Special Issue on Rock Dynamics in Extreme Environments

The growing demand for energy, resources, and habitable space across the deep Earth, deep sea, and outer space is driving a pressing need for advances in rock dynamics. As resource exploration and infrastructure development extend into extreme and often hostile environments, it is critical to deepen our understanding of rock behaviors under high pressure, extreme temperature, and dynamic loading. This knowledge is essential for enhancing safety, efficiency, and performance in deep-sea drilling and space exploration. Innovations in rock dynamics will not only improve operational safety and effectiveness but also help mitigate risks in high-stakes projects, promoting more sustainable, resilient resource extraction.

This Special Issue aims to bring together researchers, practitioners and industry experts to discuss the latest advancements and future directions in rock dynamics — from fundamental research to practical applications. We welcome contributions on a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to:

(1) Dynamic properties of rock materials and rock masses,

(2) Innovative techniques for instrumentation and monitoring,

(3) Data analytics and AI applications,

(4) Engineering applications and cases studies.

Submissions based on works presented at the Fifth International Conference on Rock Dynamics and Applications are especially encouraged, though other relevant contributions are also welcome.

Submission deadline: February 28, 2026

Please read the Guide for Authors before submitting. All articles should be submitted online. All submissions will undergo a regular peer-review process.

Guest Editors:

Wei Wu, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (wu.wei@ntu.edu.sg)

Qi Zhao, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China (qi.qz.zhao@polyu.edu.hk)

Qianbing Zhang, Monash University, Australia (Qianbing.Zhang@monash.edu)