Rock Mechanics

 

Purpose

Quantify the physical properties of natural and synthetic gouge under known boundary conditions (including: Temperature, Confining/Fluid Pressure, Strain Rate, Mineralogy and Grain Size, Fluid Composition, etc.).

approach

My approach is to isolate key parameters, test their response, and compare the results to natural examples.

RIGHT

Frictional behavior of montmorillinite in solutions with different brine concentration. This work was lead by David Lockner of the USGS Rock Physics Laboratory with John Solum (Shell Petroleum Company).

ABOVE

Experimental set up of (from left to right): (1) Whole sandstone cylinders deformed until failure with monitoring of permeability; (2) Shearing of synthetic gouge on pre-cut slabs to measure friction; (3) Measured permeability of natural and synthetic fault gouge.

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© Nicholas C. Davatzes

Last Updated: 2008/12