GENERALIZED FLOW LAWS OF POLYPHASE ROCKS: AN OVERVIEW

Rheological properties of polyphase rocks play an important role in the dynamics of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. However, such fundamental issues have not been well resolved. A theoretical analysis has been made to develop expressions for the flow laws of polyphase rocks in terms of the volume fractions and flow laws of their constituent phases. The flow strengths predicted by the proposed model for common crustal and upper mantle rocks such as granite, diorite, diabase and lherzolite, and for synthetic two-phase composites such as forsterite-enstatite and water ice-ammonia dehydrate aggregates are in good agreement with previously determined experimental values. The proposed theoretical model allows one to calculate, to the first approximation, the flow laws of a large number of polyphase rocks at geologic conditions based on the experimentally determined flow laws of a relatively small number of monomineralic aggregates.     

Flow laws of multiphase materials and rocks from end-member flow laws

Rheological properties of polyphase rocks play an important role in the dynamics of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. However, flow laws for large portions of the polyphase rocks in the Earth's crust and mantle have not been well determined. An analysis based on the theory of mixtures has been made to calculate the general flow laws of coarse (≥5 μm), nearly equant-grained (aspect-ratio ≤3), and massive polyphase rocks and materials for which only the flow laws and volume fractions of the constituents are taken into consideration in the modeling of the bulk rheology and effects of microstructure could be ignored. The theoretical analysis is based on three assumptions: (1) the polyphase composite and the monophase aggregates of its constituents obey the same kind of flow laws (linear, power or exponential), (2) there is no change in the operative deformation mechanism of each phase when it is in the composite as compared to when it is in a monophase aggregate, and (3) neither chemical (metamorphic) reactions take place among the constituent phases nor eutectic melting occurs due to the phase mixing. The proposed iterative process allows to predict, to the first approximation, the flow laws for a large number of polyphase rocks in terms of the experimentally determined flow laws of a relatively small number of monomineralic aggregates. Applications of this approach to typical polyphase rocks such as granite, diorite, diabase, aplite and websterite as well as to synthetic two-phase materials such as forsterite–enstatite mixtures and water ice–ammonia dehydrate aggregates yield quite accurate approximations to the experimental values.     

Olivine intergranular plasticity at mantle pressures and temperatures

The ductile behavior of olivine-rich rocks is critical to constrain thermal convection in the Earth's upper mantle. Classical olivine flow laws for dislocation or diffusion creep fail to explain the fast post-seismic surface displacements observed by GPS, which requires a much weaker lithosphere than predicted by classical laws. Here we compare the plasticity of olivine aggregates deformed experimentally at mantle pressures and temperatures to that of single crystals and demonstrate that, depending on conditions of stress and temperature, strain accommodated through grain-to-grain interactions – here called intergranular strain – can be orders of magnitude larger than intracrystalline strain, which significantly weakens olivine strength. This result, extrapolated along mantle geotherms, suggests that intergranular plasticity could be dominant in most of the upper mantle. Consequently, the strength of olivine-rich aggregates in the upper mantle may be significantly lower than predicted by flow laws based on intracrystalline plasticity models.     

Reconstruction of deformation and flow parameters from deformed vein sets

In any homogeneously deformed material, sets of material lines with a similar stretch history occupy sectors with a scale and orientation that depend on finite strain, area change rate and vorticity of the parent flow. If the size and shape of these “material line sectors” are known, they can be used to determine the sense of shear and to calculate deformation and flow parameters, even if actual stretches along material lines are unknown. In rocks which have undergone near-homogeneous deformation on a large scale, the orientation of sets of boudinaged folded and folded-boudinaged or boudinaged-folded veins can be used for such calculations. A general theoretical background to the problem is presented and a Mohr circle construction to carry out the deformation and flow analysis is introduced. Among other statements, the theory predicts that shortened or folded boudins must develop in non-coaxial monophase deformation, with considerable area change in the plane of observation, or in polyphase deformation.     

考虑弹性模量变化的岩石统计损伤本构模型

为建立更为完善的岩石统计损伤本构模型,针对现有模型难以反映某些岩石在三轴试验条件下弹性模量随围压变化而改变的特性,从不同类型空隙对岩石变形性质的影响入手,深入分析了岩石弹性模量变化的机理,并在此基础上,依据弹性参数与岩石中未闭合裂隙数的关系建立了岩石弹性模量变化的分析方法。之后,引入统计损伤理论,考虑损伤阈值的影响和残余强度变形特征,建立了可模拟岩石变形全过程的统计损伤本构模型,并给出了基于三轴压缩试验曲线的模型参数确定方法。本文模型可反映岩石弹性模量随围压变化而改变的特性,且具备现有模型的优点,对岩石变形全过程模拟效果良好。最后,通过试验曲线与本文及同类模型理论曲线的对比分析,表明了本文模型的合理性与优越性。     

Investigation of the effect of aggregate shape and surface roughness on the slake durability index using the fractal dimension approach

Argillaceous rocks cover about one thirds of the earth's surface. The major engineering problems encountered with weak- to medium-strength argillaceous rocks could be slaking, erosion, slope stability, settlement, and reduction in strength. One of the key properties for classifying and determining the behavior of such rocks is the slake durability. The concept of slake durability index (SDI) has been the subject of numerous researches in which a number of factors affecting the numerical value of SDI were investigated. In this regard, this paper approaches the matter by evaluating the effects of overall shape and surface roughness of the testing material on the outcome of slake durability indices.

For the purpose, different types of rocks (marl, clayey limestone, tuff, sandstone, weathered granite) were broken into chunks and were intentionally shaped as angular, subangular, and rounded and tested for slake durability. Before testing the aggregate pieces of each rock type, their surface roughness was determined by using the fractal dimension. Despite the variation of final values of SDI test results (values of I_d), the rounded aggregate groups plot relatively in a narrow range, but a greater scatter was obtained for the angular and subangular aggregate groups. The best results can be obtained when using the well rounded samples having the lowest fractal values. An attempt was made to analytically link the surface roughness with the I_d parameter and an empirical relationship was proposed. A chart for various fractal values of surface roughness to use as a guide for slake durability tests is also proposed. The method proposed herein becomes efficient when well rounded aggregates are not available. In such condition, the approximate fractal value for the surface roughness profile of the testing aggregates could be obtained from the proposed chart and be plugged into the empirical relation to obtain the corrected I_d value. The results presented herein represent the particular rock types used in this study and care should be taken when applying these methods to different type of rocks.     

Support Vector Machines for Classification of Aggregates by Means of IR-Spectra

The increasing physical and technical demands placed on construction materials, especially as they are being used more and more up to the limits of their mechanical strength, has led the aggregates industry to search for more efficient methods of quality control. Information from theoretical work on rock spectra in near-infrared and mid-infrared light as well as achievements gained in signal processing can all be used to improve quality control in an economically acceptable manner. As engineering properties of aggregates are to a great extent determined by the petrological composition of the rock aggregates, the question is, whether a statistical classification rule for identification of rock aggregates can be developed. However, the classification of rocks is complicated by the fact that the optical behavior of minerals forming the rock often appears muted. In addition, minor constituents may dominate the spectrum. Furthermore, the relevant spectra form high dimensional data that are extremely difficult to analyze statistically, especially when curves are very similar. In this paper, support vector machines for classification of rock spectra are investigated, since they are appropriate in classifying highly dimensional data such as spectra.     

Support Vector Machines for Classification of?Aggregates by Means of IR-Spectra

The increasing physical and technical demands placed on construction materials, especially as they are being used more and more up to the limits of their mechanical strength, has led the aggregates industry to search for more efficient methods of quality control. Information from theoretical work on rock spectra in near-infrared and mid-infrared light as well as achievements gained in signal processing can all be used to improve quality control in an economically acceptable manner. As engineering properties of aggregates are to a great extent determined by the petrological composition of the rock aggregates, the question is, whether a statistical classification rule for identification of rock aggregates can be developed. However, the classification of rocks is complicated by the fact that the optical behavior of minerals forming the rock often appears muted. In addition, minor constituents may dominate the spectrum. Furthermore, the relevant spectra form high dimensional data that are extremely difficult to analyze statistically, especially when curves are very similar. In this paper, support vector machines for classification of rock spectra are investigated, since they are appropriate in classifying highly dimensional data such as spectra.     

Weakening and strain localization produced by syn-deformational reaction of plagioclase

There are many observations in naturally deformed rocks on the effects of mineral reactions on deformation, but few experimental data. In order to study the effects of chemical disequilibrium on deformation we have investigated the hydration reaction plagioclase + H₂OM more albitic plagioclase + zoisite + kyanite + quartz. We utilized fine-grained (2-6 µm) plagioclase aggregates of two compositions (An54 and An60), both dried and with 0.1-0.4 wt% H₂O present, in shear deformation experiments at two sets of conditions: 900 °C, 1.0 GPa (in the plagioclase stability field) and 750 °C, 1.5 GPa (in the zoisite stability field). Dry samples and those deformed in the plagioclase stability field underwent homogeneous shearing by dislocation creep, but samples with 0.1 to 0.4 wt% water deformed in the zoisite stability field showed extreme strain localization into very narrow (~1-3 µm) shear bands after low shear strain. In these samples the microstructures of reaction products in the matrix differ from those in the shear bands. In the matrix, large (up to 400 µm) zoisite crystals grew in the direction of finite extension, and relict plagioclase grains are surrounded by rims of recrystallized grains that are more albitic. In the shear bands, the reaction products albitic plagioclase, zoisite, white mica, and traces of kyanite form polyphase aggregates of very fine-grained (<0.1 µm) dislocation-free grains. Most of the sample strain after % ~2 has occurred within the shear bands, within which the dominant deformation mechanism is inferred to be diffusion-accommodated grain boundary sliding (DAGBS). The switch from dislocation creep in dry samples deformed without reaction to DAGBS in reacted samples is associated with a decrease in flow stress from ~800 to <200 MPa. These experiments demonstrate that heterogeneous nucleation driven in part by chemical disequilibrium can produce an extremely fine-grained polyphase assemblage, leading to a switch in deformation mechanism and significant weakening. Thus, localization of deformation in polyphase rocks may occur on any pressure (P),temperature (T)-path where the equilibrium composition of the constituent minerals changes.     

Irreversible thermodynamic and viscoelastic model for power-law relaxation and attenuation of rocks

A constitutive law for viscoelastic behaviour of rocks is derived from irreversible thermodynamics. To this model, two specific parameters are introduced; one is an internal state variable which is a variable concerning the microstructures such as defects in crystals or microcracks, and the other is a temperature reduced time obtained by normalizing the various temperature behaviours. A large number of internal state variables have the respective relaxation times and show the respective time evolutions, while a set of the time evolutions generates temporal power-law behaviour of rocks. The time evolutions of internal states are regarded as dynamics of elements of the generalized Maxwell model, and the stress–strain relation is represented by a response function following a temporal power-law in terms of linear system theory. This relation is inversely formulated to investigate the source field from output data. This model enables us to explain experimentally-based constitutive laws for transient and steady-state behaviour of rocks (e.g., lherzolite) following a temporal power-law and for attenuation behaviour of polycrystals (e.g., olivine) represented by a relation between the quality factor and frequency. Both laws show power-laws on deformation time or frequency depending on the fractal structure in polycrystals or rocks, and the experimental high-temperature behaviours can be extrapolated to long deformation time or high frequency behaviour.     

Estimating quartz fabrics from piezoelectric measurements

An aggregate of piezoelectric minerals may itself be piezoelectric if the minerals are suitably aligned. Thus quartz-bearing rocks may be piezoelectric, since quartz is one such mineral. It has been shown that some rocks do possess this effect, termed a piezoelectric fabric (Bishop, 1981). The type of piezoelectric fabric may be determined by matching experimental data to theoretical models of piezoelectric fabrics. These theoretical models of pure quartz aggregates are derived by considering the symmetry of the preferred crystallographic directions of the aggregate grains. From the symmetry, the piezoelectric matrix of the model may be determined. The best-fitting model and the orientation of its fabric is obtained by equating the experimental data to each model in turn. For each model, the best fitting fabric orientation is determined by using an inversion routine. If the experimental data are due to a piezoelectric fabric and not to some random or nonpolar distribution of grains, the fabric type (c-axis point maximum or large-circle girdle) and its orientation with respect to the specimen may be determined. The positions and polarities of the quartz a-axes are also specified. A statistical examination of results from a quartz-mylonite shows that the problem of piezoelectric model fitting is well posed, in that the Eulerian angles that specify the fabric orientation are fairly independent important parameters and a sufficiently close fit of the model to the data can be obtained to determine the fabric.     

Review: The state-of-art of sparse channel models and their applicability to performance assessment of radioactive waste repositories in fractured crystalline formations

Laboratory and field experiments done on fractured rock show that flow and solute transport often occur along flow channels. ‘Sparse channels’ refers to the case where these channels are characterised by flow in long flow paths separated from each other by large spacings relative to the size of flow domain. A literature study is presented that brings together information useful to assess whether a sparse-channel network concept is an appropriate representation of the flow system in tight fractured rock of low transmissivity, such as that around a nuclear waste repository in deep crystalline rocks. A number of observations are made in this review. First, conventional fracture network models may lead to inaccurate results for flow and solute transport in tight fractured rocks. Secondly, a flow dimension of 1, as determined by the analysis of pressure data in well testing, may be indicative of channelised flow, but such interpretation is not unique or definitive. Thirdly, in sparse channels, the percolation may be more influenced by the fracture shape than the fracture size and orientation but further studies are needed. Fourthly, the migration of radionuclides from a waste canister in a repository to the biosphere may be strongly influenced by the type of model used (e.g. discrete fracture network, channel model). Fifthly, the determination of appropriateness of representing an in situ flow system by a sparse-channel network model needs parameters usually neglected in site characterisation, such as the density of channels or fracture intersections.     

Phase equilibria and physical properties

The average physical properties of multiphase aggregates, such as rocks, depend on the properties of the individual phases as well as the statistical spatial distribution of the phases, such as the relative concentrations, and the shape, orientation, and distribution of the grains of the individual phases. If the properties of the phases are similar, the aggregate properties depend mainly on volume averages of properties of the phases; this is the case for elastic properties of rocks. If the properties of the phases differ significantly, the geometric distribution of the phases becomes important; this is the case if a fluid phase is present, which may have a large effect on elastic and electrical properties. Laboratory measurements of properties of individual phases and aggregates, used with theoretical treatments of aggregate properties, permits the interpretation of seismic velocities, attenuation and electrical conductivity in the earth in terms of possible compositions, phases and distribution of phases, such as intergranular fluids.     

基于精确缩尺的颗粒材料流变研究

基于Feng Y T提出的精确缩尺方法,即根据几何相似、静力相似、动力相似3个相似原理建立一套缩尺准则,使得缩尺前后模型的力学响应保持一致。首次将该理论应用于颗粒材料的流变分析当中,采用Burgers黏塑性蠕变模型,引入流变参数,在原缩尺准则上进行理论推导,得到在二维和三维条件下的缩尺准则;其次在理论推导的基础上进行数值仿真验证。研究结果表明：严格按照拟定的缩尺准则选取参数后,缩尺后模型的力学响应能够保证和原尺寸模型完全一致,计算误差在3%以内,同时简要探讨了时间步长、黏性系数、颗粒数目、比尺数对数值试验的影响,为数值试验中相关参数的选取以及如何让数值模型反映材料真实的力学行为提供了有效参考。另外,由于缩尺模型采用与原模型相同的颗粒数目、颗粒形状、颗粒压实状态和比尺数,揭示了等比例缩尺对材料流变行为的影响。     

Rheological and kinematical responses to flow of two-phase rocks

Numerical simulations have been performed to investigate the strain-dependent behaviour of rheological and kinematical responses to flow of two-phase rocks using the commercial finite-difference program FLAC2D. It was assumed that the two phases have Maxwell rheology. Plane strain and velocity boundary condition, which produces a simple shear deformation, were also assumed. Two types of geometries were considered: strong phase supported (SPS) and weak phase supported (WPS). We calculated strain-dependent variations of effective viscosity and partitioning of strain rate, vorticity and kinematic vorticity number during deformation in both SPS and WPS structure models.The results show that the strain-dependent behaviour is largely influenced by the geometry of the composite. SPS models show both strain hardening and strain softening during the simulations, with strain hardening preceding strain softening. A critical shear strain is necessary to begin the strain softening behaviour. Strain hardening and strain softening are accompanied by a reduction and an increase of the partition of strain rate into the weak phase, respectively. On the other hand, WPS models show only weak strain hardening and strain softening, being the strain-dependent behaviour close to a steady state flow. In addition, the following results are obtained on vorticity and kinematic vorticity number; (1) in both SPS and WPS models the partition of vorticity into weak phase increases with progressive shear strain, i.e. the strong phase becomes less rotational, (2) in SPS models weak inclusions changes from sub-simple shear to super-simple shear with progressive strain, whereas the strong matrix changes from super-simple shear to sub-simple shear, (3) in WPS models the strong inclusions with high viscosity contrasts are less rotational but can be in super-simple shear condition to high strains.The observed strain-dependent behaviours have been compared with previous proposed analytical models. The degree of agreement is variable. Balshin and Ryshkewitch–Duckworth models are only applicable to SPS models. Ji-generalized mixture rule model is applicable to both models.The results suggest that polyphase rocks with SPS structure during ductile shear deformation respond as strain softening materials, after an initial strain hardening stage that may drive to the strain localization into the material.     

组构数值模拟的原理及其在地学中的应用

组构是指由岩石塑性变形导致多晶体的结晶学优势取向现象。组构的存在会增加岩石的各向异性,进而可能影响到岩石的后续变形。岩石组构包含了变形类型、运动学、变形环境、流变学特征等信息,因而成为显微构造学的重要内容。组构数值模拟是近年来得到重视的一种组构研究方法,它以晶体塑性理论为基础,利用计算机技术定量地模拟多晶岩石中组构的形成和演化。在晶体塑性理论中,晶体的塑性变形是由滑移系的剪切滑动导致的,由单晶塑性本构关系表征。多晶均匀化模型包括Sachs模型、Taylor模型、自洽模型和有限元模型,它们从不同角度描述了由单晶变形组成的多晶体变形。极图、反极图和取向分布函数被用来显示多晶体中各晶粒的空间取向。目前组构数值模拟在地学中的应用主要体现在各种单相和多相岩石的组构形成、重结晶作用下的组构形成、组构对地幔和地核地震波波速各向异性的影响等方面。     

碳酸盐岩油藏酸岩反应流动模拟研究进展

酸岩反应流动模拟可用于指导油藏酸化施工,优选注入参数,从而以最小的成本最大程度地改善地层.国内外很多学者基于不同的方法建立了不同的模型对碳酸盐岩油藏酸岩反应流进行了研究,但这些模型尚缺乏科学的归纳与整理.以研究对象的空间尺度为依据,将现有的碳酸盐岩油藏酸岩反应流模型分为孔隙尺度模型、岩心尺度模型及井筒尺度模型,简要概括了每类模型的适用条件及其在应用中的局限性.结合本课题组在酸岩反应流模拟方面所做的工作,重点论述了岩心尺度模型的最新研究进展和发展趋势,给出了岩心尺度模型下一步的研究方向,主要包括:建立更接近地层实际的数学模型,如考虑酸化过程中存在的非达西流和地应力的影响;发展高效的数值算法,将模型的计算区域扩大到油藏尺度;将岩心尺度模型进行尺度升级,得到可以指导油藏酸化施工的优化参数.      

低应力区岩石变形记忆效应形成机制及失忆性

地应力信息储存于开挖后的岩石中,变形率变化法(DRA)是基于岩石变形记忆效应测量地应力的方法,正确的机制是认识变形记忆效应与推广、改进DRA法的基础。传统推测的机制并不能解释低应力区存在变形记忆效应及失忆性等现象。首先进行火山沉积岩试样的物理试验,证明低应力区仍然存在变形记忆效应,记忆信息可同时采用侧向应变及轴向应变测量,两者精度一致。提出在低应力区,岩石变形记忆效应机制为微裂纹接触面及颗粒接触面的摩擦滑动。基于此机制,采用弹性元件、黏性元件和圣维南体构建相应的轴对称理论基本单元模型及多接触面理论模型。进行不同放置时间下的单轴循环压缩试验。结果表明,由轴对称理论模型可以得到低应力区岩石变形记忆效应、侧向DRA曲线与轴向DRA曲线准确度一致且在记忆信息处向上弯曲等、并对失忆性现象进行了初探。理论模型与物理试验结果一致,由此证明微裂纹接触面及颗粒接触面的摩擦滑动可以得到低应力区岩石变形记忆效应。同时,理论模型及物理试验结果为提高DRA法的测量准确度提供了依据。     

Mechanical twinning of jadeite – an indication of synseismic loading beneath the brittle–plastic transition

The orientation distribution of mechanically twinned jadeite crystals in a metagranite from the Sesia Zone, Western Alps, is evaluated to derive the orientation of the principal stress directions for a prominent stage of ductile deformation at ca. 300 to 350 °C that has been interpreted to reflect synseismic loading and postseismic creep by Küster and Stöckhert (1999). It is tested whether the orientation distribution can be used to obtain information on the magnitude of differential stress if the critical shear stress for twinning is known. Assuming that the critical shear stress of 140 MPa determined by Kollé and Blacic (1982) for mechanical twinning of clinopyroxene in the (100) [001] system holds true for jadeite, and assuming a homogeneous stress field as a first approximation, differential stresses of the order of 1-2 GPa are inferred for metagranites with ca. 15% jadeite, and of 0.5 GPa for jadeitite with 80% of jadeite. Notwithstanding the uncertainty for the critical resolved shear stress for jadeite, these unexpectedly high values are suspected to be due to a combination of the following effects: (1) an inhomogeneous stress field in the polyphase material with curved stress trajectories, (2) stress concentration in jadeite due to load transfer from the quartz matrix, and (3) minor reorientation of the jadeite crystals in the flowing quartz matrix. Hence, absolute values of differential stress cannot be derived from the orientation distribution of twinned jadeite in polyphase rocks. Notwithstanding the failure in deriving reliable absolute values, a short period with exceptionally high stress must have occurred, and is fully consistent with the microstructural record of other minerals. It is proposed that the mechanical twinning of jadeite was caused by a short-lived stress peak and flow at laboratory strain rates related to quasi-instantaneous loading of the uppermost level of the ductile lower crust during brittle failure of the brittle upper crust in a major seismic event.     

The infrastructure and Origin of Upper Sinian Cherts on the Southeast Continental Margin of the Yangtze Platform

Through microscopic and SEM observations and X-ray diffraction and energy spectrum analyses, the oldest sponge spicules and radiolarians have been found in bedded cherts and it is proposed that microbial activity of algae and bacteria played an important role in silica precipitation. The microbial activity resulted in the formation of a series of single crystals and crystal aggregates with peculiar shapes. Biogenic single crystals usually occur in spherical, rod, platy, colloidal and granular forms. The most common aggregates are framboidal aggregates composed of dense spherical quartz crystals, which are considered to be of typical bacterial origin. Other aggregates, such as favositic, double-spherical, chain-spherica'l and coccoid ones, are considered to be probably the result of silicification of algal cells and mainly of primary sedimentary origin. This paper also discusses the ultrastructural features and diagnostic indications of jasper rocks formed in a submarine hydrothermal environment and cher