Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fangwen Chen is a distinguished scholar in Geology Resources and Geological Engineering, recognized for his influential contributions to the understanding of shale oil and shale gas systems through advanced characterization of pore structures, reservoir behavior, and storage mechanisms. His research integrates meticulous experimental analysis with innovative geological interpretation, enabling deeper insight into nanopore architectures, mineralogical influences, and adsorption phenomena that shape unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. He has produced a substantial body of peer-reviewed work that examines pore size distributions, reservoir connectivity, gas content characteristics, and the interplay of organic matter, minerals, and structural features across key formations such as the Wufeng, Longmaxi, and Raoyang Sag systems. Through studies published in leading journals, he has advanced methodologies for evaluating adsorbed methane, quantifying pore volumes, and classifying tight reservoir spaces, offering frameworks that enhance reservoir assessment and support the broader field of unconventional energy development. His scholarship also reflects a commitment to refining analytical techniques, including the integration of backscattered electron microscopy with complementary methods to improve microscopic pore characterization. Beyond his research contributions, he actively fosters academic growth in the discipline by sharing foundational and emerging concepts related to new energy, equipping learners with the analytical tools needed to understand evolving subsurface challenges. Supported by multiple competitive scientific grants, his work continues to shape contemporary thinking on shale reservoir evaluation, strengthening both theoretical foundations and applied strategies within the geosciences and contributing to the sustainable advancement of unconventional resource exploration.
Featured Publications
Wang, J., Gao, S., Duan, X., Li, W., Chen, F., Wang, Z., Liu, L., Zhang, P., Chen, G., Zhou, N., et al. (2026). Experimental and numerical simulation of dynamic fractionation for methane carbon isotope during shale gas depletion development.
Wang, J., Chen, F.-W., Li, W.-B., Lu, S.-F., Zhao, S.-X., Liu, Y.-Y., & Wang, Z.-Y. (2025). A multi-scale and multi-mechanism coupled model for carbon isotope fractionation of methane during shale gas production.
Hu, B., Li, X., Liu, J., Cai, Z., Liu, H., Xu, Y., & Chen, F. (2025). Hydrocarbon generation characteristics and geological significance of deep organic-rich shales in the Gulong Fault Depression, Songliao Basin, Northeastern China.
Chen, F., Qin, S., Ding, X., Pang, S., Wang, M., Yang, D., & Huang, Y. (2025). Imbibition characteristics and its influencing factors of shale gas reservoirs: A case study of the Longmaxi Shale in Southeast Chongqing.
Wang, H., Qiao, L., Zhang, J., Lu, S., Chen, F., Liu, Y., & Fu, Z. (2022). An effective integration optimization algorithm for regional fracturing design and drilling placement.