Dynamic Frictional Slip Along Rock Faults

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of rock faults reflects the response of the shape and composition of the fault to the applied loading and environmental conditions. The interaction between the fault properties and the loading system is controlled by multiple variables that act simultaneously to generate an inherently complex behavior. Integrating multiple variables can illuminate the controlling mechanisms of fault dynamic, and five examples of such integration are evaluated here, including power-density, which quantifies the energy dissipation rate on the slipping fault, PV-factor, which evaluates the damage potential, impulse-density, which combines effect of slip-velocity and slip-duration, the weakening distance of transition to thermal weakening, and the kinematic-load, which integrates slip-velocity and slip-distance. The examination of relevant experimental observations indicates that these variables provide effective quantification tools for fault dynamic strength, fault wear, fault damage, melting, and mineralogical transformation.