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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Granular packings and fault zones
Jan ÅStrömHans J. HerrmannJ. Timonensubject
Shearing (physics)Bearing (mechanical)San andreas faultGeneral Physics and AstronomyStiffnessGeometryPhysics::Geophysicslaw.inventionCondensed Matter::Soft Condensed MatterTectonicsShear (geology)lawmedicinemedicine.symptomShear bandGeologydescription
The failure of a two-dimensional packing of elastic grains is analyzed using a numerical model. The packing fails through formation of shear bands or faults. During failure there is a separation of the system into two grain-packing states. In a shear band, local ``rotating bearings'' are spontaneously formed. The bearing state is favored in a shear band because it has a low stiffness against shearing. The ``seismic activity'' distribution in the packing has the same characteristics as that of the earthquake distribution in tectonic faults. The directions of the principal stresses in a bearing are reminiscent of those found at the San Andreas Fault.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01-24 | Physical review letters |