Microcrack interaction leading to shear fracture

David A. Lockner*, Ze'ev Reches, Diane E. Moore

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we draw upon recent laboratory results concerning the nucleation and growth of shear fractures in brittle rock. In homogeneous, crystalline rock such as granite, fault nucleation occurs rapidly and with only subtle changes in precursory microcrack patterns. Once nucleated, the fault grows rapidly, restricting microcrack damage to a samll region near the advancing fracture front. Observations of acoustic emission locations during fault nucleation and growth combined with determinations of microcrack densities in the fractured samples have led to a conceptual model in which brittle fracture is controlled by microcrack interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRock Mechanics Proceedings of the 33rd U.S. Symposium
PublisherPubl by A.A. Balkema
Pages807
Number of pages1
ISBN (Print)9054100451
StatePublished - 1991
EventProceedings of the 1992 MRS Fall Meeting: Symposium U, Solid State Ionics - Santa Fe, NM, USA
Duration: 3 Jun 19925 Jun 1992

Publication series

NameU.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1992 MRS Fall Meeting: Symposium U, Solid State Ionics
CitySanta Fe, NM, USA
Period3/06/925/06/92

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