29. June - 03. July 2026
During this five-day short course, we introduce the properties of melts, glasses, magmas and volcanic products, and their relation to magmatic and volcanic processes. This short course will comprise lectures, lab-tours and round table discussions on experimental programme development for material testing. During the lectures, we will discuss the physics and chemistry of melts/glasses and their application to volcanic settings. During the lab tours and round table discussions we will introduce a broad range of apparatus and allow ample time to discuss open questions and develop potential scientific collaborations. We also encourage participant to bring ideas and queries for discussion.
Scientific Topics:
•Melt structure, thermodynamics and equation of state
•Multiphase melt rheology and deformation mechanisms
•Material rupture and fragmentation
•Volcanic rock thermo-mechanics
•Designing a successful experimental programme from sample selection to numerical validation
Scientific methods/apparatus: Sample characterisation [pycnometry, permeability, ultrasonic velocity]; Thermal analysis [calorimetry, dilatometry]; Viscometry [concentric cylinder, micro-penetration, torsion, parallel-plate]; Petrological experiments [cold seal pressure vessels, autoclaves, piston cylinder]; Deformation experiments [uni-, bi- and triaxial presses, drop tower, high velocity rotary shear]; Magma fragmentation [shock-tube, volcanic ballistic cannon]; Monitoring [micro-seismicity, electrical measurements, infrasound]
Requirements: The course is aimed primarily at graduate students (MSc, PhD) and postdoctoral researchers but advanced-level undergraduate students, academic staff and industry employees with an interest in (geo-) materials testing are welcome. The official course language is English.
Costs: Costs cover teaching materials, coffee/tea/refreshments and biscuits as well as the icebreaker dinner on Monday evening
•BSc/ MSc students: 75 EUR
•PhD students: 150 EUR
•Post-doctoral researchers: 300 EUR
•Academic staff: 400 EUR
•Employee in industry: 600 EUR
The course receives financial support by German Mineralogical Society (Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft - DMG). Non-LMU student members of DMG are eligible for travel support to the amount of 100EUR.
Applications should be sent to the following email address:
Venue:
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Theresienstraße, 41
80333, Munich, Germany
https://www.en.mineralogie.geowissenschaften.uni-muenchen.de/ueber_uns/directions/index.html
Lectures
Prof. Dr. Yan Lavallée
Prof. Dr. Donald Dingwell
Dr. Kai Uwe-Hess
PD. Dr. Jackie Kendrick
Prof. Dr. Bettina Scheu
Prof. Dr. Corrado Cimarelli
Dr. Anthony Lamur
Dr. Paul Wallace
Dr. Janine Birnbaum
Dr. Fabian Wadsworth
Dr. Philip Benson
