Mechanics of Crustal Earthquakes

Abstract

Part I - The theory of stick-slip is developed, based on the concept of a static and dynamic coefficient of friction. The dynamic coefficient is assumed to be independent of displacement and to depend wholly on normal stress across the surface. It is also assumed to be velocity-independent. The theory predicts that the stress drop during stick-slip is independent of machine stiffness. The displacement during stick-slip is by contrast directly proportional to the machine compliance. Two series of experiments with different fault angles would serve to evaluate the dynamic coefficient of friction. Part II - Frictional sliding on sawcuts and faults in laboratory samples of various silicate rocks is markedly temperature-dependent. At pressures from 1 to 5 kb, stick-slip gave way to stable sliding as temperature was increased 200 to 500 C. The particular temperature of transition to stable sliding varied with rock type.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0727346

Entities

People

  • Don K. Riley
  • Pierre-yves F. Robin
  • William F. Brace

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude
  • Boundaries
  • Diagrams
  • Diameters
  • Earthquakes
  • Energy
  • Equations
  • Friction
  • Geometry
  • High Pressure
  • High Temperature
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • Shear Stresses
  • Strain Rate

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Seismology