Dr. Ke Gao obtained his Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics at the University of Toronto in 2017. After that, he spent two years (2017-2019) in the Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Post Doc in Solid Earth Geophysics, and joined in SUSTech in 2019. Dr. Gao’s research mainly focuses on the development of multiphysics (THM) coupling model based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), the mechanisms of rock fracturing and hydraulic fracturing based on FDEM simulation, and numerical and experimental investigation of stick-slip characteristics in sheared granular fault. Dr. Gao has published more than 30 papers in various journals and international conferences, and has been the PI of several national and provincial level funding projects.

Education & Working Background

2021 – present, Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China

2019 – 2020, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China

2017 – 2019, Post Doc, Solid Earth Geophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA

2012 – 2017, Ph.D., Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada

Honors and Awards
Best paper in the 7th International Symposium on In Situ Rock Stress, Finland, May 2016

Professional Services

American Rock Mechanics Association, Member

American Geophysics Union, Member

International Society for Rock Mechanics, Member

Canadian Geotechnical Society, Member

Society of American Seismology, Member

ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute, Member

Research

1. Earthquake Geophysics: Sheared granular fault gouge simulation, Earthquake source mechanics, Earthquake rupture

2. Rock Mechanics/Physics: Nonlinear mesoscopic elasticity of geomaterials, Stress variability, Stress heterogeneity

3. Computational Mechanics: Development of the combined finite discrete element method (FDEM), Parallel Computing

Journal Papers (*Corresponding Author, Group Member)

37. Cai, W., Gao, K.*, Ai, S., & Zhi, S. (2023). A 2D energy-conserving contact model for the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). Computers and Geotechnics, 166, 105972. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2023.105972. [PDF]

36. Feng, Y., Gao, K.*, & Lacasse, S. (2023). Bayesian partial pooling to reduce uncertainty in overcoring rock stress estimation. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.jrmge.2023.05.003. [PDF]

35. Cai, W., Gao, K.*, Ai, S., Wang, M., & Feng, Y. T. (2023). Implementation of extrinsic cohesive zone model (ECZM) in 2D finite-discrete element method (FDEM) using node binding scheme. Computers and Geotechnics, 159, 105470. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2023.105470. [PDF]

34. Ai, S.-G., & Gao, K.* (2023). Elastoplastic Damage Modeling of Rock Spalling/Failure Induced by a Filled Flaw Using the Material Point Method (MPM). Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. doi:10.1007/s00603-023-03265-8. [PDF]

33. Zhang, Y., Gao, K.*, & Li, C. (2023). Two slip regimes in sheared granular fault. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 608, 118086. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2023.118086. [PDF]

32. Cai, W., Gao, K.*, Wu, S., & Long, W. (2023). Moment Tensor-Based Approach for Acoustic Emission Simulation in Brittle Rocks Using Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM). Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. doi:10.1007/s00603-023-03261-y. [PDF]

31. Mei, J., Ma, G., Tang, L., Gao, K., Cao, W., & Zhou, W. (2023). Spatial clustering of microscopic dynamics governs the slip avalanche of sheared granular materials. International Journal of Plasticity. doi:10.1016/j.ijplas.2023.103570. [PDF]

30. Feng, Y.*, Mignan, A., Sornette, D., & Gao, K. (2022). Investigating Injection Pressure as a Predictor to Enhance Real‐Time Forecasting of Fluid‐Induced Seismicity: A Bayesian Model Comparison. Seismological Research Letters. doi:10.1785/0220220309.

29. Li, X., Gao, K.*, Feng, Y., & Zhang, C. (2022). 3D geomechanical modeling of the Xianshuihe fault zone, SE Tibetan Plateau: Implications for seismic hazard assessment. Tectonophysics, 839, 229546. doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2022.229546. [PDF]

28. Cao, H., Apatay, E., Crane, G., Wu, B., Gao, K., & Askari, R. (2022). Evaluation of various data acquisition scenarios for the retrieval of seismic body waves from ambient noise seismic interferometry technique via numerical modeling. Geosciences, 12(7), 270. doi: 10.3390/geosciences12070270. [PDF]

27. Wu, S., Gao, K.*, Wang, X., Ge, H., Zou, Y., & Zhang, X. (2022). Investigating the Propagation of Multiple Hydraulic Fractures in Shale Oil Rocks Using Acoustic Emission. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. doi:10.1007/s00603-022-02960-2. [PDF]

26. Yang, L., Wu, S., Gao, K., & Shen, L.* (2022). Simultaneous propagation of hydraulic fractures from multiple perforation clusters in layered tight reservoirs: Non-planar three-dimensional modelling. Energy, 254, 124483. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2022.124483. [PDF]

25. Wu, S., Gao, K.*, Feng, Y.*, & Huang, X. (2022). Influence of slip and permeability of bedding interface on hydraulic fracturing: A numerical study using combined finite-discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 148, 104801. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2022.104801. [PDF]

24. Wu, S., Ge, H.*, Li, T., Wang, X., Li, N., Zou, Y., & Gao, K.* (2022). Characteristics of fractures stimulated by supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing in shale based on acoustic emission monitoring. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 152, 105065. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2022.105065. [PDF]

23. Ma, G., Mei, J.*, Gao, K., Zhao, J., Zhou, W. & Wang, D. (2022). Machine learning bridges microslips and slip avalanches of sheared granular gouges. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 579, 117366. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117366. [PDF]

22. Cai, W., Li, Y.*, Gao, K.*, & Wang, K. (2021). Crack propagation mechanism in rock-like specimens containing intermittent flaws under shear loading. Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, 117, 103187. doi:10.1016/j.tafmec.2021.103187. [PDF]

21. Wu, M., Gao, K.*, Liu, J., Song, Z., & Huang, X.* (2021). Influence of rock heterogeneity on hydraulic fracturing: A parametric study using the combined finite-discrete element method. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 234-235, 111293. doi:10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2021.111293. [PDF]

20. Feng, Y., Gao, K.*, Mignan, A., & Li, J. (2021). Improving local mean stress estimation using Bayesian hierarchical modelling. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 148, 104924. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2021.104924. [PDF]

19. Wang, M., Gao, K., & Feng, Y.T.* (2021). An improved continuum-based finite–discrete element method with intra-element fracturing algorithm. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 384, 113978. doi:10.1016/j.cma.2021.113978. [PDF]

18. Ma, G.*, Zou, Y., Gao, K., Zhao, J., & Zhou, W. (2020). Size polydispersity tunes slip avalanches of granular gouge. Geophysical Research Letters, 47(23). doi:10.1029/2020GL090458. [PDF]

17. Gao, K.*, Guyer, R. A., Rougier, E., & Johnson, P. A. (2020). Plate motion in sheared granular fault system. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 548, 116481. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116481. [PDF]

16. Knight, E. E.*, Rougier, E., Lei, Z., Euser, B., Chau, V., Boyce, S. H., Gao, K., Okubo, K., & Froment, M. (2020). HOSS: an implementation of the combined finite-discrete element method. Computational Particle Mechanics. doi:10.1007/s40571-020-00349-y. [PDF]

15. Chau, V.*, Rougier, E., Lei, Z., Knight, E.E., Gao, K., Hunter, A., Srinivasan, G., & Viswanathan, H. (2019). Numerical analysis of flyer plate experiments in granite via the combined finite–discrete element method. Computational Particle Mechanics. doi:10.1007/s40571-019-00300-w. [PDF]

14. Gao, K., Lei, Q.*, Bozorgzadeh, N, & Chau, V. T. (2019). Can we estimate far-field stress using the mean of local stresses? An examination based on numerical simulations. Computers and Geotechnics, 116, 103188. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2019.103188. [PDF]

13. Gao, K.*, Guyer, R. A., Rougier, E., Ren, C. X., & Johnson, P. A. (2019). From stress chains to acoustic emission. Physical Review Letters, 123(4), 048003. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.048003. [PDF]

12. Gao, K.*, Rougier, E., Guyer, R. A., Lei, Z, & Johnson, P. A. (2019). Simulation of crack induced nonlinear elasticity using the combined finite-discrete element method. Ultrasonics, 98, 51-61. doi:10.1016/j.ultras.2019.06.003. [PDF]

11. Gao, K.*, Bozorgzadeh, N., & Harrison, J. P. (2019). The equivalence of three shear‑normal stress forms of the Hoek‑Brown criterion. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 52, 3501-3507. doi:10.1007/s00603-019-01758-z. [PDF]

10. Lei, Q., & Gao, K.* (2019). A numerical study of stress variability in heterogeneous fractured rocks. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 113, 121-133. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.12.001. [PDF]

9.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2019). Examination of mean stress calculation approaches in rock mechanics. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. 52(1),83–95. doi:10.1007/s00603-018-1568-0. [PDF]

8.   Gao, K.*, Euser, B. J., Rougier, E., Guyer, R. A., Lei, Z., Knight, E. E., Carmeliet, J., & Johnson, P. A. (2018). Modeling of stick-slip behavior in sheared granular fault gouge using the combined finite‑discrete element method. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 123,5774–5792. doi:10.1029/2018JB015668. [PDF]

7.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2018). Re-examination of the in situ stress measurements on the 240 level of the AECL’s URL using tensor-based approaches. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. 51(10), 3179–3188. doi:10.1007/s00603-018-1530-1. [PDF]

6.   Lei, Q.*, & Gao, K.* (2018). Correlation between fracture network properties and stress variability in geological media. Geophysical Research Letters, 45, 3994–4006. doi:10.1002/2018GL077548. [PDF]

5.   Gao, K., & Lei, Q.* (2018). Influence of boundary constraints on stress heterogeneity modelling. Computers and Geotechnics, 99, 130-136. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.03.003. [PDF]

4.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2018). Scalar-valued measures of stress dispersion. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 106, 234–242. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.04.008. [PDF]

3.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2018). Multivariate distribution model for stress variability characterisation. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 102, 144-154. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.01.004. [PDF]

2.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2017). Generation of random stress tensors. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 94, 18-26. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2016.12.011. [PDF]

1.   Gao, K.*, & Harrison, J. P. (2016). Mean and dispersion of stress tensors using Euclidean and Riemannian approaches. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 85, 165-173. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2016.03.019. [PDF]