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After finishing his bachelor in Computer Sciences and a Masters in Numerical Analysis in his native country (Venezuela), Otilio’s research has been focused on numerical techniques for the solution of Partial Differential Equations (finite differences, finite volumes, and grid generation). Since 2002, Otilio has been pursuing a PhD in Computational Science at SDSU with a thesis framed in forward modeling of earthquakes (in collaboration with the Geology Dept.). Otilio is confident in a better understanding of |
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earthquake physics, which demands increasing realism in rupture simulations in solids. This implies, for example, accurate and efficient representation of frictional dynamics coupled to elastic and inelastic wave propagation, representation of geometrical complexities of faults, and coupling of fault-zone mechanical and thermal effects over a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. His thesis addresses the application of mimetic invariant-coordinate discretization techniques (geometry) to model frictional sliding governed by laboratory-derived laws that account for slip history and thermal weakening (physics-based). What might be learned, ones outcomes (methodology, libraries) may be immediately incorporated to existing codes developed by others modelers and capable to explore others challenges in earthquake sciences. |