The Rock Mechanics Institute is one of seven research institutes under the Sarkeys Energy Center. Each institute represents a specific area of energy-related research in which the University of Oklahoma has significant strength and through which the institutes and the Sarkeys Energy Center can operate in ways conducive to inter- and multi-disciplainary research. Three departments within the College of Engineering and the College of Geosciences at OU participate in the Rock Mechanics Institute's activities.
		The Rock Mechanics Institute conducts both basic and applied research. In addition, by integrating advanced engineering concepts, researchers are seeking the most efficient ways to increase oil and gas production and to also resolve difficulties associated with "problem reservoirs" for which traditional solutions do not seem to work. The Rock Mechanics Institute's technological mission is to: 1. Extend the economic life of existing reservoirs by improving the fundamental understanding of the interactions among the various mechanisms that are active in a reservoir at different stages of its life. 2. Enhance hydrocarbon recovery techniques, especially in structurally complex formations, mechanically unstable horizons, or lithologies with extreme environmental conditions, such as abnormally high pore pressures.
		The University of Oklahoma Rock Mechanics Institute 100 E. Boyd, SEC-P119 Norman, Oklahoma 73019-1014 phone 405.325.2900 fax405.325.7491 www.ou.edu/special/rmi Send email to someone@rmg.ou.edu with questions or comments about this website. Copyright 2000 Rock Mechanics Institute