Flow-to-Friction Transition in Simulated Calcite Gouge: Experiments and Microphysical Modeling.

ABSTRACT: A (micro)physical understanding of the transition from frictional sliding to plastic or viscous flow has long been a challenge for earthquake cycle modeling. We have conducted ring-shear deformation experiments on layers of simulated calcite fault gouge under conditions close to the frictional-to-viscous transition previously established in this material. Constant velocity (v) and v-stepping tests were performed, at 550°C, employing slip rates covering almost 6 orders of magnitude (0.001-300 μm/s). Steady-state sliding transitioned from (strong) v-strengthening, flow-like behavior to v-weakening, frictional behavior, at an apparent "critical" velocity (v _cr ) of ~0.1 μm/s. Velocity-stepping tests using v < v _cr<

SUBMITTER: Chen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7757227 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature