scholarly journals Tectonic inheritance controls nappe detachment, transport and stacking in the Helvetic nappe system, Switzerland: insights from thermomechanical simulations

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dániel Kiss ◽  
Thibault Duretz ◽  
Stefan Markus Schmalholz
Keyword(s):  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Creep Flow ◽  
Tectonic Inheritance ◽  
Horizontal Transport ◽  
Half Graben ◽  
Thermomechanical Processes ◽  
Von Mises ◽  
Basal Shear

Abstract. Tectonic nappes have been investigated for more than a hundred years. Although geological studies often refer to a “nappe theory”, the physical mechanisms of nappe formation are still disputed. We apply two-dimensional numerical simulations of shortening of a passive margin to investigate the thermomechanical processes of detachment (or shearing off), transport and stacking of nappes. We use a visco-elasto-plastic model with standard creep flow laws, Drucker–Prager and von Mises yield criteria. We consider tectonic inheritance with two initial mechanical heterogeneities: (1) lateral heterogeneity of the basement–cover interface due to half-grabens and horsts and (2) vertical heterogeneities due to layering of mechanically strong and weak sedimentary units. The model shows detachment and horizontal transport of a thrust nappe that gets stacked on a fold nappe. The detachment of the thrust sheet is triggered by stress concentrations around the sediment–basement contact and the resulting brittle–plastic shear band that shears off the sedimentary units from the sediment–basement contact. Horizontal transport is facilitated by a basal shear zone just above the basement–cover contact, composed of thin, weak sediments that act as a décollement. Fold nappe formation occurs by a dominantly ductile closure of a half-graben and the associated extrusion of the half-graben fill. We apply our model to the Helvetic nappe system in western Switzerland, which is characterized by stacking of the Wildhorn thrust nappe above the Morcles fold nappe. The modeled structures, the deformation rates and the temperature field agree with data from the Helvetic nappe system. Mechanical heterogeneities must locally generate effective viscosity (i.e., ratio of stress to viscoplastic strain rate) contrast of about 3 orders of magnitude to model nappe structures similar to the ones of the Helvetic nappe system. Our results indicate that the structural evolution of the Helvetic nappe system was controlled by tectonic inheritance and that material softening mechanisms are not essential to reproduce the first-order nappe structures.

scholarly journals Towards a nappe theory: Thermo-mechanical simulations of nappe detachment, transport and stacking in the Helvetic Nappe System, Switzerland

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dániel Kiss ◽  
Thibault Duretz ◽  
Stefan M. Schmalholz
Keyword(s):  
Yield Criterion ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Band Formation ◽  
Creep Flow ◽  
Physical Mechanisms ◽  
Tectonic Inheritance ◽  
Horizontal Transport ◽  
Half Graben ◽  
Basal Shear

Abstract. Tectonic nappes are observed for more than a hundred years. Although geological studies often refer to a nappe theory, the physical mechanisms of nappe formation are still incompletely understood. We apply two-dimensional numerical simulations of shortening of a passive margin, to investigate the thermo-mechanical processes of detachment, transport and stacking of nappes. We use a visco-elasto-plastic model with standard creep flow laws and Drucker-Prager yield criterion. We consider tectonic inheritance with two initial mechanical heterogeneities: (1) lateral heterogeneity of the basement-cover interface due to half-grabens and horsts and (2) vertical heterogeneities due to layering of mechanically strong and weak sedimentary units. The model shows detachment and horizontal transport of a thrust nappe and stacking of this thrust nappe above a fold nappe. The detachment of the thrust sheet is triggered by stress concentrations around the sediment-basement contact and the resulting brittle-plastic shear band formation. The horizontal transport is facilitated by a basal shear zone just above the basement-cover contact, composed of thin, weak sediments. Fold nappe formation occurs by a dominantly ductile closure of a half-graben and the associated extrusion of the half-graben fill. We apply our model to the Helvetic nappe system in Western Switzerland, which is characterized by stacking of the Wildhorn thrust nappe above the Morcles fold nappe. The modeled structures and temperature field agree with data from the Helvetic nappe system. The mechanical heterogeneities must generate contrasts in effective viscosity (i.e. ratio of stress to strain rate) of four orders of magnitude to model nappe structures similar to the ones of the Helvetic nappe system.

Interplay between tectonic inheritance and salt tectonics in the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Sahel basin (eastern Tunisia): implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wajdi Belkhiria ◽  
Haifa Boussiga ◽  
Imen Hamdi Nasr ◽  
Adnen Amiri ◽  
Mohamed Hédi Inoubli
Keyword(s):  
Early Cretaceous ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Gravity Data ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Growth Strata ◽  
Tectonic Inheritance ◽  
Sedimentary Evolution ◽  
Structural Style ◽  
Half Graben

<p>The Sahel basin in eastern Tunisia has been subject for hydrocarbon exploration since the early fifties. Despite the presence of a working petroleum system in the area, most of the drilled wells were dry or encountered oil shows that failed to give commercial flow rates. A better understanding of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Sahel basin is of great importance for future hydrocarbon prospectivity. In this contribution, we present integration of 2D seismic reflection profiles, exploration wells and new acquired gravity data. These subsurface data reveal that the Sahel basin developed as a passive margin during Jurassic-Early Cretaceous times and was later inverted during the Cenozoic Alpine orogeny. The occurrence of Triassic age evaporites and shales deposited during the Pangea breakup played a fundamental role in the structural style and tectono-sedimentary evolution of the study area. Seismic and gravity data revealed jointly important deep-seated extensional faults, almost along E-W and few along NNE–SSW and NW-SE directions, delimiting horsts and grabens structures. These syn-rift extensional faults controlled deposition, facies distribution and thicknesses of the Jurassic and Early cretaceous series. Most of these inherited deep-seated normal and transform faults are ornamented by different types of salt-related structures. The first phase of salt rising was initiated mainly along these syn-extensional faults in the Late Jurassic forming salt domes and continued into the Early and Late Cretaceous leading to salt-related diapir structures. During this period, the salt diapirism was accompanied by the development of salt withdrawal minibasins, characterized important growth strata due the differential subsidence. These areas represent important immediate kitchen areas to the salt-related structures. The later Late Cretaceous - Cenozoic shortening phases induced preferential rejuvenation of the diapiric structures and led to the inversion of former graben/half-graben structures and ultimately to vertical salt welds along salt ridges. These salt structures represent key elements that remains largely undrilled in the Sahel basin. Our results improve the understanding of salt growth in eastern Tunisia and consequently greatly impact the hydrocarbon prospectivity in the area.</p>

scholarly journals Control of 3-D tectonic inheritance on fold-and-thrust belts: insights from 3-D numerical models and application to the Helvetic nappe system

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 999-1026
Author(s):  
Richard Spitz ◽  
Arthur Bauville ◽  
Jean-Luc Epard ◽  
Boris J. P. Kaus ◽  
Anton A. Popov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Models ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Thrust Belt ◽  
First Order ◽  
Tectonic Inheritance ◽  
Horizontal Transport ◽  
Fold And Thrust Belt ◽  
Model Configuration ◽  
Half Graben ◽  
D Model

Abstract. We apply three-dimensional (3-D) thermo-mechanical numerical simulations of the shortening of the upper crustal region of a passive margin in order to investigate the control of 3-D laterally variable inherited structures on fold-and-thrust belt evolution and associated nappe formation. We consider tectonic inheritance by employing an initial model configuration with basement horst and graben structures having laterally variable geometry and with sedimentary layers having different mechanical strength. We use a visco-plastic rheology with a temperature-dependent flow law and a Drucker–Prager yield criterion. The models show the folding, detachment (shearing off) and horizontal transport of sedimentary units, which resemble structures of fold and thrust nappes. The models further show the stacking of nappes. The detachment of nappe-like structures is controlled by the initial basement and sedimentary layer geometry. Significant horizontal transport is facilitated by weak sedimentary units below these nappes. The initial half-graben geometry has a strong impact on the basement and sediment deformation. Generally, deeper half-grabens generate thicker nappes and stronger deformation of the neighbouring horst, while shallower half-grabens generate thinner nappes and less deformation in the horst. Horizontally continuous strong sediment layers, which are not restricted to initial graben structures, cause detachment (décollement) folding and not overthrusting. The amplitude of the detachment folds is controlled by the underlying graben geometry. A mechanically weaker basement favours the formation of fold nappes, while stronger basement favours thrust sheets. The model configuration is motivated by applying the 3-D model to the Helvetic nappe system of the Central Alps of France and Switzerland. Our model reproduces several first-order features of this nappe system, namely (1) closure of a half-graben and associated formation of the Morcles and Doldenhorn nappes, (2) overthrusting of a nappe resembling the Wildhorn and Glarus nappes, and (3) formation of a nappe pile resembling the Helvetic nappes resting above the Infrahelvetic complex. Furthermore, the finite strain pattern, temperature distribution and timing of the 3-D model is in broad agreement with data from the Helvetic nappe system. Our model, hence, provides a 3-D reconstruction of the first-order tectonic evolution of the Helvetic nappe system. Moreover, we do not apply any strain softening mechanisms. Strain localization, folding and nappe transport are controlled by initial geometrical and mechanical heterogeneities showing the fundamental importance of tectonic inheritance on fold-and-thrust belt evolution.

HALF-GRABEN MODEL FOR THE STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF THE FITZROY TROUGH, CANNING BASIN, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR RESOURCE EXPLORATION

1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.J. Drummond ◽  
M.A. Etheridge ◽  
P.J. Davies ◽  
M.F. Middleton
Keyword(s):  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Normal Faults ◽  
Canning Basin ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Structural Style ◽  
Half Graben ◽  
Resource Exploration ◽  
Transfer Faults

The Fitzroy Trough is a north-west/south-east trending rift along the north-east margin of the Canning Basin. The major crustal extension in the trough occurred in the Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous. Most idealised cross-sections show down-to-trough normal faults bounding both sides of the trough. In contrast, we show the trough to have a half- graben style, with one side a hinge zone or flexure, and the other side bounded by normal faults. Thus, the basin has marked structural asymmetry. The sense of asymmetry switches several times along strike with the hinged margin on the north-eastern margin in some places and the south-west margin in others. The switching in asymmetry occurs at transfer faults. This structural style is expected in extensional tectonic models where the extension occurs on a detachment surface and is typical of many continental and passive margin rifts. The asymmetry of the Palaeozoic structure has implications for resource exploration because of its influence on facies development in and subsequent structural evolution of the trough. Quite different syn-rift clastic and carbonate facies are expected on faulted and hinged margins of a half-graben. Post-rift subsidence will also be somewhat asymmetric, influencing the carbonate reef geometry in particular. Mesozoic deformation in the basin reactivated many of the Palaeozoic normal and transfer faults, and induced reverse slip up basement surfaces on the hinged margin segments.

scholarly journals A Computational Model to Assess Poststenting Wall Stresses Dependence on Plaque Structure and Stenosis Severity in Coronary Artery

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Zuned Hajiali ◽  
Mahsa Dabagh ◽  
Payman Jalali
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Arteries ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Internal Stresses ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Opening Pressure ◽  
Fibrous Cap ◽  
Stent Restenosis ◽  
Von Mises

The current study presents computational models to investigate the poststenting hemodynamic stresses and internal stresses over/within the diseased walls of coronary arteries which are in different states of atherosclerotic plaque. The finite element method is applied to build the axisymmetric models which include the plaque, arterial wall, and stent struts. The study takes into account the mechanical effects of the opening pressure and its association with the plaque severity and the morphology. The wall shear stresses and the von Mises stresses within the stented coronary arteries show their strong dependence on the plaque structure, particularly the fibrous cap thickness. Higher stresses occur in severely stenosed coronaries with a thinner fibrous cap. Large stress concentrations around the stent struts cause injury or damage to the vessel wall which is linked to the mechanism of restenosis. The in-stent restenosis rate is also highly dependent on the opening pressure, to the extent that stenosed artery is expanded, and geometry of the stent struts. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the restenosis is to be viewed as a consequence of biomechanical design of a stent repeating unit, the opening pressure, and the severity and morphology of the plaque.

scholarly journals Stretching and Contraction of Extensional Basins With Pre-Rift Salt: A Numerical Modeling Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Granado ◽  
Jonas B. Ruh ◽  
Pablo Santolaria ◽  
Philipp Strauss ◽  
Josep Anton Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Extension Rate ◽  
Rift Basins ◽  
Basin Inversion ◽  
Accommodation Space ◽  
Basement Faults ◽  
Original Distribution ◽  
Thrust Belts ◽  
Half Graben

We present a series of 2D thermo-mechanical numerical experiments of thick-skinned crustal extension including a pre-rift salt horizon and subsequent thin-, thick-skinned, or mixed styles of convergence accompanied by surface processes. Extension localization along steep basement faults produces half-graben structures and leads to variations in the original distribution of pre-rift salt. Thick-skinned extension rate and salt rheology control hanging wall accommodation space as well as the locus and timing of minibasin grounding. Upon shortening, extension-related basement steps hinder forward propagation of evolving shallow thrust systems; conversely, if full basin inversion takes place along every individual fault, the regional salt layer is placed back to its pre-extensional configuration, constituting a regionally continuous décollement. Continued shortening and basement involvement deform the shallow fold-thrust structures and locally breaches the shallow décollement. We aim at obtaining a series of structural, stratigraphic and kinematic templates of fold-and-thrust belts involving rift basins with an intervening pre-rift salt horizon. Numerical results are compared to natural cases of salt-related inversion tectonics to better understand their structural evolution.

scholarly journals Is Perpendicular Double Two-Hole Plates Fixation Superior to Single Four-Hole Plate Fixation to Treat Mandibular Symphysis Fracture?—A Finite Element Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 8629
Author(s):  
Li-Ren Chang ◽  
Ya-Pei Hou ◽  
Ting-Sheng Lin
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Mandibular Condyle ◽  
Fracture Site ◽  
Von Mises Stress ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Mandibular Symphysis ◽  
Lower Border ◽  
Von Mises

The effectiveness of a single four-hole plate (S4HP), perpendicularly oriented four-hole and two-hole plate (Per4H2HP), and perpendicularly oriented double two-hole plate (PerD2HP) for the fixation of a mandibular fracture was studied. A finite element analysis of the mandibular symphysis fractures treated with S4HP, Per4H2HP, and PerD2HP was performed. All surface nodes were fixed in the mandibular condyle region and occlusal muscle forces were applied. The maximal von Mises stress (MaxVMS) values of the plates, screws and screw holes were investigated. The displacement of the fracture site on the lower border of the mandibular symphysis was recorded. The displacement on the lower border of the fracture sites in the S4HP group was greater than that in the Per4H2HP group and the PerD2HP group. There was no eversion at the fracture site among all groups. Both the S4HP and Per4H2HP groups showed stress concentrations on the screws close to the fracture site. The MaxVMS increased when the number of screw holes on the mandibular anterior lower border decreased. The displacement of the fracture site and eversion with Per4H2HP and PerD2HP were far lower than those with S4HP. PerD2HP is a stable and green fixation technique for mandibular symphysis fractures.

Altered Load Transfer in the Pelvis in the Presence of Periprosthetic Osteolysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob T. Munro ◽  
Justin W. Fernandez ◽  
James S. Millar ◽  
Cameron G. Walker ◽  
Donald W. Howie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Bone ◽  
Load Transfer ◽  
Von Mises Stress ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Periprosthetic Osteolysis ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Von Mises

Periprosthetic osteolysis in the retroacetabular region with cancellous bone loss is a recognized phenomenon in the long-term follow-up of total hip replacement. The effects on load transfer in the presence of defects are less well known. A validated, patient-specific, 3D finite element (FE) model of the pelvis was used to assess changes in load transfer associated with periprosthetic osteolysis adjacent to a cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) component. The presence of a cancellous defect significantly increased (p < 0.05) von Mises stress in the cortical bone of the pelvis during walking and a fall onto the side. At loads consistent with single leg stance, this was still less than the predicted yield stress for cortical bone. During higher loads associated with a fall onto the side, highest stress concentrations occurred in the superior and inferior pubic rami and in the anterior column of the acetabulum with larger cancellous defects.

Synrift evaporite deposition and structural characterization of the onshore Alagoas subbasin

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. SH19-SH31
Author(s):  
Gabriela Salomão Martins ◽  
Webster Ueipass Mohriak ◽  
Nivaldo Destro
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characterization ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Hanging Wall ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Half Graben ◽  
Well Data

The Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, situated in the north-east Brazilian margin, has a long tradition of oil and gas production and the presence and distribution of evaporites play an important role in petroleum systems in the basin. However, little research has focused on the structural evolution of the older, synrift evaporitic sections of the basin. We have focused explicitly in the detailed subsurface structural characterization of the rift in the Alagoas subbasin and the distribution of the Early Aptian evaporites. To accomplish this objective, we interpreted selected 2D and 3D seismic and well data located in two areas known as the Varela Low (VL) and Fazenda Guindaste Low (FGL). We identified diverse deformation styles in those two basin depocenters. Our interpretation indicates that VL consists of a half-graben with a significant rollover structure, controlled by two listric northeast–southwest border faults. The deformation in the hanging wall is also accommodated by release faults and minor antithetic faults. In this depocenter, we mapped in the seismic and the well data an older evaporitic sequence within the Coqueiro Seco Fm., known as Horizonte Salt. This evaporitic section occurs in the internal part of the VL half graben, where it is limited by release and antithetic faults. Significant salt strata growing toward the antithetic fault is observed. Whereas, the FGL represents a graben elongated along the north-east direction and is controlled by several types of structures. We recognized normal synthetic and antithetic faults, transfer zones, release faults, and rollover anticlines in the seismic throughout this depocenter. We mapped an evaporitic section within the Maceió Fm., known as Paripueira Salt, which consists of disconnected salt bodies, restricted to the hanging walls of synrift faults.

scholarly journals Effect of Fiber Posts on Stress Distribution of Endodontically Treated Upper Premolars: Finite Element Analysis

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Zarow ◽  
Mirco Vadini ◽  
Agnieszka Chojnacka-Brozek ◽  
Katarzyna Szczeklik ◽  
Grzegorz Milewski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Stress Distribution ◽  
Resin Composite ◽  
Von Mises Stress ◽  
Stress Distributions ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Endodontically Treated Tooth ◽  
Maxillary Premolars ◽  
Von Mises

By means of a finite element method (FEM), the present study evaluated the effect of fiber post (FP) placement on the stress distribution occurring in endodontically treated upper first premolars (UFPs) with mesial–occlusal–distal (MOD) nanohybrid composite restorations under subcritical static load. FEM models were created to simulate four different clinical situations involving endodontically treated UFPs with MOD cavities restored with one of the following: composite resin; composite and one FP in the palatal root; composite and one FP in the buccal root; or composite and two FPs. As control, the model of an intact UFP was included. A simulated load of 150 N was applied. Stress distribution was observed on each model surface, on the mid buccal–palatal plane, and on two horizontal planes (at cervical and root-furcation levels); the maximum Von Mises stress values were calculated. All analyses were replicated three times, using the mechanical parameters from three different nanohybrid resin composite restorative materials. In the presence of FPs, the maximum stress values recorded on dentin (in cervical and root-furcation areas) appeared slightly reduced, compared to the endodontically treated tooth restored with no post; in the same areas, the overall Von Mises maps revealed more favorable stress distributions. FPs in maxillary premolars with MOD cavities can lead to a positive redistribution of potentially dangerous stress concentrations away from the cervical and the root-furcation dentin.

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