Fault stability under conditions of variable normal stress
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The stability of fault slip under conditions of varying normal stress is modeled as a spring and slider system with rate- and state-dependent friction. Coupling of normal stress to shear stress is achieved by inclining the spring at an angle, ø, to the sliding surface. Linear analysis yields two conditions for unstable slip. The first, of a type previously identified for constant normal stress systems, results in instability if stiffness is below a critical value. Critical stiffness depends on normal stress, constitutive parameters, characteristic sliding distance and the spring angle. Instability of the first type is possible only for velocity-weakening friction. The second condition yields instability if spring angle ø < -cot −1μss, where μss is steady-state sliding friction. The second condition can arise under conditions of velocity strengthening or weakening. Stability fields for finite perturbations are investigated by numerical simulation.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Fault stability under conditions of variable normal stress |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/92GL01821 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 16 |
| Year Published | 1992 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 1691 |
| Last page | 1694 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |