A brief discussion on interdisciplinary research of mechanics and oil & gas engineering

Petroleum and gas engineering is an essential large-scale systematic project for the exploration and development of Earth’s mineral resources, including oil and natural gas. It inherently involves multiple disciplines, such as mechanics, and its related interdisciplinary research and innovative developments have attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally. This paper focuses on the interdisciplinary research between mechanics and petroleum and gas engineering, systematically reviewing the major interdisciplinary research directions and their significance. It highlights the fundamental concepts and engineering applications in four key interdisciplinary areas: reservoir flow mechanics in porous media, rock Mechanics in drilling and production, downhole tubular mechanics in well engineering for oil & gas and wellbore multiphase flow dynamics. In addition, this paper briefly summarizes several innovative research achievements in these main areas and presents future perspectives and recommendations. These insights are particularly valuable for the safe and efficient exploration and development of complex oil and gas resources, including deep or ultra-deep reservoirs, deepwater environments, and unconventional resources. The interdisciplinary advancements and methodologies discussed not only promote the resolution of scientific challenges and key technological progress in petroleum and gas engineering, but also broaden the scope of mechanics research and its applications. Moreover, the discussion extends beyond fluid mineral resources such as oil, natural gas, and geothermal energy, providing important reference value for major engineering projects related to solid mineral resource exploration and development as well as Earth science research.