Thoughts on Superplasticity in General and on its Role in Earth Deformation

2012 ◽  
Vol 735 ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
John Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Diffusion Creep ◽  
Large Strains ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Phase Diffusion ◽  
Shape Alignment ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Materials Modelling ◽  
Boundary Sliding

The Earth deforms dominantly by solid-state creep. Diffusion creep is known to be important. It is less clear whether mechanisms in which grain boundary sliding is accompanied by other processes (dislocation activity), and/or are associated with stress exponents closer to 2 than to 1 are important. Since the mechanisms of superplasticity are themselves not fully resolved, we cannot say for sure whether the Earth deforms superplastically. Models for diffusion creep are relevant for the Earth and possibly for superplastic materials. Modelling shows that large strains may not necessarily obliterate initial textures because grain rotations, although they occur, slow down as microstructures evolve. Modelling also predicts major strength anisotropy induced by grain shape alignment. Models for two-phase diffusion creep can be constructed for when the second phase is inert (insoluble). If both phases are soluble and can participate in diffusion, the basic theory for single phase diffusion creep cannot be applied and new insight is required.

Modelling Interface Diffusion Creep: Single Phase Insights and Two Phase Challenges

2012 ◽  
Vol 715-716 ◽  
pp. 983-987
Author(s):  
John Wheeler ◽  
J.M. Ford
Keyword(s):  
Single Phase ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Diffusion Creep ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Interface Diffusion ◽  
Angular Velocities

Numerical and analytic models for diffusion creep have commercial and geological uses. For single phase polycrystals, numerical models of interface diffusion creep illustrate how grains rotate and what the relative contributions of grain shape change and grain boundary sliding are to the overall strain. In particular they shows that an equi-axed starting material will initially show large grain angular velocities but that these slow down as grain become slightly elongate. A steady state microstructure with some grain elongation and little or no grain rotation is reached. Consequently the equi-axed grain shapes seen in superplastic deformation require additional processes for a full explanation. For two phase aggregates, the mathematical framework cannot be simply extended it breaks down as the system becomes mathematically overdetermined. Further work is required to solve this problem. If the second phase is insoluble, the mathematics can, though, be extended successfully, paving the way for models of diffusion creep with insoluble second phase particles.

Research on Micro-Mechanism of Nanocomposite Ceramic in Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Grinding

2007 ◽  
Vol 359-360 ◽  
pp. 344-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zhao ◽  
Yan Wu ◽  
Guo Fu Gao ◽  
Feng Jiao
Keyword(s):  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Grain Boundaries ◽  
Deformation Mechanism ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Composite Ceramics ◽  
Nano Composite ◽  
Boundary Sliding

Surface microstructure of nano-composite ceramics prepared by mixed coherence system and machined by two-dimensional ultrasonic precision grinding was researched using TEM, SEM, XRD detector and other equipments. Structure, formation mechanism and characteristic of metamorphic layer of ground surface of nano-composite ceramics were researched. The experiment shows micro deformation mechanism of ceramic material in two-dimensional ultrasound grinding is twin grain boundary and grain-boundary sliding for Al2O3, and it is crystal dislocation of enhanced phase, matrix grain boundary sliding, coordination deformation of intergranular second phase as well as its deformation mechanism for nano-composite ceramics. The fracture surfaces of nano-composite materials with different microscopic structure were observed using TEM and SEM. Research shows that ZrO2 plays an important influence on the generation and expansion of crack, and enhances the strength of grain boundaries. When grain boundaries is rich in the ZrO2 particles, the crack produced in grinding process will be prevented, and the surface with plastic deformation will be smooth. The results shows nanoparticles dispersed in grain boundary prevents crack propagation and makes materials fracture transgranularly which makes the processed surface fine.

scholarly journals Hierarchical creep cavity formation in an ultramylonite and implications for phase mixing

Solid Earth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1193-1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Gilgannon ◽  
Florian Fusseis ◽  
Luca Menegon ◽  
Klaus Regenauer-Lieb ◽  
Jim Buckman
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Grain Boundaries ◽  
Finite Strain ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Large Strains ◽  
Cavity Formation ◽  
Phase Mixing ◽  
Transient Phenomena ◽  
Boundary Sliding

Abstract. Establishing models for the formation of well-mixed polyphase domains in ultramylonites is difficult because the effects of large strains and thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical feedbacks can obscure the transient phenomena that may be responsible for domain production. We use scanning electron microscopy and nanotomography to offer critical insights into how the microstructure of a highly deformed quartzo-feldspathic ultramylonite evolved. The dispersal of monomineralic quartz domains in the ultramylonite is interpreted to be the result of the emergence of synkinematic pores, called creep cavities. The cavities can be considered the product of two distinct mechanisms that formed hierarchically: Zener–Stroh cracking and viscous grain-boundary sliding. In initially thick and coherent quartz ribbons deforming by grain-size-insensitive creep, cavities were generated by the Zener–Stroh mechanism on grain boundaries aligned with the YZ plane of finite strain. The opening of creep cavities promoted the ingress of fluids to sites of low stress. The local addition of a fluid lowered the adhesion and cohesion of grain boundaries and promoted viscous grain-boundary sliding. With the increased contribution of viscous grain-boundary sliding, a second population of cavities formed to accommodate strain incompatibilities. Ultimately, the emergence of creep cavities is interpreted to be responsible for the transition of quartz domains from a grain-size-insensitive to a grain-size-sensitive rheology.

Strain localisation during diffusion creep: influence of grain coarsening and grain boundary sliding

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Wheeler ◽  
Lynn Evans ◽  
Robyn Gardner ◽  
Sandra Piazolo
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Earth Pressure ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Diffusion Creep ◽  
Pressure Solution ◽  
Grain Coarsening ◽  
Boundary Sliding

<p>Diffusion creep and the wet low temperature version, pressure solution, are major deformation mechanisms in the Earth. Pressure solution operates in many metamorphosing systems in the crust and may contribute to slow creep on fault surfaces. Diffusion creep prevails in areas of the upper mantle deforming slowly, and possibly in most of the lower mantle. Both mechanisms contribute to localisation since small grain sizes can deform faster.</p><p>However, there has been limited attention paid to the evolution of microstructure during diffusion creep. In some experiments grains coarsen; in some but not all experiments grains remain rather equant. We have developed a grain-scale numerical model for diffusion creep, which indicates that those processes are very important in influencing evolving strength. Our models illustrate three behaviours.</p><ol><li>Strain localises along slip surfaces formed by aligned grain boundaries on all scales. This affects overall strength.</li> <li>Diffusion creep is predicted to produce elongate grains and then the overall aggregate has intense mechanical anisotropy. Thus strength during diffusion creep, and localisation on weak zones, is influenced not just by grain size but by other aspects of microstructure.</li> <li>Grain coarsening increases grain size and strength. Our most recent work shows how it interacts with ongoing deformation. In particular grain growth can lead to particular grain shapes which are directly related to strain rate, and influence strength. Consequently, understanding localisation during diffusion creep must encompass the effects of diffusion itself, grain boundary sliding and grain coarsening.</li> </ol>

Comments on grain-boundary sliding in diffusion creep

1976 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-162
Author(s):  
E.H. Aigeltinger ◽  
R.C. Gifkins
Keyword(s):  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Diffusion Creep ◽  
Boundary Sliding

Research on Surface Microstructures of Nanocomposite Ceramics in Two-Dimensional Ultrasonic Ultraprecision Grinding

2007 ◽  
Vol 364-366 ◽  
pp. 909-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zhao ◽  
Jing Lin Tong ◽  
Yan Wu ◽  
Guo Fu Gao
Keyword(s):  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Deformation Mechanism ◽  
Grain Boundary Sliding ◽  
Nano Particles ◽  
Surface Generation ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Boundary Sliding ◽  
Microscopic Deformation ◽  
Surface Microstructures

Using TEM, SEM and XRD, the surface microstructures of nanocomposite ceramics prepared by heterocoagulation was studied in two-dimensional ultraprecision grinding with ultrasonic assistance. This research was focused on the structure of ground surface degenerating layer, surface generation mechanism and characteristics of nanocomposite ceramic parts. The experimental results showed that the microscopic deformation mechanism of the ordinary Al2O3 parts was grain- boundary twinning and grain-boundary sliding while microscopic deformation mechanism of nanophase ceramic parts was the inner crystal dislocation of strengthened phase with intragranular structure. And its deformation coordination mechanisms were the grain-boundary sliding and coordination deformation of intercrystalline second-phase. The observation on the fracture surfaces of nanocomposite materials with different microscopic structures by TEM and SEM showed that ZrO2 particles had an important effect on the generation and expansion of crack in ceramic parts. The introduction of ZrO2 particles strengthened the interface intensity of grain boundary. If there were rich ZrO2 particles on the grain boundary, the cracks generated during the grinding process would be prevented. Smooth and plastic deformation processing surface was obtained. It was proved further that the nanophase materials behaved transcrystalline fracture due to the nano particles, dispersed in the grain boundary and prevented the expansion of crack. This material’s fracture behavior made favorable surface possible. In the precise grinding of nano materials, the plastic removal mechanism dominated the process. The dislocated depth of the nanocomposite ceramics after grinding was bigger than that of common ceramics, which meant that dislocation increased.

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