The formation of open fractures in gypsum powder with PIV (Structural Geology analogue model)

An experiment with gypsum powder in an analogue model to test the applicability of this powder for the formation of open fractures. A single unconsolidated sand layer is used a mechanical boundary within the model. This movie is overlain with the relative displacement field (the arrows), calculated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The direction of the arrow shows the direction of movement, the color and length shows the amount displacement (Vector length is multiplied with 5).

This movie is part of the MSc thesis of Heijn van Gent. For more information, have a look at http://www.ged.rwth-aachen.de/Ww/people/heijn/heijn_index.html or vvan Gent, H. W., Holland, M., Urai, J. L. & Loosveld, R. 2010. Evolution of fault zones in carbonates with mechanical stratigraphy - insights from scale models using layered cohesive powder. Journal of Structural Geology - Special publication: Faulting and fracturing of carbonate rocks: New insights into deformation mechanisms, petrophysics and fluid flow properties 32 (9), 1375-1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2009.05.006

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• structural geology
• analogue modeling
• gypsum powder
• open fractures
• PIV
• fault
• Heijn van Gent