hu, J., Luo, Y., Liu, B., Wang, Z., & Xie, H. (2025). Effect of stress-induced void heterogeneity and intersection geometry on heat transfer through 3D intersected rock fractures. Computers and Geotechnics, 186, 107429. |
| 2025 | Fidelibus, C., Xu, C., Wang, Z., & Dowd, P. (2025). A code for the 2D simulation of the steady-state fluid flow in porous blocks containing transmissive fractures. JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY AND HYDROMECHANICS, 73(2), 121-131. |
| 2025 | Lv, W., You, R., Tang, L., Wu, Y., Xie, P., Lyu, C., . . . Wang, Z. (2025). Effect of mid-surface undulations on flow behavior in rock fractures: A comparison between three-dimensional and two-dimensional fracture models. Physics of Fluids, 37(11), 15 pages. |
| 2024 | Wang, F., Xie, H., Li, C., Li, M., Long, X., Shan, K., & Wang, Z. (2024). Hydraulic properties of stressed granite fractures with heat-induced void alteration. Engineering Geology, 333, 107476. Scopus12 WoS14 |
| 2024 | Long, X., Hu, J., Wang, Z., & Zhou, C. (2024). Shear behavior of thermally damaged rock using the bonded-particle model based on moment tensor. Geothermics, 120, 103014. Scopus2 WoS3 |
| 2024 | Zhang, P., Wang, C., Gao, Z., Wang, Z., Zhou, C., & Wang, F. (2024). Combined effects of high temperature and lithology on the tensile mechanical damage and fracture surface morphology of reservoir rocks. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 83(6), 18 pages. Scopus3 WoS3 |
| 2024 | Liu, J., Xie, H., Li, C., Hu, J., Luo, Y., Liu, B., & Wang, Z. (2024). Effect of complex void structures on flow channeling and heterogeneous heat transfer in fractured rocks. Journal of Hydrology, 639, 131654. Scopus13 WoS14 |
| 2024 | Zheng, J., Guan, Z., Ju, W., Zhang, X., Xue, S., Wang, S., . . . Wang, Z. (2024). Effect of support stress on the stress distribution of surrounding rock in circular roadways under triaxial stresses. Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering, 6(3). Scopus4 |
| 2023 | Qiu, J., Zhou, C., Wang, Z., & Feng, F. (2023). Dynamic responses and failure behavior of jointed rock masses considering pre-existing joints using a hybrid BPM-DFN approach. Computers and Geotechnics, 155, 1-13. Scopus40 WoS38 |
| 2023 | Wang, F., Xie, H., Zhou, C., Wang, Z., & Li, C. (2023). Combined effects of fault geometry and roadway cross-section shape on the collapse behaviors of twin roadways: An experimental investigation. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 137, 1-21. Scopus26 WoS25 |
| 2023 | Zhou, C., Xie, H., Wang, Z., Zhou, T., & Zhu, J. (2023). A novel fractal-statistical scaling model of rocks considering strain rate. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 15(11), 2831-2841. Scopus6 WoS6 |
| 2022 | Wang, F., Gao, M., Qiu, G., Wang, Y., Zhou, C., & Wang, Z. (2022). Pore Structure and Mechanical Properties of Red Sandstone Under the Action of Initial Damage–Load–Freeze-thaw. Gongcheng Kexue Yu Jishu/Advanced Engineering Science, 54(6), 194-203. Scopus2 |
| 2022 | Wang, H., Xu, C., Dowd, P. A., Wang, Z., & Faulkner, L. (2022). Modelling in-situ recovery (ISR) of copper at the Kapunda mine, Australia. Minerals Engineering, 186, 1-15. Scopus11 WoS11 |
| 2022 | Cui, P., Xie, H., Wang, Z., Hao, H., Li, C., & Gao, M. (2022). Implications of Local-Scale Approximations on Describing Fluid Flow in Rock Fractures With Stress-Induced Void Heterogeneity. Water Resources Research, 58(7), 1-19. Scopus7 WoS7 |
| 2022 | Wang, Z., Xie, H., Li, C., & Wen, X. (2022). Examining fluid flow and solute transport through intersected rock fractures with stress-induced void heterogeneity. Engineering Geology, 311, 17 pages. Scopus15 WoS15 |
| 2022 | Zhou, C., Xie, H., Zhu, J., Wang, Z., Li, C., & Wang, F. (2022). Mechanical and Fracture Behaviors of Brittle Material with a Circular Inclusion: Insight from Infilling Composition. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 55(6), 3331-3352. Scopus25 WoS23 |
| 2021 | Wang, Y., Feng, M. A., Xie, H., Wang, G., & Wang, Z. (2021). Fracture Characteristics and Heat Accumulation of Jixianian Carbonate Reservoirs in the Rongcheng Geothermal Field, Xiong'an New Area. Acta Geologica Sinica (English Edition), 95(6), 1902-1914. Scopus15 WoS13 |
| 2021 | Li, J., Li, B., Wang, Z., Ren, C., Yang, K., & Gao, Z. (2021). A permeability model for anisotropic coal masses under different stress conditions. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 198, 10 pages. Scopus25 WoS20 |
| 2021 | Xu, C., Dong, S., Wang, H., Wang, Z., Xiong, F., Jiang, Q., . . . Dowd, P. (2021). Modelling of Coupled Hydro-Thermo-Chemical Fluid Flow through Rock Fracture Networks and Its Applications. Geosciences, 11(4), 1-35. Scopus19 WoS15 |
| 2021 | Wang, Z., Wang, J., Zhou, C., Li, C., & Xie, H. (2021). Retaining primary wall roughness for flow in rock fractures and implications on heat transfer and solute transport. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 176, 12 pages. Scopus15 WoS14 |
| 2021 | Wang, Z., Zhou, C., Wang, F., Li, C., & Xie, H. (2021). Channeling flow and anomalous transport due to the complex void structure of rock fractures. Journal of Hydrology, 601, 10 pages. Scopus40 WoS37 |
| 2020 | Li, B., Ren, C., Wang, Z., Li, J., Yang, K., & Xu, J. (2020). Experimental study on damage and the permeability evolution process of methane-containing coal under different temperature conditions. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 184, 12 pages. Scopus64 WoS51 |
| 2020 | Li, J., Li, B., Pan, Z., Wang, Z., Yang, K., Ren, C., & Xu, J. (2020). Coal Permeability Evolution Under Different Water-Bearing Conditions. Natural Resources Research, 29(4), 2451-2465. Scopus22 WoS22 |
| 2020 | Wang, Z., Xu, C., Dowd, P., Xiong, F., & Wang, H. (2020). A Nonlinear Version of the Reynolds Equation for Flow in Rock Fractures With Complex Void Geometries. Water Resources Research, 56(2), 12 pages. Scopus27 WoS26 |
| 2020 | Li, J., Li, B., Wang, Z., Ren, C., Yang, K., & Chen, S. (2020). An Anisotropic Permeability Model for Shale Gas Recovery Considering Slippage Effect and Embedded Proppants. Natural Resources Research, 29(5), 3319-3333. Scopus14 WoS19 |
| 2020 | Ren, C., Li, B., Xu, J., Wang, Z., Li, J., Zhang, Y., & Yu, J. (2020). Coal permeability evolution during damage process under different mining layouts. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects, 47(1), 1-16. Scopus3 WoS4 |
| 2019 | Yuan, Y., Chen, Z., Zhang, X., & Wang, Z. (2019). Intermediate coal pillar instability and permeability evolution in extremely thin protective seam by auger mining. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 12(10), 16 pages. Scopus10 WoS11 |
| 2019 | Wang, Z., Xu, C., & Dowd, P. (2019). Perturbation Solutions for Flow in a Slowly Varying Fracture and the Estimation of Its Transmissivity. Transport in Porous Media, 128(1), 97-121. Scopus11 WoS10 |
| 2018 | Wang, Z., Xu, C., & Dowd, P. (2018). A Modified Cubic Law for single-phase saturated laminar flow in rough rock fractures. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 103, 107-115. Scopus86 WoS72 |
| 2018 | Xu, C., Fidelibus, C., Dowd, P., Wang, Z., & Tian, Z. (2018). An iterative procedure for the simulation of the steady-state fluid flow in rock fracture networks. Engineering Geology, 242, 160-168. Scopus33 WoS31 |
| 2018 | Yuan, Y., Zhou, C., Wang, Z., & Du, J. (2018). Joint elasticity effect on the failure behaviours of rock masses using a discrete element model. Energies, 11(11), 2968-1-2968-14. Scopus1 WoS1 |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Wang, Z., Xu, C., & Dowd, P. (2025). Multiphysics modelling of In-Place Recovery of Copper at Stope-Scale. In AusIMM_APCOM_Proceedings. Perth. |
| 2018 | Cui, Z., Chanda, E., Zhao, J., & Wang, Z. (2018). Stress analysis of three-dimensional roadway layout of stagger arrangement with field observation. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Vol. 108 (pp. 6 pages). Chongqing, PEOPLES R CHINA: IOP PUBLISHING LTD. DOI Scopus1 |
| 2018 | Cui, Z., Chanda, E., Zhao, J., & Wang, Z. (2018). Stress distribution characteristics in the vicinity of coal seam floor. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Vol. 108 (pp. 5 pages). Philadelphia, PA, USA: IOP PUBLISHING LTD. DOI Scopus2 WoS2 |
| 2018 | Xu, C., Fidelibus, C., Wang, Z., & Dowd, P. (2018). A simplified equivalent pipe network approach to model flow in poro-fractured rock masses. In 2nd International Discrete Fracture Network Engineering Conference, DFNE 2018 (pp. 1-5). online: ARMA. Scopus1 |
| 2018 | Wang, Z., Xu, C., & Dowd, P. (2018). A nonlinear model for flow in two-dimensional rock fractures. In ISRM International Symposium - 10th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium, ARMS 2018 (pp. 1-5). online: International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. |
| 2018 | Zheng, J., Ju, W., Fu, Y., Wang, Z., Pan, H., & Jiang, W. (2018). Dynamic evolution characteristic of abutment pressure in mining face under multi-time-space conditions. In Z. Zhao, Y. Zhou, & J. Shang (Eds.), ISRM International Symposium - 10th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium, ARMS 2018 (pp. 9 pages). Lisbon, Portugal: International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. Scopus1 |
| 2017 | Wei, Z., Xu, D., Wang, Z., & Song, G. (2017). Coal Mine Based Circular Economy Park: A Case Study. In Z. X. Li, Z. Agioutantis, & D. H. Zou (Eds.), PROCEEDINGS OF THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MINERALS INDUSTRY (SDIMI 2017) Vol. 2 (pp. 6-11). Univ Sci & Technol Beijing, Beijing, PEOPLES R CHINA: CANAMAPLE ACAD SERVICES. DOI WoS8 |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Lv, W., You, R., Wang, C., Wang, Z., Wu, Y., Xie, P., . . . Yichen, L. (2024). Experimental study on instability and failure mechanism of sandstone under freeze-thaw and load. DOI |
- In-Place Recovery: Solution mining of critical minerals, CRC-P, 2024, Grant-Funded Researcher, $650K
- Assisted stockpile oxidation for enhancing gold recovery, Newcrest (now Nemont), 2023, Co-CI, $180K
- In-situ volume damage and permeability enhancement mechanism of geothermal reservoirs, NSFC Joint Key Project, 2022, Co-CI, $651K
- Fluid flow and transport mechanism in deep fractured rock considering in-situ fracture void structures, NSFC ECR Project, 2021, Sole-CI, $65K
- Fracture-pore void detection and reconstruction of geothermal reservoirs, NSFC Major Project Subtopic, 2021, Lead-CI, $220K
- Interaction mechanism of heat controlling fault zones and hydrothermal systems, NSFC General Project, 2021, Co-CI, $160K
- Subsurface rock mechanical behaviours based on true triaxial stress reconstruction, NSFC General Project, 2021, Co-CI, $160K
- Fracture flow characterization for subsurface carbonate rocks, China Geological Survey Consulting, 2021, Co-CI, $43K
- OCPC Fellow, Office of China Postdoc Council, 2020, Sole-CI, $130K
- Flow channelling in stressed rock fractures, Guangdong Basic Research Foundation ECR Project, 2020, Lead-CI, $22K
- Multiphysics flow behaviors during geothermal energy extraction, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Key Project, 2020, Sole-CI, $39K
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, Shenzhen University, HDR student Short Course, 2021
- Groundwater Modelling, University of Adelaide, Honours Project Tutorial, 2019
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Co-Supervisor | Zero-Waste Management Through Innovative Utilization of Mining Waste in Backfilling for TBM-Bored Tunnels | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Nima Bahrami |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | External Supervisor | Fluid flow and heat transfer in compressed fractured media | Xi'an University of Science and Technology | Doctor of Philosophy | Higher Doctorate | Full Time | Ru You |
| 2021 - 2024 | External Supervisor | Effect of fracture surface roughness on fluid flow and heat transfer | Xi'an University of Science and Technology | Master of Engineering Science | Master | Full Time | Lian Tang |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Board Member | CRC-P project managment committee | The University of Adelaide | Australia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Member | AusIMM | Australia |
| 2020 - ongoing | Member | Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics & Engineering | China |
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