Continuum understanding of twin formation near grain boundaries of FCC metals with low stacking fault energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Jaimyun; Yoon, Jae Ik; Kim, Jung Gi; Latypov, Marat I.; Kim, Jin You; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2017-12-01

Deformation twinning from grain boundaries is often observed in face-centered cubic metals with low stacking fault energy. One of the possible factors that contribute to twinning origination from grain boundaries is the intergranular interactions during deformation. Nonetheless, the influence of mechanical interaction among grains on twin evolution has not been fully understood. In spite of extensive experimental and modeling efforts on correlating microstructural features with their twinning behavior, a clear relation among the large aggregate of grains is still lacking. In this work, we characterize the micromechanics of grain-to-grain interactions that contribute to twin evolution by investigating the mechanical twins near grain boundaries using a full-field crystal plasticity simulation of a twinning-induced plasticity steel deformed in uniaxial tension at room temperature. Microstructures are first observed through electron backscatter diffraction technique to obtain data to reconstruct a statistically equivalent microstructure through synthetic microstructure building. Grain-to-grain micromechanical response is analyzed to assess the collective twinning behavior of the microstructural volume element under tensile deformation. Examination of the simulated results reveal that grain interactions are capable of changing the local mechanical behavior near grain boundaries by transferring strain across grain boundary or localizing strain near grain boundary.

New twinning route in face-centered cubic nanocrystalline metals.

PubMed

Wang, Lihua; Guan, Pengfei; Teng, Jiao; Liu, Pan; Chen, Dengke; Xie, Weiyu; Kong, Deli; Zhang, Shengbai; Zhu, Ting; Zhang, Ze; Ma, Evan; Chen, Mingwei; Han, Xiaodong

2017-12-15

Twin nucleation in a face-centered cubic crystal is believed to be accomplished through the formation of twinning partial dislocations on consecutive atomic planes. Twinning should thus be highly unfavorable in face-centered cubic metals with high twin-fault energy barriers, such as Al, Ni, and Pt, but instead is often observed. Here, we report an in situ atomic-scale observation of twin nucleation in nanocrystalline Pt. Unlike the classical twinning route, deformation twinning initiated through the formation of two stacking faults separated by a single atomic layer, and proceeded with the emission of a partial dislocation in between these two stacking faults. Through this route, a three-layer twin was nucleated without a mandatory layer-by-layer twinning process. This route is facilitated by grain boundaries, abundant in nanocrystalline metals, that promote the nucleation of separated but closely spaced partial dislocations, thus enabling an effective bypassing of the high twin-fault energy barrier.

Breakdown of Shape Memory Effect in Bent Cu-Al-Ni Nanopillars: When Twin Boundaries Become Stacking Faults.

PubMed

Liu, Lifeng; Ding, Xiangdong; Sun, Jun; Li, Suzhi; Salje, Ekhard K H

2016-01-13

Bent Cu-Al-Ni nanopillars (diameters 90-750 nm) show a shape memory effect, SME, for diameters D > 300 nm. The SME and the associated twinning are located in a small deformed section of the nanopillar. Thick nanopillars (D > 300 nm) transform to austenite under heating, including the deformed region. Thin nanopillars (D < 130 nm) do not twin but generate highly disordered sequences of stacking faults in the deformed region. No SME occurs and heating converts only the undeformed regions into austenite. The defect-rich, deformed region remains in the martensite phase even after prolonged heating in the stability field of austenite. A complex mixture of twins and stacking faults was found for diameters 130 nm < D < 300 nm. The size effect of the SME in Cu-Al-Ni nanopillars consists of an approximately linear reduction of the SME between 300 and 130 nm when the SME completely vanishes for smaller diameters.

Order-disorder twinning model and stacking faults in alpha-NTO.

PubMed

Schwarzenbach, Dieter; Kirschbaum, Kristin; Pinkerton, A Alan

2006-10-01

Crystals of the recently published [Bolotina, Kirschbaum & Pinkerton (2005). Acta Cryst. B61, 577-584] triclinic (P\\overline1) structure of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (alpha-NTO) occur as fourfold twins. There are Z' = 4 independent molecules per asymmetric unit. We show that the structure contains layers with 2-periodic layer-group symmetry p2(1)/b 1 (1). This symmetry is lost through the stacking of the layers, which is a possible explanation for Z' = 4. A layer can assume four different but equivalent positions with respect to its nearest neighbor. Twinning arises through stacking faults and is an instructive example of the application of order-disorder theory using local symmetry operations. The near-neighbor relations between molecules remain unchanged through all twin boundaries. The four structures with maximum degree of order, one of which is the observed one, and the family reflections common to all domains are identified. Rods of weak diffuse scattering confirm the stacking model.

Stacking faults and mechanisms strain-induced transformations of hcp metals (Ti, Mg) during mechanical activation in liquid hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubnin, A. N.; Dorofeev, G. A.; Nikonova, R. M.; Mukhgalin, V. V.; Lad'yanov, V. I.

2017-11-01

The evolution of the structure and substructure of metals Ti and Mg with hexagonal close-packed (hcp) lattice is studied during their mechanical activation in a planetary ball mill in liquid hydrocarbons (toluene, n-heptane) and with additions of carbon materials (graphite, fullerite, nanotubes) by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. The temperature behavior and hydrogen-accumulating properties of mechanocomposites are studied. During mechanical activation of Ti and Mg, liquid hydrocarbons decay, metastable nanocrystalline titanium carbohydride Ti(C,H) x and magnesium hydride β-MgH2 are formed, respectively. The Ti(C,H) x and MgH2 formation mechanisms during mechanical activation are deformation ones and are associated with stacking faults accumulation, and the formation of face-centered cubic (fcc) packing of atoms. Metastable Ti(C,H)x decays at a temperature of 550°C, the partial reverse transformation fcc → hcp occurs. The crystalline defect accumulation (nanograin boundaries, stacking faults), hydrocarbon destruction, and mechanocomposite formation leads to the enhancement of subsequent magnesium hydrogenation in the Sieverts reactor.

Application of Phase-Weighted Stacking to Low-Frequency Earthquakes near the Alpine Fault, Central Southern Alps, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratin, L. M.; Townend, J.; Chamberlain, C. J.; Savage, M. K.

2015-12-01

Characterising seismicity in the vicinity of the Alpine Fault, a major transform boundary late in its typical earthquake cycle, may provide constraints on the state of stress preceding a large earthquake. Here, we use recently detected tremor and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) to examine how slow tectonic deformation is loading the Alpine Fault toward an anticipated major rupture. We work with a continuous seismic dataset collected between 2009 and 2012 from a network of short-period seismometers, the Southern Alps Microearthquake Borehole Array (SAMBA). Fourteen primary LFE templates have been used to scan the dataset using a matched-filter technique based on an iterative cross-correlation routine. This method allows the detection of similar signals and establishes LFE families with common hypocenter locations. The detections are then combined for each LFE family using phase-weighted stacking (Thurber et al., 2014) to produce a signal with the highest possible signal to noise ratio. We find this method to be successful in increasing the number of LFE detections by roughly 10% in comparison with linear stacking. Our next step is to manually pick polarities on first arrivals of the phase-weighted stacked signals and compute preliminary locations. We are working to estimate LFE focal mechanism parameters and refine the focal mechanism solutions using an amplitude ratio technique applied to the linear stacks. LFE focal mechanisms should provide new insight into the geometry and rheology of the Alpine Fault and the stress field prevailing in the central Southern Alps.

Microstructural characterization of high-manganese austenitic steels with different stacking fault energies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, Shigeo, E-mail: s.sato@imr.tohoku.ac.jp; Kwon, Eui-Pyo; Imafuku, Muneyuki

Microstructures of tensile-deformed high-manganese austenitic steels exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity were analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction pattern observation and X-ray diffraction measurement to examine the influence of differences in their stacking fault energies on twinning activity during deformation. The steel specimen with the low stacking fault energy of 15 mJ/m{sup 2} had a microstructure with a high population of mechanical twins than the steel specimen with the high stacking fault energy (25 mJ/m{sup 2}). The <111> and <100> fibers developed along the tensile axis, and mechanical twinning occurred preferentially in the <111> fiber. The Schmid factors for slip and twinning deformationsmore » can explain the origin of higher twinning activity in the <111> fiber. However, the high stacking fault energy suppresses the twinning activity even in the <111> fiber. A line profile analysis based on the X-ray diffraction data revealed the relationship between the characteristics of the deformed microstructures and the stacking fault energies of the steel specimens. Although the variation in dislocation density with the tensile deformation is not affected by the stacking fault energies, the effect of the stacking fault energies on the crystallite size refinement becomes significant with a decrease in the stacking fault energies. Moreover, the stacking fault probability, which was estimated from a peak-shift analysis of the 111 and 200 diffractions, was high for the specimen with low stacking fault energy. Regardless of the difference in the stacking fault energies of the steel specimens, the refined crystallite size has a certain correlation with the stacking fault probability, indicating that whether the deformation-induced crystallite-size refinement occurs depends directly on the stacking fault probability rather than on the stacking fault energies in the present steel specimens. - Highlights: {yields} We studied effects of stacking fault energies on deformed microstructures of steels. {yields} Correlations between texture and occurrence of mechanical twinning are discussed. {yields} Evolutions of dislocations and crystallite are analyzed by line profile analysis.« less

Imaging a Fault Boundary System Using Controlled-Source Data Recorded on a Large-N Seismic Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paschall, O. C.; Chen, T.; Snelson, C. M.; Ralston, M. D.; Rowe, C. A.

2016-12-01

The Source Physics Experiment (SPE) is a series of chemical explosions conducted in southern Nevada with an objective of improving nuclear explosion monitoring. Five chemical explosions have occurred thus far in granite, the most recent being SPE-5 on April 26, 2016. The SPE series will improve our understanding of seismic wave propagation (primarily S-waves) due to explosions, and allow better discrimination of background seismicity such as earthquakes and explosions. The Large-N portion of the project consists of 996 receiver stations. Half of the stations were vertical component and the other half were three-component geophones. All receivers were deployed for 30 days and recorded the SPE-5 shot, earthquakes, noise, and an additional controlled-source: a large weight-drop, which is a 13,000 kg modified industrial pile driver. In this study, we undertake reflection processing of waveforms from the weight-drop, as recorded by a line of sensors extracted from the Large-N array. The profile is 1.2 km in length with 25 m station spacing and 100 m shot point spacing. This profile crosses the Boundary Fault that separates granite body and an alluvium basin, a strong acoustic impedance boundary that scatters seismic energy into S-waves and coda. The data were processed with traditional seismic reflection processing methods that include filtering, deconvolution, and stacking. The stack will be used to extract the location of the splays of the Boundary Fault and provide geologic constraints to the modeling and simulation teams within the SPE project.

TEM study on relationship between stacking faults and non-basal dislocations in Mg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dalong; Jiang, Lin; Schoenung, Julie M.; Mahajan, Subhash; Lavernia, Enrique J.

2015-12-01

Recent interest in the study of stacking faults and non-basal slip in Mg alloys is partly based on the argument that these phenomena positively influence mechanical behaviour. Inspection of the published literature, however, reveals that there is a lack of fundamental information on the mechanisms that govern the formation of stacking faults, especially I1-type stacking faults (I1 faults). Moreover, controversial and sometimes contradictory mechanisms have been proposed concerning the interactions between stacking faults and dislocations. Therefore, we describe a fundamental transmission electron microscope investigation on Mg 2.5 at. % Y (Mg-2.5Y) processed via hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and extrusion at 623 K. In the as-HIPed Mg-2.5Y, many and dislocations, together with some dislocations were documented, but no stacking faults were observed. In contrast, in the as-extruded Mg-2.5Y, a relatively high density of stacking faults and some non-basal dislocations were documented. Specifically, there were three different cases for the configurations of observed stacking faults. Case (I): pure I2 faults; Case (II): mixture of I1 faults and non-basal dislocations having component, together with basal dislocations; Case (III): mixture of predominant I2 faults and rare I1 faults, together with jog-like dislocation configuration. By comparing the differences in extended defect configurations, we propose three distinct stacking fault formation mechanisms for each case in the context of slip activity and point defect generation during extrusion. Furthermore, we discuss the role of stacking faults on deformation mechanisms in the context of dynamic interactions between stacking faults and non-basal slip.

Experimental verification of the model for formation of double Shockley stacking faults in highly doped regions of PVT-grown 4H–SiC wafers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Yu; Guo, Jianqiu; Goue, Ouloide

Recently, we reported on the formation of overlapping rhombus-shaped stacking faults from scratches left over by the chemical mechanical polishing during high temperature annealing of PVT-grown 4H–SiC wafer. These stacking faults are restricted to regions with high N-doped areas of the wafer. The type of these stacking faults were determined to be Shockley stacking faults by analyzing the behavior of their area contrast using synchrotron white beam X-ray topography studies. A model was proposed to explain the formation mechanism of the rhombus shaped stacking faults based on double Shockley fault nucleation and propagation. In this paper, we have experimentally verifiedmore » this model by characterizing the configuration of the bounding partials of the stacking faults on both surfaces using synchrotron topography in back reflection geometry. As predicted by the model, on both the Si and C faces, the leading partials bounding the rhombus-shaped stacking faults are 30° Si-core and the trailing partials are 30° C-core. Finally, using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, we have verified that the enclosed stacking fault is a double Shockley type.« less

First principle study on generalized-stacking-fault energy surfaces of B2-AlRE intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shaorong; Wang, Shaofeng; Wang, Rui

2011-12-01

First-principles calculations are used to predict the generalized-stacking-fault energy (GSFE) surfaces of AlRE intermetallics. The calculations employ the projector augmented-wave (PAW) method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) using the density functional theory (DFT). GSFE curves along <1 1 1> {1 1 0} direction, <1 1 0> {1 1 0} direction and <1 0 0> {1 1 0} direction have been calculated. The fitted GSFE surfaces have been obtained from the Fourier series based on the translational symmetry. In order to illuminate the reasonable of our computational accuracy, we have compared our theoretical results of B2 intermetallics YCu with the previous calculated results. The unstable-stacking-fault energy (γus) on the {1 1 0} plane has the laws of AlPr, <1 1 0> and <1 1 1> directions. For the antiphase boundary (APB) energy, that of AlSc is the lowest in the calculated AlRE intermetallics. So the superdislocation with the Burgers vector along <1 1 1> direction of AlSc will easily split into two superpartials.

Sediment Accretion During Horst and Graben Subduction associated with the Tohoku Oki M9 Earthquake, Northern Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, J. C.; Chester, F. M.

2015-12-01

The stratigraphic sequence within the frontal accretionary prism of the Japan Trench, the site of large slip during the Tohoku earthquake, is unique due to horst and graben subduction. Boreholes at IODP Site C0019, penetrating the toe of the Tohoku accretionary prism, document a younger over older intraprism thrust contact with a 9 Ma age gap across the basal plate boundary fault. The anomalously young (Quaternary to Pliocene), fault-bounded sediment package is 130 m thick, of a total of 820 m of sediment above the plate boundary fault. In contrast, typical accretionary prism structure consists of stacked sediment packages on imbricate faults above the basal decollement resulting in an overall increase in age downward. Site C0019 penetrates the prism directly above a horst of the subducting Pacific oceanic crust. Here the plate-boundary fault consists of a thin, weak smectitic pelagic clay that is probably the principal slip surface of ~50 m offset in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The fault continues seaward deepening off the seaward edge of the horst and beneath the sediment fill of the adjacent graben, dying out at the landward base of the next incoming horst. The plate boundary fault and its splays in the graben form a narrow-taper protoprism and a small sedimentary basin of trench fill marking the seaward edge of the upper plate. The modern fault and sediment distributions within the graben are used to motivate a viable model for the presence of anomalously young sediments directly above the plate boundary fault. In this model sediments in the trench are thrust over the incoming horst by propagation of the plate boundary thrust up the landward-dipping fault of the incoming horst and along the smectitic clay layer to emplace Quaternary and Pliocene trench deposits directly on top of the incoming horst. These young deposits are in turn overlain by sediments 9 Ma or older that have been transported out of the graben along imbricate faults associated with the necessary increase in the taper of the prism above the graben. The Quaternary to Pliocene units thicken due to internal deformation accounting for the 130 m thickness now observed over the plate boundary fault at Site C0019. Conversely emplacement of very young sediment directly above a basal detachment would be unexpected in accretionary prisms subducting smoother oceanic crust.

Formation mechanism of fivefold deformation twins in a face-centered cubic alloy.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenyu; Huang, Siling; Chen, Leilei; Zhu, Zhanwei; Guo, Dongming

2017-03-28

The formation mechanism considers fivefold deformation twins originating from the grain boundaries in a nanocrystalline material, resulting in that fivefold deformation twins derived from a single crystal have not been reported by molecular dynamics simulations. In this study, fivefold deformation twins are observed in a single crystal of face-centered cubic (fcc) alloy. A new formation mechanism is proposed for fivefold deformation twins in a single crystal. A partial dislocation is emitted from the incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs) with high energy, generating a stacking fault along {111} plane, and resulting in the nucleating and growing of a twin by the successive emission of partials. A node is fixed at the intersecting center of the four different slip {111} planes. With increasing stress under the indentation, ITBs come into being close to the node, leading to the emission of a partial from the node. This generates a stacking fault along a {111} plane, nucleating and growing a twin by the continuous emission of the partials. This process repeats until the formation of fivefold deformation twins.

Formation mechanism of fivefold deformation twins in a face-centered cubic alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenyu; Huang, Siling; Chen, Leilei; Zhu, Zhanwei; Guo, Dongming

2017-03-01

The formation mechanism considers fivefold deformation twins originating from the grain boundaries in a nanocrystalline material, resulting in that fivefold deformation twins derived from a single crystal have not been reported by molecular dynamics simulations. In this study, fivefold deformation twins are observed in a single crystal of face-centered cubic (fcc) alloy. A new formation mechanism is proposed for fivefold deformation twins in a single crystal. A partial dislocation is emitted from the incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs) with high energy, generating a stacking fault along {111} plane, and resulting in the nucleating and growing of a twin by the successive emission of partials. A node is fixed at the intersecting center of the four different slip {111} planes. With increasing stress under the indentation, ITBs come into being close to the node, leading to the emission of a partial from the node. This generates a stacking fault along a {111} plane, nucleating and growing a twin by the continuous emission of the partials. This process repeats until the formation of fivefold deformation twins.

The measurement of the stacking fault energy in copper, nickel and copper-nickel alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leighly, H. P., Jr.

1982-01-01

The relationship of hydrogen solubility and the hydrogen embrittlement of high strength, high performance face centered cubic alloys to the stacking fault energy of the alloys was investigated. The stacking fault energy is inversely related to the distance between the two partial dislocations which are formed by the dissociation of a perfect dislocation. The two partial dislocations define a stacking fault in the crystal which offers a region for hydrogen segregation. The distance between the partial dislocations is measured by weak beam, dark field transmission electron microscopy. The stacking fault energy is calculated. Pure copper, pure nickel and copper-nickel single crystals are used to determine the stacking fault energy.

The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the South Island of New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Junlin; Fischer, Karen M.; Savage, Martha K.

2018-02-01

Lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) properties beneath the South Island of New Zealand have been imaged by Sp receiver function common-conversion point stacking. In this transpressional boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, dextral offset on the Alpine fault and convergence have occurred for the past 20 My, with the Alpine fault now bounded by Australian plate subduction to the south and Pacific plate subduction to the north. Using data from onland seismometers, especially the 29 broadband stations of the New Zealand permanent seismic network (GeoNet), we obtained 24,971 individual receiver functions by extended-time multi-taper deconvolution, and mapped them to three-dimensional space using a Fresnel zone approximation. Pervasive strong positive Sp phases are observed in the LAB depth range indicated by surface wave tomography. These phases are interpreted as conversions from a velocity decrease across the LAB. In the central South Island, the LAB is observed to be deeper and broader to the northwest of the Alpine fault. The deeper LAB to the northwest of the Alpine fault is consistent with models in which oceanic lithosphere attached to the Australian plate was partially subducted, or models in which the Pacific lithosphere has been underthrust northwest past the Alpine fault. Further north, a zone of thin lithosphere with a strong and vertically localized LAB velocity gradient occurs to the northwest of the fault, juxtaposed against a region of anomalously weak LAB conversions to the southeast of the fault. This structure could be explained by lithospheric blocks with contrasting LAB properties that meet beneath the Alpine fault, or by the effects of Pacific plate subduction. The observed variations in LAB properties indicate strong modification of the LAB by the interplay of convergence and strike-slip deformation along and across this transpressional plate boundary.

Stacking fault effects in Mg-doped GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, T. M.; Miwa, R. H.; Orellana, W.; Chacham, H.

2002-01-01

First-principles total energy calculations are performed to investigate the interaction of a stacking fault with a p-type impurity in both zinc-blende and wurtzite GaN. For both structures we find that, in the presence of a stacking fault, the impurity level is a more localized state in the band gap. In zinc-blende GaN, the minimum energy position of the substitutional Mg atom is at the plane of the stacking fault. In contrast, in wurtzite GaN the substitutional Mg atom at the plane of the stacking fault is a local minimum and the global minimum is the substitutional Mg far from the fault. This behavior can be understood as a packing effect which induces a distinct strain relief process, since the local structure of the stacking fault in zinc-blende GaN is similar to fault-free wurtzite GaN and vice-versa.

Hydrogen Embrittlement And Stacking-Fault Energies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parr, R. A.; Johnson, M. H.; Davis, J. H.; Oh, T. K.

1988-01-01

Embrittlement in Ni/Cu alloys appears related to stacking-fault porbabilities. Report describes attempt to show a correlation between stacking-fault energy of different Ni/Cu alloys and susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Correlation could lead to more fundamental understanding and method of predicting susceptibility of given Ni/Cu alloy form stacking-fault energies calculated from X-ray diffraction measurements.

Basic criteria for formation of growth twins in high stacking fault energy metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, K. Y.; Zhang, X.; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas 77843

Nanotwinned metals received significant interest lately as twin boundaries may enable simultaneous enhancement of strength, ductility, thermal stability, and radiation tolerance. However, nanotwins have been the privilege of metals with low-to-intermediate stacking fault energy (SFE). Recent scattered studies show that nanotwins could be introduced into high SFE metals, such as Al. In this paper, we examine several sputter-deposited, (111) textured Ag/Al, Cu/Ni, and Cu/Fe multilayers, wherein growth twins were observed in Al, Ni, and face-centered cubic (fcc) Fe. The comparisons lead to two important design criteria that dictate the introduction of growth twins in high SFE metals. The validity ofmore » these criteria was then examined in Ag/Ni multilayers. Furthermore, another twin formation mechanism in high SFE metals was discovered in Ag/Ni system.« less

Growth of Fault-Cored Anticlines by Flexural Slip Folding: Analysis by Boundary Element Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Kaj M.

2018-03-01

Fault-related folds develop due to a combination of slip on the associated fault and distributed deformation off the fault. Under conditions that are sufficient for sedimentary layering to act as a stack of mechanical layers with contact slip, buckling can dramatically amplify the folding process. We develop boundary element models of fault-related folding of viscoelastic layers embedded with a reverse fault to examine the influence of such layering on fold growth. The strength of bedding contacts, the thickness and stiffness of layering, and fault geometry all contribute significantly to the resulting fold form. Frictional contact strength between layers controls the degree of localization of slip within fold limbs; high contact friction in relatively thin bedding tends to localize bedding slip within narrow kink bands on fold limbs, and low contact friction tends to produce widespread bedding slip and concentric fold form. Straight ramp faults tend to produce symmetric folds, whereas listric faults tend to produce asymmetric folds with short forelimbs and longer backlimbs. Fault-related buckle folds grow exponentially with time under steady loading rates. At early stages of folding, fold growth is largely attributed to slip on the fault, but as the fold increases amplitude, a larger portion of the fold growth is attributed to distributed slip across bedding contacts on the limbs of the fold. An important implication for geologic and earthquake studies is that not all surface deformation associated with blind reverse faults may be attributed to slip on the fault during earthquakes.

Stacking fault density and bond orientational order of fcc ruthenium nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Okkyun; Sakata, Osami; Kim, Jae Myung; Hiroi, Satoshi; Song, Chulho; Kumara, Loku Singgappulige Rosantha; Ohara, Koji; Dekura, Shun; Kusada, Kohei; Kobayashi, Hirokazu; Kitagawa, Hiroshi

2017-12-01

We investigated crystal structure deviations of catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. The samples were fcc ruthenium (Ru) NPs with diameters of 2.4, 3.5, 3.9, and 5.4 nm. We analyzed average crystal structures by applying the line profile method to a stacking fault model and local crystal structures using bond orientational order (BOO) parameters. The reflection peaks shifted depending on rules that apply to each stacking fault. We evaluated the quantitative stacking faults densities for fcc Ru NPs, and the stacking fault per number of layers was 2-4, which is quite large. Our analysis shows that the fcc Ru 2.4 nm-diameter NPs have a considerably high stacking fault density. The B factor tends to increase with the increasing stacking fault density. A structural parameter that we define from the BOO parameters exhibits a significant difference from the ideal value of the fcc structure. This indicates that the fcc Ru NPs are highly disordered.

The behaviour of stacking fault energy upon interstitial alloying.

PubMed

Lee, Jee-Yong; Koo, Yang Mo; Lu, Song; Vitos, Levente; Kwon, Se Kyun

2017-09-11

Stacking fault energy is one of key parameters for understanding the mechanical properties of face-centered cubic materials. It is well known that the plastic deformation mechanism is closely related to the size of stacking fault energy. Although alloying is a conventional method to modify the physical parameter, the underlying microscopic mechanisms are not yet clearly established. Here, we propose a simple model for determining the effect of interstitial alloying on the stacking fault energy. We derive a volumetric behaviour of stacking fault energy from the harmonic approximation to the energy-lattice curve and relate it to the contents of interstitials. The stacking fault energy is found to change linearly with the interstitial content in the usual low concentration domain. This is in good agreement with previously reported experimental and theoretical data.

Origin analysis of expanded stacking faults by applying forward current to 4H-SiC p-i-n diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Shohei; Naijo, Takanori; Yamashita, Tamotsu; Miyazato, Masaki; Ryo, Mina; Fujisawa, Hiroyuki; Miyajima, Masaaki; Senzaki, Junji; Kato, Tomohisa; Yonezawa, Yoshiyuki; Kojima, Kazutoshi; Okumura, Hajime

2017-08-01

Stacking faults expanded by the application of forward current to 4H-SiC p-i-n diodes were observed using a transmission electron microscope to investigate the expansion origin. It was experimentally confirmed that long-zonal-shaped stacking faults expanded from basal-plane dislocations converted into threading edge dislocations. In addition, stacking fault expansion clearly penetrated into the substrate to a greater depth than the dislocation conversion point. This downward expansion of stacking faults strongly depends on the degree of high-density minority carrier injection.

Deformation induced microtwins and stacking faults in aluminum single crystal.

PubMed

Han, W Z; Cheng, G M; Li, S X; Wu, S D; Zhang, Z F

2008-09-12

Microtwins and stacking faults in plastically deformed aluminum single crystal were successfully observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The occurrence of these microtwins and stacking faults is directly related to the specially designed crystallographic orientation, because they were not observed in pure aluminum single crystal or polycrystal before. Based on the new finding above, we propose a universal dislocation-based model to judge the preference or not for the nucleation of deformation twins and stacking faults in various face-centered-cubic metals in terms of the critical stress for dislocation glide or twinning by considering the intrinsic factors, such as stacking fault energy, crystallographic orientation, and grain size. The new finding of deformation induced microtwins and stacking faults in aluminum single crystal and the proposed model should be of interest to a broad community.

First-principles Calculations of Twin-boundary and Stacking-fault Energies in Magnesium

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Vasu KI. Scripta Mater 1969;3:927. [7] Couret A, Caillard D. Acta Metall 1985;33:1455. [8] Fleischer RL . Scripta Mater 1986;20:223. [9] Liu ZK. J...Jackson KA, Pederson MR, Singh DJ, Fiolhais C. Phys Rev B 1992;46:6671. [17] Kresse G, Furthmuller J. Phys Rev B 1996;54:11169. [18] Kresse G, Joubert

Synthesis and microstructure of electrodeposited and sputtered nanotwinned face-centered-cubic metals

DOE PAGES

Bufford, Daniel C.; Wang, Morris; Liu, Yue; ...

2016-04-01

The remarkable properties of nanotwinned (NT) face-centered-cubic (fcc) metals arise directly from twin boundaries, the structures of which can be initially determined by growth twinning during the deposition process. When we understand the synthesis process and its relation to the resulting microstructure, and ultimately to material properties, we realize how key it is to understanding and utilizing these materials. Furthermore, our article presents recent studies on electrodeposition and sputtering methods that produce a high density of nanoscale growth twins in fcc metals. Nanoscale growth twins tend to form spontaneously in monolithic and alloyed fcc metals with lower stacking-fault energies, whilemore » engineered approaches are necessary for fcc metals with higher stacking-fault energies. Finally, growth defects and other microstructural features that influence nanotwin behavior and stability are introduced here, and future challenges in fabricating NT materials are highlighted.« less

Synthesis and microstructure of electrodeposited and sputtered nanotwinned face-centered-cubic metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bufford, Daniel C.; Wang, Morris; Liu, Yue

The remarkable properties of nanotwinned (NT) face-centered-cubic (fcc) metals arise directly from twin boundaries, the structures of which can be initially determined by growth twinning during the deposition process. When we understand the synthesis process and its relation to the resulting microstructure, and ultimately to material properties, we realize how key it is to understanding and utilizing these materials. Furthermore, our article presents recent studies on electrodeposition and sputtering methods that produce a high density of nanoscale growth twins in fcc metals. Nanoscale growth twins tend to form spontaneously in monolithic and alloyed fcc metals with lower stacking-fault energies, whilemore » engineered approaches are necessary for fcc metals with higher stacking-fault energies. Finally, growth defects and other microstructural features that influence nanotwin behavior and stability are introduced here, and future challenges in fabricating NT materials are highlighted.« less

Effect of stacking faults on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of hcp Co: a first-principles study.

PubMed

Aas, C J; Szunyogh, L; Evans, R F L; Chantrell, R W

2013-07-24

In terms of the fully relativistic screened Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method we investigate the effect of stacking faults on the magnetic properties of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) cobalt. In particular, we consider the formation energy and the effect on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) of four different stacking faults in hcp cobalt-an intrinsic growth fault, an intrinsic deformation fault, an extrinsic fault and a twin-like fault. We find that the intrinsic growth fault has the lowest formation energy, in good agreement with previous first-principles calculations. With the exception of the intrinsic deformation fault which has a positive impact on the MAE, we find that the presence of a stacking fault generally reduces the MAE of bulk Co. Finally, we consider a pair of intrinsic growth faults and find that their effect on the MAE is not additive, but synergic.

Theoretical prediction and direct observation of the 9R structure in Ag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernst, F.; Finnis, M. W.; Hofmann, D.; Muschik, T.; Schönberger, U.; Wolf, U.; Methfessel, M.

1992-07-01

Molecular-dynamics simulations of the Σ3<110>(211) twin boundary in Ag predict a thin (1 nm) boundary phase of the 9R (α-Sm) structure. High-resolution electron microscopy shows the presence of the predicted structure. We also calculate the energy ab initio for several hypothetical structures of Cu and Ag. Low energies of the 9R structure and other polytypes, low experimental stacking-fault energies, and the hcp-fcc energy difference are correlated and explained in terms of an effective nearest-neighbor Ising interaction.

Nanocrystalline copper films are never flat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaopu; Han, Jian; Plombon, John J.; Sutton, Adrian P.; Srolovitz, David J.; Boland, John J.

2017-07-01

We used scanning tunneling microscopy to study low-angle grain boundaries at the surface of nearly planar copper nanocrystalline (111) films. The presence of grain boundaries and their emergence at the film surface create valleys composed of dissociated edge dislocations and ridges where partial dislocations have recombined. Geometric analysis and simulations indicated that valleys and ridges were created by an out-of-plane grain rotation driven by reduction of grain boundary energy. These results suggest that in general, it is impossible to form flat two-dimensional nanocrystalline films of copper and other metals exhibiting small stacking fault energies and/or large elastic anisotropy, which induce a large anisotropy in the dislocation-line energy.

Stacking-fault nucleation on Ir(111).

PubMed

Busse, Carsten; Polop, Celia; Müller, Michael; Albe, Karsten; Linke, Udo; Michely, Thomas

2003-08-01

Variable temperature scanning tunneling microscopy experiments reveal that in Ir(111) homoepitaxy islands nucleate and grow both in the regular fcc stacking and in the faulted hcp stacking. Analysis of this effect in dependence on deposition temperature leads to an atomistic model of stacking-fault formation: The large, metastable stacking-fault islands grow by sufficiently fast addition of adatoms to small mobile adatom clusters which occupy in thermal equilibrium the hcp sites with a significant probability. Using parameters derived independently by field ion microscopy, the model accurately describes the results for Ir(111) and is expected to be valid also for other surfaces.

A method to determine fault vectors in 4H-SiC from stacking sequences observed on high resolution transmission electron microscopy images

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Fangzhen; Wang, Huanhuan; Raghothamachar, Balaji

A new method has been developed to determine the fault vectors associated with stacking faults in 4H-SiC from their stacking sequences observed on high resolution TEM images. This method, analogous to the Burgers circuit technique for determination of dislocation Burgers vector, involves determination of the vectors required in the projection of the perfect lattice to correct the deviated path constructed in the faulted material. Results for several different stacking faults were compared with fault vectors determined from X-ray topographic contrast analysis and were found to be consistent. This technique is expected to applicable to all structures comprising corner shared tetrahedra.

Effect of stacking fault energy on mechanism of plastic deformation in nanotwinned FCC metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borovikov, Valery; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; King, Alexander H.

Starting from a semi-empirical potential designed for Cu, we have developed a series of potentials that provide essentially constant values of all significant (calculated) materials properties except for the intrinsic stacking fault energy, which varies over a range that encompasses the lowest and highest values observed in nature. In addition, these potentials were employed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how stacking fault energy affects the mechanical behavior of nanotwinned face-centered cubic (FCC) materials. The results indicate that properties such as yield strength and microstructural stability do not vary systematically with stacking fault energy, but rather fall into twomore » distinct regimes corresponding to 'low' and 'high' stacking fault energies.« less

Effect of stacking fault energy on mechanism of plastic deformation in nanotwinned FCC metals

DOE PAGES

Borovikov, Valery; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; King, Alexander H.; ...

2015-05-15

Starting from a semi-empirical potential designed for Cu, we have developed a series of potentials that provide essentially constant values of all significant (calculated) materials properties except for the intrinsic stacking fault energy, which varies over a range that encompasses the lowest and highest values observed in nature. In addition, these potentials were employed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how stacking fault energy affects the mechanical behavior of nanotwinned face-centered cubic (FCC) materials. The results indicate that properties such as yield strength and microstructural stability do not vary systematically with stacking fault energy, but rather fall into twomore » distinct regimes corresponding to 'low' and 'high' stacking fault energies.« less

X-Ray Diffuse Scattering Study of the Kinetics of Stacking Fault Growth and Annihilation in Boron-Implanted Silicon.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, J. R.

2002-06-01

Stacking faults in boron-implanted silicon give rise to streaks or rods of scattered x-ray intensity normal to the stacking fault plane. We have used the diffuse scattering rods to follow the growth of faults as a function of time when boron-implanted silicon is annealed in the range 925 - 1025 C.

The determination of the stacking fault energy in copper-nickel alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leighly, H. P., Jr.

1982-01-01

Methods for determining the stacking fault energies of a series of nickel-copper alloys to gain an insight into the embrittling effect of hydrogen are evaluated. Plans for employing weak beam dark field electron microscopy to determine stacking fault energies are outlined.

Influence of basal-plane dislocation structures on expansion of single Shockley-type stacking faults in forward-current degradation of 4H-SiC p-i-n diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Shohei; Yamashita, Tamotsu; Senzaki, Junji; Miyazato, Masaki; Ryo, Mina; Miyajima, Masaaki; Kato, Tomohisa; Yonezawa, Yoshiyuki; Kojima, Kazutoshi; Okumura, Hajime

2018-04-01

The origin of expanded single Shockley-type stacking faults in forward-current degradation of 4H-SiC p-i-n diodes was investigated by the stress-current test. At a stress-current density lower than 25 A cm-2, triangular stacking faults were formed from basal-plane dislocations in the epitaxial layer. At a stress-current density higher than 350 A cm-2, both triangular and long-zone-shaped stacking faults were formed from basal-plane dislocations that converted into threading edge dislocations near the interface between the epitaxial layer and the substrate. In addition, the conversion depth of basal-plane dislocations that expanded into the stacking fault was inside the substrate deeper than the interface. These results indicate that the conversion depth of basal-plane dislocations strongly affects the threshold stress-current density at which the expansion of stacking faults occurs.

Theoretical investigation of the formation of basal plane stacking faults in heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taniguchi, Chisato; Ichimura, Aiko; Ohtani, Noboru, E-mail: ohtani.noboru@kwansei.ac.jp

The formation of basal plane stacking faults in heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals was theoretically investigated. A novel theoretical model based on the so-called quantum well action mechanism was proposed; the model considers several factors, which were overlooked in a previously proposed model, and provides a detailed explanation of the annealing-induced formation of double layer Shockley-type stacking faults in heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals. We further revised the model to consider the carrier distribution in the depletion regions adjacent to the stacking fault and successfully explained the shrinkage of stacking faults during annealing at even higher temperatures. The model also succeeded inmore » accounting for the aluminum co-doping effect in heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals, in that the stacking fault formation is suppressed when aluminum acceptors are co-doped in the crystals.« less

The Lithosphere-asthenosphere Boundary beneath the South Island of New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, J.; Fischer, K. M.; Savage, M. K.

2017-12-01

Lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) properties beneath the South Island of New Zealand have been imaged by Sp receiver function common-conversion point stacking. In this transpressional boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, dextral offset on the Alpine fault and convergence have occurred for the past 20 My, with the Alpine fault now bounded by Australian plate subduction to the south and Pacific plate subduction to the north. This study takes advantage of the long-duration and high-density seismometer networks deployed on or near the South Island, especially 29 broadband stations of the New Zealand permanent seismic network (GeoNet). We obtained 24,980 individual receiver functions by extended-time multi-taper deconvolution, mapping to three-dimensional space using a Fresnel zone approximation. Pervasive strong positive Sp phases are observed in the LAB depth range indicated by surface wave tomography (Ball et al., 2015) and geochemical studies. These phases are interpreted as conversions from a velocity decrease across the LAB. In the central South Island, the LAB is observed to be deeper and broader to the west of the Alpine fault. The deeper LAB to the west of the Alpine fault is consistent with oceanic lithosphere attached to the Australian plate that was partially subducted while also translating parallel to the Alpine fault (e.g. Sutherland, 2000). However, models in which the Pacific lithosphere has been underthrust to the west past the Alpine fault cannot be ruled out. Further north, a zone of thin lithosphere with a strong and vertically localized LAB velocity gradient occurs to the west of the fault, juxtaposed against a region of anomalously weak LAB conversions to the east of the fault. This structure, similar to results of Sp imaging beneath the central segment of the San Andreas fault (Ford et al., 2014), also suggests that lithospheric blocks with contrasting LAB properties meet beneath the Alpine fault. The observed variations in LAB properties indicate strong modification of the LAB by the interplay of convergence and strike-slip deformation along and across this transpressional plate boundary.

Self-Catalyzed Growth of Axial GaAs/GaAsSb Nanowires by Molecular Beam Epitaxy for Photodetectors

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

blende structure with mixture of stacking faults and twins and the presence of these faults were significantly reduced in the NWs grown on chemically...a) TEM image of the core NW (b) HR-TEM image displaying the stacking faults and twinning defects. (c)SAED pattern showing the ZB crystal structure...of stacking faults and twins and the presence of these faults were significantly reduced in the NWs grown on chemically etched substrates. For

Cathodoluminescence of stacking fault bound excitons for local probing of the exciton diffusion length in single GaN nanowires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nogues, Gilles, E-mail: gilles.nogues@neel.cnrs.fr; Den Hertog, Martien; Inst. NEEL, CNRS, F-38042 Grenoble

We perform correlated studies of individual GaN nanowires in scanning electron microscopy combined to low temperature cathodoluminescence, microphotoluminescence, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We show that some nanowires exhibit well localized regions emitting light at the energy of a stacking fault bound exciton (3.42 eV) and are able to observe the presence of a single stacking fault in these regions. Precise measurements of the cathodoluminescence signal in the vicinity of the stacking fault give access to the exciton diffusion length near this location.

The chromium doping of Ni{sub 3}Fe alloy and restructuring of grain boundary ensemble at the phase transition A1→L1{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perevalova, Olga; Konovalova, Elena, E-mail: knv123@yandex.ru; Koneva, Nina

2016-01-15

The grain boundary structure of the Ni{sub 3}(Fe,Cr) alloy is studied in states with a short and long-range order formed at the phase transition A1→L1{sub 2}. It is found that the new boundaries of general and special types are formed during an ordering annealing, wherein the special boundaries share increases. The spectrum of special boundaries is changed due to decreasing of ∑3 boundary share. It leads to weakening of the texture in the alloy with atomic long-range order. The features of change of the special boundaries spectrum at the phase transition A1→L1{sub 2} in the Ni{sub 3}(Fe,Cr) alloy are determinedmore » by decreasing of the stacking fault energy and the atomic mean square displacement at the chromium doping.« less

Structure of the Sumatra wedge affected by the 26th December 2004 :Effects of the lower plate volcanic ridges.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rangin, C.; Sibuet, J. C.; Lin, J. Y.; Le Pichon, X.

2009-04-01

Detailed swath-bathymetry, coupled with echo-sounder data were collected offshore the northern tip of Sumatra over the rupture area of the 26th December 2004 Mw=9.2 earthquake during the Sumatra aftershock cruise. 20 ocean bottom seismometers were also deployed in the northern Sumatra area., and more than 1000 events were identified during the 12 days recording period. We mapped recently active steeply dipping thrust fault zone within the western termination of the Sunda accreted wedge. Main N10°W trending out of sequence thrust fault zones with a discrete westward vergency and some component of dextral strike-slip motion were continuously mapped within the wedge, on the basis of bathymetry and low frequency sounder profiles. The interplate boundary does not appear to extend into the frontal part of the wedge but most probably merges in its central part along these major faults, the Lower and Upper Splay Faults. After relocation, the seismicity shows different pattern in each side of this Upper Splay Fault. East of this boundary, beneath the Aceh basin, the earthquake depths ranged from 30 to 60 km allow us to illustrate the subducted plate. In the western part, the aftershock distribution is strongly influenced by the N-S orientated oceanic fracture zones. Two clusters of earthquakes between 10 and 50 km in depth trending along N-S direction are observed in the lower wedge that we interpret to be reactive fracture zones. The lower wedge is interpreted as the northern prolongation below the wedge of the lower plate NS oceanic fracture zone ridges affected by NS trending left lateral strike-slip faults. This wedge outer ridge is in the process of being transferred to the upper plate. On the other hand the central ridge is interpreted as possible stacked volcanic ridge slivers already incorporated into the upper plate along the subduction buttress (the inner ridge of the wedge). We propose that the tectonic interaction of the volcanic Indian Ocean fracture ridges of the subducted plate with the leading edge of the upper Sunda plate subduction zone is an active tectonic transfer process of oceanic material to the upper plate. The proposed emergence of the interplate boundary into the middle part of the wedge along the Lower Splay Fault, could have favoured the formation of the giant Sumatra tsunami at moderate water depth. This docking and temporary stacking of these volcanic ridges before their subduction at depth, is favoured by the strong oblique convergence that prevails up to the Bengal basin into the north.

Dislocation imaging for orthopyroxene using an atom-resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kumamoto, Akihito; Kogure, Toshihiro; Raimbourg, Hugues; Ikuhara, Yuichi

2014-11-01

Dislocations, one-dimensional lattice defects, appear as a microscopic phenomenon while they are formed in silicate minerals by macroscopic dynamics of the earth crust such as shear stress. To understand ductile deformation mechanisms of silicates, atomic structures of the dislocations have been examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Among them, it has been proposed that {100}<001> primary slip system of orthopyroxene (Opx) is dissociated into partial dislocations, and a stacking fault with the clinopyroxene (Cpx) structure is formed between the dislocations. This model, however, has not been determined completely due to the complex structures of silicates. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has a potential to determine the structure of dislocations with single-atomic column sensitivity, particularly by using high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) and annular bright field (ABF) imaging with a probing aberration corrector.[1] Furthermore, successive analyses from light microscopy to atom-resolved STEM have been achieved by focused ion beam (FIB) sampling techniques.[2] In this study, we examined dislocation arrays at a low-angle grain boundary of ∼1° rotation about the b-axis in natural deformed Opx using a simultaneous acquisition of HAADF/ABF (JEM-ARM200F, JEOL) equipped with 100 mm2 silicon drift detector (SDD) for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Figure 1 shows averaged STEM images viewed along the b- axis of Opx extracted from repeating units. HAADF provides the cation-site arrangement, and ABF distinguishes the difference of slightly rotated SiO4 tetrahedron around the a- axis. This is useful to distinguish the change of stacking sequence between the partial dislocations. Two types of stacking faults with Cpx and protopyroxene (Ppx) structures were identified between three partial dislocations. Furthermore, Ca accumulation in M2 (Fe) site around the stacking faults was detected by STEM-EDS. Interestingly, Ca is distributed not only in these stacking faults but also Opx matrix around the faults. jmicro;63/suppl_1/i17/DFU063F1F1DFU063F1Fig. 1. (a) HAADF and (b) ABF of Opx view of [010] direction with inset simulation images and models of its unit cell (a = 0.52, c = 1.83 nm). © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Alpine nappe stack in western Austria: a crustal-scale cross section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pomella, Hannah; Ortner, Hugo; Zerlauth, Michael; Fügenschuh, Bernhard

2015-04-01

Based on an N-S-oriented crustal-scale cross section running east of the Rhine Valley in Vorarlberg, western Austria, we address the Alpine nappe stack and discuss the boundary between Central and Eastern Alps. For our cross section, we used surface geology, drillings and reinterpreted seismic lines, together with published sections. The general architecture of the examined area can be described as a typical foreland fold-and-thrust belt, comprising the tectonic units of the Subalpine Molasse, (Ultra-)Helvetic, Penninic and Austroalpine nappes. These units overthrusted the autochthonous Molasse along the south-dipping listric Alpine basal thrust. The European Basement, together with its autochthonous cover, dips gently towards the south and is dissected by normal faults and trough structures. The seismic data clearly show an offset not only of the top of the European Basement, but also of the Mesozoic cover and the Lower Marine Molasse. This indicates an activity of the structures as normal faults after the sedimentation of the Lower Marine Molasse. The Subalpine Molasse is multiply stacked, forming a triangle zone at the boundary with the foreland Molasse. The shortening within the Subalpine Molasse amounts to approximately 45 km (~67 %), as deduced from our cross section with the Lower Marine Molasse as a reference. The hinterland-dipping duplex structure of the Helvetic nappes is deduced from surface and borehole data. There are at least two Helvetic nappes needed to fill the available space between the Molasse below and the Northpenninic above. This is in line with the westerly located NRP20-East transect (Schmid et al., Tectonics 15(5):1047-1048, 1996; Schmid et al., The TRANSMED Atlas: the Mediterranean Region from Crust to Mantle, 2004), where the two Helvetic nappes are separated by the Säntis thrust. Yet in contrast to the Helvetic nappes in the NRP20-East transect, both of our Helvetic nappes comprise Cretaceous and Jurassic strata. This change is explained by an eastward down-stepping of the Säntis thrust along a pre-existing, approximately N-S striking lateral ramp bounding an inverted Jurassic graben structure below the Rhine Valley. This causes the Säntis thrust to detach the base Cretaceous west of the Rhine Valley and the base Jurassic units east of it. This graben-controlled change in detachment level leads to the formation of quite different nappe stacks on either side of the Rhine Valley and a "fault-controlled" appearance of the boundary between the Central and Eastern Alps.

Seismic images of a Grenvillian terrane boundary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Milkereit, B.; Forsyth, D. A.; Green, A.G.; Davidson, A.; Hanmer, S.; Hutchinson, Deborah R.; Hinze, W. J.; Mereu, R.F.

1992-01-01

A series of gently dipping reflection zones extending to mid-crustal depths is recorded by seismic data from Lakes Ontario and Erie. These prominent reflection zones define a broad complex of southeast-dipping ductile thrust faults in the interior of the Grenville orogen. One major reflection zone provides the first image of a proposed Grenvillian suture—the listric boundary zone between allochthonous terranes of the Central Gneiss and Central Metasedimentary belts. Curvilinear bands of reflections that may represent "ramp folds" and "ramp anticlines" that originally formed in a deep crustal-scale duplex abut several faults. Vertical stacking of some curvilinear features suggests coeval or later out-of-sequence faulting of imbricated and folded thrust sheets. Grenvillian structure reflections are overlain by a thin, wedge-shaped package of shallow-dipping reflections that probably originates from sediments deposited in a local half graben developed during a period of post-Grenville extension. This is the first seismic evidence for such extension in this region, which could have occurred during terminal collapse of the Grenville orogen, or could have marked the beginning of pre-Appalachian continental rifting.

Driving force of stacking-fault formation in SiC p-i-n diodes.

PubMed

Ha, S; Skowronski, M; Sumakeris, J J; Paisley, M J; Das, M K

2004-04-30

The driving force of stacking-fault expansion in SiC p-i-n diodes was investigated using optical emission microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The stacking-fault expansion and properties of the partial dislocations were inconsistent with any stress as the driving force. A thermodynamic free energy difference between the perfect and a faulted structure is suggested as a plausible driving force in the tested diodes, indicating that hexagonal polytypes of silicon carbide are metastable at room temperature.

How to build and teach with QuakeCaster: an earthquake demonstration and exploration tool

USGS Publications Warehouse

Linton, Kelsey; Stein, Ross S.

2015-01-01

QuakeCaster is an interactive, hands-on teaching model that simulates earthquakes and their interactions along a plate-boundary fault. QuakeCaster contains the minimum number of physical processes needed to demonstrate most observable earthquake features. A winch to steadily reel in a line simulates the steady plate tectonic motions far from the plate boundaries. A granite slider in frictional contact with a nonskid rock-like surface simulates a fault at a plate boundary. A rubber band connecting the line to the slider simulates the elastic character of the Earth’s crust. By stacking and unstacking sliders and cranking in the winch, one can see the results of changing the shear stress and the clamping stress on a fault. By placing sliders in series with rubber bands between them, one can simulate the interaction of earthquakes along a fault, such as cascading or toggling shocks. By inserting a load scale into the line, one can measure the stress acting on the fault throughout the earthquake cycle. As observed for real earthquakes, QuakeCaster events are not periodic, time-predictable, or slip-predictable. QuakeCaster produces rare but unreliable “foreshocks.” When fault gouge builds up, the friction goes to zero and fault creep is seen without large quakes. QuakeCaster events produce very small amounts of fault gouge that strongly alter its behavior, resulting in smaller, more frequent shocks as the gouge accumulates. QuakeCaster is designed so that students or audience members can operate it and record its output. With a stopwatch and ruler one can measure and plot the timing, slip distance, and force results of simulated earthquakes. People of all ages can use the QuakeCaster model to explore hypotheses about earthquake occurrence. QuakeCaster takes several days and about $500.00 in materials to build.

Ab initio study of point defects near stacking faults in 3C-SiC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xi, Jianqi; Liu, Bin; Zhang, Yanwen

Interactions between point defects and stacking faults in 3C-SiC are studied using an ab initio method based on density functional theory. The results show that the discontinuity of the stacking sequence considerably affects the configurations and behavior of intrinsic defects, especially in the case of silicon interstitials. The existence of an intrinsic stacking fault (missing a C-Si bilayer) shortens the distance between the tetrahedral-center site and its second-nearest-neighboring silicon layer, making the tetrahedral silicon interstitial unstable. Instead of a tetrahedral configuration with four C neighbors, a pyramid-like interstitial structure with a defect state within the band gap becomes a stablemore » configuration. In addition, orientation rotation occurs in the split interstitials that has diverse effects on the energy landscape of silicon and carbon split interstitials in the stacking fault region. Moreover, our analyses of ionic relaxation and electronic structure of vacancies show that the built-in strain field, owing to the existence of the stacking fault, makes the local environment around vacancies more complex than that in the bulk.« less

Ab initio study of point defects near stacking faults in 3C-SiC

DOE PAGES

Xi, Jianqi; Liu, Bin; Zhang, Yanwen; ...

2016-07-02

Interactions between point defects and stacking faults in 3C-SiC are studied using an ab initio method based on density functional theory. The results show that the discontinuity of the stacking sequence considerably affects the configurations and behavior of intrinsic defects, especially in the case of silicon interstitials. The existence of an intrinsic stacking fault (missing a C-Si bilayer) shortens the distance between the tetrahedral-center site and its second-nearest-neighboring silicon layer, making the tetrahedral silicon interstitial unstable. Instead of a tetrahedral configuration with four C neighbors, a pyramid-like interstitial structure with a defect state within the band gap becomes a stablemore » configuration. In addition, orientation rotation occurs in the split interstitials that has diverse effects on the energy landscape of silicon and carbon split interstitials in the stacking fault region. Moreover, our analyses of ionic relaxation and electronic structure of vacancies show that the built-in strain field, owing to the existence of the stacking fault, makes the local environment around vacancies more complex than that in the bulk.« less

Structure of the Wagner Basin in the Northern Gulf of California From Interpretation of Seismic Reflexion Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, M.; Aguilar, C.; Martin, A.

2007-05-01

The northern Gulf of California straddles the transition in the style of deformation along the Pacific-North America plate boundary, from distributed deformation in the Upper Delfin and Wagner basins to localized dextral shear along the Cerro Prieto transform fault. Processing and interpretation of industry seismic data adquired by Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) allow us to map the main fault structures and depocenters in the Wagner basin and to unravel the way strain is transferred northward into the Cerro Prieto fault system. Seismic data records from 0.5 to 5 TWTT. Data stacking and time-migration were performed using semblance coefficient method. Subsidence in the Wagner basin is controlled by two large N-S trending sub-parallel faults that intersect the NNW-trending Cerro Prieto transform fault. The Wagner fault bounds the eastern margin of the basin for more than 75 km. This fault dips ~50° to the west (up to 2 seconds) with distinctive reflectors displaced more than 1 km across the fault zone. The strata define a fanning pattern towards the Wagner fault. Northward the Wagner fault intersects the Cerro Prieto fault at 130° on map view and one depocenter of the Wagner basin bends to the NW adjacent to the Cerro Prieto fault zone. The eastern boundary of the modern depocenter is the Consag fault, which extends over 100 km in a N-S direction with an average dip of ~50° (up to 2s) to the east. The northern segment of the Consag fault bends 25° and intersects the Cerro Prieto fault zone at an angle of 110° on map view. The acoustic basement was not imaged in the northwest, but the stratigraphic succession increases its thickness towards the depocenter of the Wagner basin. Another important structure is El Chinero fault, which runs parallel to the Consag fault along 60 km and possibly intersects the Cerro Prieto fault to the north beneath the delta of the Colorado River. El Chinero fault dips at low-angle (~30°) to the east and has a vertical offset of about 0.5 seconds (TWTT). Seismic imaging indicates that the Wagner and Consag faults transfer most of their slip to the Cerro Prieto fault. Moreover, the 130° intersection between the Wagner and Cerro Prieto faults suggests that the Wagner fault has a significant strike-slip component. Our results indicate that most of the strain in this plate boundary is transferred along two main sub-parallel oblique faults in a narrow zone 35 km-wide.

X-ray diffuse scattering study of the kinetics of stacking fault growth and annihilation in boron-implanted silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luebbert, D.; Arthur, J.; Sztucki, M.; Metzger, T. H.; Griffin, P. B.; Patel, J. R.

2002-10-01

Stacking faults in boron-implanted silicon give rise to streaks or rods of scattered x-ray intensity normal to the stacking fault plane. We have used the diffuse scattering rods to follow the growth of faults as a function of time when boron-implanted silicon is annealed in the range of 925 to 1025 degC. From the growth kinetics we obtain an activation energy for interstitial migration in silicon: EI=1.98plus-or-minus0.06 eV. Fault intensity and size versus time results indicate that faults do not shrink and disappear, but rather are annihilated by a dislocation reaction mechanism.

Orientation Dependence of the Deformation Microstructure of Ta-4%W after Cold-Rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Ma, G. Q.; Godfrey, A.; Shu, D. Y.; Chen, Q.; Wu, G. L.

2017-07-01

One of the common features of deformed face-centered cubic metals with medium to high stacking fault energy is the formation of geometrically necessary dislocation boundaries. The dislocation boundary arrangements in refractory metals with body-centered cubic crystal structure are, however, less well known. To address this issue a Ta-4%W alloy was cold rolled up to 70% in thickness in the present work. The resulting deformation microstructures were characterized by electron back-scattering diffraction and the dislocation boundary arrangements in each grain were revealed using sample-frame misorientation axis maps calculated using an in-house code. The maps were used to analyze the slip pattern of individual grains after rolling, revealing an orientation dependence of the slip pattern.

Domain wall pinning on strain relaxation defects (stacking faults) in nanoscale FePd (001)/MgO thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsiao, C. H.; Ouyang, Chuenhou, E-mail: wei0208@gmail.com, E-mail: houyang@mx.nthu.edu.tw; Yao, Y. D.

FePd (001) films, prepared by an electron beam deposition system on MgO(100), exhibit a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (1.7 × 10{sup 7 }erg/cc) with a high order parameter (0.92). The relation between stacking faults induced by the strain relaxation, which act as strong domain wall pinning sites, and the perpendicular coercivity of (001) oriented L1{sub 0} FePd films prepared at different temperatures have been investigated. Perpendicular coercivity can be apparently enhanced by raising the stacking fault densities, which can be elevated by climbing dissociation of total dislocation. The increased stacking fault densities (1.22 nm{sup −2}) with large perpendicular coercivity (6000 Oe) are obtained for samples preparedmore » at 650 °C. This present work shows through controlling stacking fault density in FePd film, the coercivity can be manipulated, which can be applied in future magnetic devices.« less

Dislocation structures of Σ3 {112} twin boundaries in face centered cubic metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Anderoglu, O.; Hirth, J. P.; Misra, A.; Zhang, X.

2009-07-01

High resolution transmission electron microscopy of nanotwinned Cu films revealed Σ3 {112} incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs), with a repeatable pattern involving units of three {111} atomic planes. Topological analysis shows that Σ3 {112} ITBs adopt two types of atomic structure with differing arrangements of Shockley partial dislocations. Atomistic simulations were performed for Cu and Al. These studies revealed the structure of the two types of ITBs, the formation mechanism and stability of the associated 9R phase, and the influence of stacking fault energies on them. The results suggest that Σ3 {112} ITBs may migrate through the collective glide of partial dislocations.

Temperature dependence of stacking faults in catalyst-free GaAs nanopillars.

PubMed

Shapiro, Joshua N; Lin, Andrew; Ratsch, Christian; Huffaker, D L

2013-11-29

Impressive opto-electronic devices and transistors have recently been fabricated from GaAs nanopillars grown by catalyst-free selective-area epitaxy, but this growth technique has always resulted in high densities of stacking faults. A stacking fault occurs when atoms on the growing (111) surface occupy the sites of a hexagonal-close-pack (hcp) lattice instead of the normal face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattice sites. When stacking faults occur consecutively, the crystal structure is locally wurtzite instead of zinc-blende, and the resulting band offsets are known to negatively impact device performance. Here we present experimental and theoretical evidence that indicate stacking fault formation is related to the size of the critical nucleus, which is temperature dependent. The difference in energy between the hcp and fcc orientation of small nuclei is computed using density-function theory. The minimum energy difference of 0.22 eV is calculated for a nucleus with 21 atoms, so the population of nuclei in the hcp orientation is expected to decrease as the nucleus grows larger. The experiment shows that stacking fault occurrence is dramatically reduced from 22% to 3% by raising the growth temperature from 730 to 790 ° C. These data are interpreted using classical nucleation theory which dictates a larger critical nucleus at higher growth temperature.

Stacking Fault Enriching the Electronic and Transport Properties of Few-Layer Phosphorenes and Black Phosphorus.

PubMed

Lei, Shuangying; Wang, Han; Huang, Lan; Sun, Yi-Yang; Zhang, Shengbai

2016-02-10

Interface engineering is critical for enriching the electronic and transport properties of two-dimensional materials. Here, we identify a new stacking, named Aδ, in few-layer phosphorenes (FLPs) and black phosphorus (BP) based on first-principles calculation. With its low formation energy, the Aδ stacking could exist in FLPs and BP as a stacking fault. The presence of the Aδ stacking fault induces a direct to indirect transition of the band gap in FLPs. It also affects the carrier mobilities by significantly increasing the carrier effective masses. More importantly, the Aδ stacking enables the fabrication of a whole spectrum of lateral junctions with all the type-I, II, and III alignments simply through the manipulation of the van der Waals stacking without resorting to any chemical modification. This is achieved by the widely tunable electron affinity and ionization potential of FLPs and BP with the Aδ stacking.

Formation of incoherent deformation twin boundaries in a coarse-grained Al-7Mg alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, S. B.; Zhang, K.; Bjørge, R.; Tao, N. R.; Marthinsen, K.; Lu, K.; Li, Y. J.

2015-08-01

Deformation twinning has rarely been observed in coarse grained Al and its alloys except under some extreme conditions such as ultrahigh deformation strain or strain rates. Here, we report that a significant amount of Σ3 deformation twins could be generated in a coarse-grained Al-7 Mg alloy by dynamic plastic deformation (DPD). A systematic investigation of the Σ3 boundaries shows that they are Σ3{112} type incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs). These ITBs have formed by gradual evolution from copious low-angle deformation bands through <111>-twist Σ boundaries by lattice rotation. These findings provide an approach to generate deformation twin boundaries in high stacking fault energy metallic alloys. It is suggested that high solution content of Mg in the alloy and the special deformation mode of DPD played an important role in formation of the Σ and ITBs.

In Situ Nanoindentation Studies on Detwinning and Work Hardening in Nanotwinned Monolithic Metals

DOE PAGES

Liu, Y.; Li, N.; Bufford, D.; ...

2015-07-14

Certain nanotwinned (nt) metals have rare combinations of high mechanical strength and ductility. Here, we review recent in situ nanoindentation studies (using transmission electron microscopes) on the deformation mechanisms of nt face-centered cubic metals including Cu, Ni, and Al with a wide range of stacking fault energy (SFE). Moreover, in nt Cu with low-to-intermediate SFE, detwinning (accompanied by rapid twin boundary migration) occurs at ultralow stress. In Ni with relatively high SFE, coherent {111} twin boundaries lead to substantial work hardening. Twinned Al has abundant {112} incoherent twin boundaries, which induce significant work-hardening capability and plasticity in Al. Finally, twinmore » boundaries in Al also migrate but at very high stresses. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations reveal the influence of SFE on deformation mechanisms in twinned metals.« less

Seismic Imaging and Characterization of Bright Spots in the West Bohemia Seismic Zone (Germany and Czech Republic)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrakis, C.; Schreiter, L.; Hlousek, F.; Jusri, T.; Buske, S.

2017-12-01

In crystalline environments, imaging faults, layer boundaries and small scale structures is challenging due to the complex geometry of the structures themselves and the influence of the hardrock environment on the seismic wavefield. Optimally designed active seismic surveys and careful processing can produce a clear image of the subsurface structures. However, if little is known about the local geology and tectonic state of the area, the imaged reflections can be difficult to interpret. This is the case in the West Bohemia Seismic Zone, located along the border of Germany and Czech Republic. This geodynamically active area is spotted with springs and gas vents, and frequently experiences low magnitude seismic swarms. The most active region is located in the Cheb basin and coincides with the junction of a northwest trending fault with a north-south trending shear zone, making for a structurally complex hardrock setting. In the early 1990s, two long-offset reflection seismic profiles were collected along the boundary of the Cheb basin: MVE-90 along the northern edge, and 9HR-91 in the east. These profiles were recently reprocessed using Kirchhoff PreStack Depth Migration, revealing high amplitude reflections, or bright spots, that correlate to nearby seismicity. Several studies have hypothesized that the 9HR-91 bright spots image a fluid trap, where mantle-sourced fluids accumulate, thereby facilitating slip on the faults and triggering the swarms. However, the exact nature of the bright spots remains an open question. They may be a change in lithology and/or porosity, an infilled vein or an impermeable fault. We aim to answer this question by first using Coherency-Based PreStack Depth Migration to produce detailed images of the bright spots. We then forward model the waveforms guided by the reflection coefficients in order to derive rock-physical parameters. Finally, the best-fitting models are interpreted in terms of their possible relationship to the West Bohemia swarms.

Wide-angle Marine Seismic Refraction Imaging of Vertical Faults: Pre-Stack Turning Wave Migrations of Synthetic Data and Implications for Survey Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, N. C.; Lizarralde, D.; McGuire, J.; Hole, J. A.

2006-12-01

We consider methodologies, including survey design and processing algorithms, which are best suited to imaging vertical reflectors in oceanic crust using marine seismic techniques. The ability to image the reflectivity structure of transform faults as a function of depth, for example, may provide new insights into what controls seismicity along these plate boundaries. Turning-wave migration has been used with success to image vertical faults on land. With synthetic datasets we find that this approach has unique difficulties in the deep ocean. The fault-reflected crustal refraction phase (Pg-r) typically used in pre-stack migrations is difficult to isolate in marine seismic data. An "imagable" Pg-r is only observed in a time window between the first arrivals and arrivals from the sediments and the thick, slow water layer at offsets beyond ~25 km. Ocean- bottom seismometers (OBSs), as opposed to a long surface streamer, must be used to acquire data suitable for crustal-scale vertical imaging. The critical distance for Moho reflections (PmP) in oceanic crust is also ~25 km, thus Pg-r and PmP-r are observed with very little separation, and the fault-reflected mantle refraction (Pn-r) arrives prior to Pg-r as the observation window opens with increased OBS-to-fault distance. This situation presents difficulties for "first-arrival" based Kirchoff migration approaches and suggests that wave- equation approaches, which in theory can image all three phases simultaneously, may be more suitable for vertical imaging in oceanic crust. We will present a comparison of these approaches as applied to a synthetic dataset generated from realistic, stochastic velocity models. We will assess their suitability, the migration artifacts unique to the deep ocean, and the ideal instrument layout for such an experiment.

Disorder-controlled superconductivity at YBa2Cu3O7/SrTiO3 interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Barriocanal, J.; Perez-Muñoz, A. M.; Sefrioui, Z.; Arias, D.; Varela, M.; Leon, C.; Pennycook, S. J.; Santamaria, J.

2013-06-01

We examine the effect of interface disorder in suppressing superconductivity in coherently grown ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) layers on SrTiO3 (STO) in YBCO/STO superlattices. The termination plane of the STO is TiO2 and the CuO chains are missing at the interface. Disorder (steps) at the STO interface cause alterations of the stacking sequence of the intracell YBCO atomic layers. Stacking faults give rise to antiphase boundaries which break the continuity of the CuO2 planes and depress superconductivity. We show that superconductivity is directly controlled by interface disorder outlining the importance of pair breaking and localization by disorder in ultrathin layers.

Deformation mechanisms of nanotwinned Al

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Xinghang

The objective of this project is to investigate the role of different types of layer interfaces on the formation of high density stacking fault (SF) in Al in Al/fcc multilayers, and understand the corresponding deformation mechanisms of the films. Stacking faults or twins can be intentionally introduced (via growth) into certain fcc metals with low stacking fault energy (such as Cu, Ag and 330 stainless steels) to achieve high strength, high ductility, superior thermal stability and good electrical conductivity. However it is still a major challenge to synthesize these types of defects into metals with high stacking fault energy, suchmore » as Al. Although deformation twins have been observed in some nanocrystalline Al powders by low temperature, high strain rate cryomilling or in Al at the edge of crack tip or indentation (with the assistance of high stress intensity factor), these deformation techniques typically introduce twins sporadically and the control of deformation twin density in Al is still not feasible. This project is designed to test the following hypotheses: (1) Certain type of layer interfaces may assist the formation of SF in Al, (2) Al with high density SF may have deformation mechanisms drastically different from those of coarse-grained Al and nanotwinned Cu. To test these hypotheses, we have performed the following tasks: (i) Investigate the influence of layer interfaces, stresses and deposition parameters on the formation and density of SF in Al. (ii) Understand the role of SF on the deformation behavior of Al. In situ nanoindentation experiments will be performed to probe deformation mechanisms in Al. The major findings related to the formation mechanism of twins and mechanical behavior of nanotwinned metals include the followings: 1) Our studies show that nanotwins can be introduced into metals with high stacking fault energy, in drastic contrast to the general anticipation. 2) We show two strategies that can effectively introduce growth twins in high-stacking-energy metals: use Ag as a template to introduce high density growth twins in epitaxial Al; and the film thickness is important in determination of volume fraction of growth twins. 3) We prove that high density twin boundaries can lead to significant work hardening capability in nanotwinned Al. We have published 13 articles, including Nature Communications, Nano Letters, and two review articles, one in Annual Review of Materials Research; and one in MRS Bulletin. Two postdocs and three graduate students have worked on the project. Two of them have become postdoc at Sandia National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory. One of the postdoc has become a faculty at a University. One patent has been filed.« less

Passive recording of an active transform, an example from the Levant continental margin and the Dead Sea Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Guy; Lazar, Michael; Schattner, Uri

2017-04-01

Transform faults accommodate lateral motion between two adjacent plates. Records of plate motion and consequent boundary development on land is, at times, scarce and limited to structures along the fault axis. Investigation of a passive continental margin adjacent to the plate boundary might broaden the scope and provide estimates for its structural development. To examine this hypothesis, we analyzed depth and time migrated 3D seismic data together with four boreholes located along the southern Levant continental margin, ca. 100 Km from the continental Dead Sea fault (DSF). The analysis focus on the Plio-Pleistocene sequence, a key period in the development of the DSF. It includes formation of structural maps, stacking pattern investigation and calculation of sedimentation rates based on decompacted 3D depth data. These, in turn, enabled the reconstruction of margin development. This includes Messinian-earliest Zanclean NNE-SSW sinistral strike-slip faulting followed by Zanclean-Late Gelasian syn-depositional folding striking in the same direction. Abrupt change is marked by the Top Gelasian surface that shows indications of regional mass slumping. Successive Mid-Late Pleistocene progradation marks a basinward shift of the depocenter. Progradation controls margin sedimentation rates during the mid-late Pleistocene. These were found to increase throughout the whole Plio-Pleistocene, in contrast to reported sediment discharge from the Nile, which was shown to decrease after the Gelasian. Correlations to onshore findings, suggest that the continental margin records strain localization on the DSF during the Pliocene-Gelasian. This trend peaked at 1.8 Ma when short wavelength strain ceased along the margin, and differential subsidence commenced basinwards. This is attributed to consequent deepening of the DSF plate boundary.

Mechanism of Na accumulation at extended defects in Si from first-principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Ji-Sang; Chan, Maria K. Y.

2018-04-01

Sodium (Na) impurities in silicon solar cells are considered to play an important role in potential-induced degradation (PID), a significant cause of solar cell degradation and failure. Shorting due to Na accumulation at extended defects has been suggested as a culprit for PID. However, it is not clear how the extended defects are decorated by Na impurities. Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we find that Na impurities segregate from the bulk into extended defects such as intrinsic stacking faults and Σ3 (111) grain boundaries. The energy barrier required for Na to escape from the extended defects is substantial and similar to the sum of the barrier energy in bulk Si (1.1-1.2 eV) and the segregation energy to the stacking fault (˜0.7 eV). Surprisingly, the migration barrier for Na diffusion within the extended defects is even higher than the energy barrier for escaping. The results suggest that the extended defects likely accumulate Na as the impurities segregate to the defects from the bulk, rather than because of migration through the extended defects.

Effect of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Parameters on Hydrogen-Assisted Cracking of Type 321 Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozenak, Paul; Unigovski, Yaakov; Shneck, Roni

2016-05-01

The susceptibility of AISI type 321 stainless steel welded by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process to hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) was studied in a tensile test combined with in situ cathodic charging. Specimen charging causes a decrease in ductility of both the as-received and welded specimens. The mechanical properties of welds depend on welding parameters. For example, the ultimate tensile strength and ductility increase with growing shielding gas (argon) rate. More severe decrease in the ductility was obtained after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). In welded steels, in addition to discontinuous grain boundary carbides (M23C6) and dense distribution of metal carbides MC ((Ti, Nb)C) precipitated in the matrix, the appearance of delta-ferrite phase was observed. The fracture of sensitized specimens was predominantly intergranular, whereas the as-welded specimens exhibited mainly transgranular regions. High-dislocation density regions and stacking faults were found in delta-ferrite formed after welding. Besides, thin stacking fault plates and epsilon-martensite were found in the austenitic matrix after the cathodic charging.

Charge transport in CdTe solar cells revealed by conductive tomographic atomic force microscopy

DOE PAGES

Luria, Justin; Kutes, Yasemin; Moore, Andrew; ...

2016-09-26

Polycrystalline photovoltaics comprising cadmium telluride (CdTe) represent a growing portion of the solar cell market, yet the physical picture of charge transport through the meso-scale grain morphology remains a topic of debate. It is unknown how thin film morphology affects the transport of electron-hole pairs. Accordingly this study is the first to generate three dimensional images of photocurrent throughout a thin-film solar cell, revealing the profound influence of grain boundaries and stacking faults on device efficiency.

Segregation-Assisted Plasticity in Ni-Based Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barba, D.; Smith, T. M.; Miao, J.; Mills, M. J.; Reed, R. C.

2018-03-01

Correlative high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are used to study deformation-induced planar faults in the single-crystal superalloy MD2 crept at 800 °C and 650 MPa. Segregation of Cr and Co at microtwins, anti-phase boundaries (APB), and complex/superlattice extrinsic and intrinsic stacking faults (CESF/SESF and CISF/SISF) is confirmed and quantified. The extent of this is found to depend upon the fault type, being most pronounced for the APB. The CESF/SESF is studied in detail due to its role as a precursor of the microtwins causing the majority of plasticity under these conditions. Quantitative modeling is carried out to rationalize the findings; the experimental results are consistent with a greater predicted velocity for the lengthening of the CESF/SESF—compared with the other types of fault—and hence confirm its role in the diffusion-assisted plasticity needed for the microtwinning mechanism to be operative.

Improved 3D seismic attribute mapping by CRS stacking instead of NMO stacking: Application to a geothermal reservoir in the Polish Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pussak, Marcin; Bauer, Klaus; Stiller, Manfred; Bujakowski, Wieslaw

2014-04-01

Within a seismic reflection processing work flow, the common-reflection-surface (CRS) stack can be applied as an alternative for the conventional normal moveout (NMO) or the dip moveout (DMO) stack. The advantages of the CRS stack include (1) data-driven automatic determination of stacking operator parameters, (2) imaging of arbitrarily curved geological boundaries, and (3) significant increase in signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio by stacking far more traces than used in a conventional stack. In this paper we applied both NMO and CRS stackings to process a sparse 3D seismic data set acquired within a geothermal exploration study in the Polish Basin. The stacked images show clear enhancements in quality achieved by the CRS stack in comparison with the conventional stack. While this was expected from previous studies, we also found remarkable improvements in the quality of seismic attributes when the CRS stack was applied instead of the conventional stack. For the major geothermal target reservoir (Lower Jurassic horizon Ja1), we present a comparison between both stacking methods for a number of common attributes, including root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes, instantaneous frequencies, coherency, and spectral decomposition attributes derived from the continuous wavelet transform. The attribute maps appear noisy and highly fluctuating after the conventional stack, and are clearly structured after the CRS stack. A seismic facies analysis was finally carried out for the Ja1 horizon using the attributes derived from the CRS stack by using self-organizing map clustering techniques. A corridor parallel to a fault system was identified, which is characterized by decreased RMS amplitudes and decreased instantaneous frequencies. In our interpretation, this region represents a fractured, fluid-bearing compartment within the sandstone reservoir, which indicates favorable conditions for geothermal exploitation.

Stacking Faults and Mechanical Behavior beyond the Elastic Limit of an Imidazole-Based Metal Organic Framework: ZIF-8.

PubMed

Hegde, Vinay I; Tan, Jin-Chong; Waghmare, Umesh V; Cheetham, Anthony K

2013-10-17

We determine the nonlinear mechanical behavior of a prototypical zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) along two modes of mechanical failure in response to tensile and shear forces using first-principles simulations. Our generalized stacking fault energy surface reveals an intrinsic stacking fault of surprisingly low energy comparable to that in copper, though the energy barrier associated with its formation is much higher. The lack of vibrational spectroscopic evidence for such faults in experiments can be explained with the structural instability of the barrier state to form a denser and disordered state of ZIF-8 seen in our analysis, that is, large shear leads to its amorphization rather than formation of faults.

High spatial resolution correlated investigation of Zn segregation to stacking faults in ZnTe/CdSe nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonef, Bastien; Grenier, Adeline; Gerard, Lionel; Jouneau, Pierre-Henri; André, Regis; Blavette, Didier; Bougerol, Catherine

2018-02-01

The correlative use of atom probe tomography (APT) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) allows us to characterize the structure of ZnTe/CdSe superlattices at the nanometre scale. Both techniques reveal the segregation of zinc along [111] stacking faults in CdSe layers, which is interpreted as a manifestation of the Suzuki effect. Quantitative measurements reveal a zinc enrichment around 9 at. % correlated with a depletion of cadmium in the stacking faults. Raw concentration data were corrected so as to account for the limited spatial resolution of both STEM and APT techniques. A simple calculation reveals that the stacking faults are almost saturated in Zn atoms (˜66 at. % of Zn) at the expense of Cd that is depleted.

Fault zone structure and inferences on past activities of the active Shanchiao Fault in the Taipei metropolis, northern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C.; Lee, J.; Chan, Y.; Lu, C.

2010-12-01

The Taipei Metropolis, home to around 10 million people, is subject to seismic hazard originated from not only distant faults or sources scattered throughout the Taiwan region, but also active fault lain directly underneath. Northern Taiwan including the Taipei region is currently affected by post-orogenic (Penglai arc-continent collision) processes related to backarc extension of the Ryukyu subduction system. The Shanchiao Fault, an active normal fault outcropping along the western boundary of the Taipei Basin and dipping to the east, is investigated here for its subsurface structure and activities. Boreholes records in the central portion of the fault were analyzed to document the stacking of post- Last Glacial Maximum growth sediments, and a tulip flower structure is illuminated with averaged vertical slip rate of about 3 mm/yr. Similar fault zone architecture and post-LGM tectonic subsidence rate is also found in the northern portion of the fault. A correlation between geomorphology and structural geology in the Shanchiao Fault zone demonstrates an array of subtle geomorphic scarps corresponds to the branch fault while the surface trace of the main fault seems to be completely erased by erosion and sedimentation. Such constraints and knowledge are crucial in earthquake hazard evaluation and mitigation in the Taipei Metropolis, and in understanding the kinematics of transtensional tectonics in northern Taiwan. Schematic 3D diagram of the fault zone in the central portion of the Shanchiao Fault, displaying regional subsurface geology and its relation to topographic features.

Temperature-dependent stability of stacking faults in Al, Cu and Ni: first-principles analysis.

PubMed

Bhogra, Meha; Ramamurty, U; Waghmare, Umesh V

2014-09-24

We present comparative analysis of microscopic mechanisms relevant to plastic deformation of the face-centered cubic (FCC) metals Al, Cu, and Ni, through determination of the temperature-dependent free energies of intrinsic and unstable stacking faults along [1 1̄ 0] and [1 2̄ 1] on the (1 1 1) plane using first-principles density-functional-theory-based calculations. We show that vibrational contribution results in significant decrease in the free energy of barriers and intrinsic stacking faults (ISFs) of Al, Cu, and Ni with temperature, confirming an important role of thermal fluctuations in the stability of stacking faults (SFs) and deformation at elevated temperatures. In contrast to Al and Ni, the vibrational spectrum of the unstable stacking fault (USF[1 2̄ 1]) in Cu reveals structural instabilities, indicating that the energy barrier (γusf) along the (1 1 1)[1 2̄ 1] slip system in Cu, determined by typical first-principles calculations, is an overestimate, and its commonly used interpretation as the energy release rate needed for dislocation nucleation, as proposed by Rice (1992 J. Mech. Phys. Solids 40 239), should be taken with caution.

Experimental and computational studies on stacking faults in zinc titanate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, W.; Ageh, V.; Mohseni, H.

Zinc titanate (ZnTiO{sub 3}) thin films grown by atomic layer deposition with ilmenite structure have recently been identified as an excellent solid lubricant, where low interfacial shear and friction are achieved due to intrafilm shear velocity accommodation in sliding contacts. In this Letter, high resolution transmission electron microscopy with electron diffraction revealed that extensive stacking faults are present on ZnTiO{sub 3} textured (104) planes. These growth stacking faults serve as a pathway for dislocations to glide parallel to the sliding direction and hence achieve low interfacial shear/friction. Generalized stacking fault energy plots also known as γ-surfaces were computed for themore » (104) surface of ZnTiO{sub 3} using energy minimization method with classical effective partial charge potential and verified by using density functional theory first principles calculations for stacking fault energies along certain directions. These two are in qualitative agreement but classical simulations generally overestimate the energies. In addition, the lowest energy path was determined to be along the [451{sup ¯}] direction and the most favorable glide system is (104) 〈451{sup ¯}〉 that is responsible for the experimentally observed sliding-induced ductility.« less

Effect of stacking faults on the photoluminescence spectrum of zincblende GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Church, S. A.; Hammersley, S.; Mitchell, P. W.; Kappers, M. J.; Lee, L. Y.; Massabuau, F.; Sahonta, S. L.; Frentrup, M.; Shaw, L. J.; Wallis, D. J.; Humphreys, C. J.; Oliver, R. A.; Binks, D. J.; Dawson, P.

2018-05-01

The photoluminescence spectra of a zincblende GaN epilayer grown via metal-organic chemical vapour deposition upon 3C-SiC/Si (001) substrates were investigated. Of particular interest was a broad emission band centered at 3.4 eV, with a FWHM of 200 meV, which extends above the bandgap of both zincblende and wurtzite GaN. Photoluminescence excitation measurements show that this band is associated with an absorption edge centered at 3.6 eV. Photoluminescence time decays for the band are monoexponential, with lifetimes that reduce from 0.67 ns to 0.15 ns as the recombination energy increases. TEM measurements show no evidence of wurtzite GaN inclusions which are typically used to explain emission in this energy range. However, dense stacking fault bunches are present in the epilayers. A model for the band alignment at the stacking faults was developed to explain this emission band, showing how both electrons and holes can be confined adjacent to stacking faults. Different stacking fault separations can change the carrier confinement energies sufficiently to explain the width of the emission band, and change the carrier wavefunction overlap to account for the variation in decay time.

Effect of LPSO and SFs on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chao; Nakata, Taiki; Qiao, Xiaoguang; Zheng, Mingyi; Wu, Kun; Kamado, Shigeharu

2017-01-01

High performance Mg-8.2Gd-3.8Y-1.0Zn-0.4Zr alloy with high strength and excellent ductility has been successfully developed by hot extrusion. The effect of plate-shaped long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases and solute-segregated stacking faults (SFs) on the dynamically recrystallization (DRX) behavior was analyzed. The plate-shaped LPSO phases stimulate the DRX by particle stimulated nucleation mechanism, leading to higher DRX ratio and weaker basal texture. While for the alloy with dense fine SFs inside the original grains, discontinuous DRX initially occurs at the original grain boundaries, and the DRX is obviously restricted. Consequently, alloy containing dense SFs exhibits higher strength but lower ductility compared with alloy with plated-shaped LPSO phases.

Effect of LPSO and SFs on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy

PubMed Central

Xu, Chao; Nakata, Taiki; Qiao, Xiaoguang; Zheng, Mingyi; Wu, Kun; Kamado, Shigeharu

2017-01-01

High performance Mg-8.2Gd-3.8Y-1.0Zn-0.4Zr alloy with high strength and excellent ductility has been successfully developed by hot extrusion. The effect of plate-shaped long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases and solute-segregated stacking faults (SFs) on the dynamically recrystallization (DRX) behavior was analyzed. The plate-shaped LPSO phases stimulate the DRX by particle stimulated nucleation mechanism, leading to higher DRX ratio and weaker basal texture. While for the alloy with dense fine SFs inside the original grains, discontinuous DRX initially occurs at the original grain boundaries, and the DRX is obviously restricted. Consequently, alloy containing dense SFs exhibits higher strength but lower ductility compared with alloy with plated-shaped LPSO phases. PMID:28134297

Characterization of individual straight and kinked boron carbide nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zhiguang

Boron carbides represent a class of ceramic materials with p-type semiconductor natures, complex structures and a wide homogeneous range of carbon compositions. Bulk boron carbides have long been projected as promising high temperature thermoelectric materials, but with limited performance. Bringing the bulk boron carbides to low dimensions (e.g., nanowires) is believed to be an option to enhance their thermoelectric performance because of the quantum size effects. However, the fundamental studies on the microstructure-thermal property relation of boron carbide nanowires are elusive. In this dissertation work, systematic structural characterization and thermal conductivity measurement of individual straight and kinked boron carbide nanowires were carried out to establish the true structure-thermal transport relation. In addition, a preliminary Raman spectroscopy study on identifying the defects in individual boron carbide nanowires was conducted. After the synthesis of single crystalline boron carbide nanowires, straight nanowires accompanied by the kinked ones were observed. Detailed structures of straight boron carbide nanowires have been reported, but not the kinked ones. After carefully examining tens of kinked nanowires utilizing Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), it was found that they could be categorized into five cases depending on the stacking faults orientations in the two arms of the kink: TF-TF, AF-TF, AF-AF, TF-IF and AF-IF kinks, in which TF, AF and IF denotes transverse faults (preferred growth direction perpendicular to the stacking fault planes), axial faults (preferred growth direction in parallel with the stacking fault planes) and inclined faults (preferred growth direction neither perpendicular to nor in parallel with the stacking fault planes). Simple structure models describing the characteristics of TF-TF, AF-TF, AF-AF kinked nanowires are constructed in SolidWorks, which help to differentiate the kinked nanowires viewed from the zone axes where stacking faults are invisible. In collaboration with the experts in the field of thermal property characterization of one dimensional nanostructures, thermal conductivities of over 60 nanowires including both straight and kinked ones have been measured in the temperature range of 20 - 420 K and the parameters (i.e., carbon contents, diameters, stacking faults densities/orientations and kinks) affecting the phonon transport were explored. The results disclose strong carbon content and diameter dependence of thermal conductivities of boron carbide nanowires, which decreases as lowering the carbon content and diameter. Stacking fault orientations do modulate the phonon transport (kappaTF < kappa AF), while stacking fault densities seems to only have obvious effects on phonon transport when meeting certain threshold ( 39%). The most interesting discovery is significant reduction of thermal conductivity (15% - 40%) in kinked boron carbide nanowires due to phonon mode conversions and scattering at the kink site. Last but not least, micro-Raman spectroscopy study on individual boron carbide nanowires has been performed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Based on the preliminary data, it is found that the stacking fault orientations have no apparent effect on the Raman scattering, but the stacking fault densities do. In addition, up as the size going down to nanoscale, some Raman modes are inactive while some new ones show up, which is largely ascribed to the quantum confinement effects. One more important finding is that the carbon content also plays important role in the Raman scattering of boron carbide nanowires in the low frequency region (< 600 cm-1), which mainly comes from the 3-atom chains (C-B-C or C-B-B).

Understanding the Effect of Grain Boundary Character on Dynamic Recrystallization in Stainless Steel 316L

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Megan; Morse, Michael; Corolewski, Caleb; Fritchman, Koyuki; Stifter, Chris; Poole, Callum; Hurley, Michael; Frary, Megan

2017-08-01

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurs during high-temperature deformation in metals and alloys with low to medium stacking fault energies. Previous simulations and experimental research have shown the effect of temperature and grain size on DRX behavior, but not the effect of the grain boundary character distribution. To investigate the effects of the distribution of grain boundary types, experimental testing was performed on stainless steel 316L specimens with different initial special boundary fractions (SBF). This work was completed in conjunction with computer simulations that used a modified Monte Carlo method which allowed for the addition of anisotropic grain boundary energies using orientation data from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The correlation of the experimental and simulation work allows for a better understanding of how the input parameters in the simulations correspond to what occurs experimentally. Results from both simulations and experiments showed that a higher fraction of so-called "special" boundaries ( e.g., Σ3 twin boundaries) delayed the onset of recrystallization to larger strains and that it is energetically favorable for nuclei to form on triple junctions without these so-called "special" boundaries.

Nanocrystalline copper films are never flat.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaopu; Han, Jian; Plombon, John J; Sutton, Adrian P; Srolovitz, David J; Boland, John J

2017-07-28

We used scanning tunneling microscopy to study low-angle grain boundaries at the surface of nearly planar copper nanocrystalline (111) films. The presence of grain boundaries and their emergence at the film surface create valleys composed of dissociated edge dislocations and ridges where partial dislocations have recombined. Geometric analysis and simulations indicated that valleys and ridges were created by an out-of-plane grain rotation driven by reduction of grain boundary energy. These results suggest that in general, it is impossible to form flat two-dimensional nanocrystalline films of copper and other metals exhibiting small stacking fault energies and/or large elastic anisotropy, which induce a large anisotropy in the dislocation-line energy. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

The core structure and recombination energy of a copper screw dislocation: a Peierls study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szajewski, B. A.; Hunter, A.; Beyerlein, I. J.

2017-09-01

The recombination process of dislocations is central to cross-slip, and transmission through ?3 grain boundaries among other fundamental plastic deformation processes. Despite its importance, a detailed mechanistic understanding remains lacking. We apply a continuous dislocation model, inspired by Peierls and Nabarro, complete with an ab-initio computed ?-surface and continuous units of infinitesimal dislocation slip, towards computing the stress-dependent recombination path of both an isotropic and anisotropic Cu screw dislocation. Under no applied stress, our model reproduces the stacking fault width between Shockley partial dislocations as predicted by discrete linear elasticity. Upon application of a compressive Escaig stress, the two partial dislocations coalesce to a separation of ??. Upon increased loading the edge components of each partial dislocation recede, leaving behind a spread Peierls screw dislocation, indicating the recombined state. We demonstrate that the critical stress required to achieve the recombined state is independent of the shear modulus. Rather the critical recombination stress depends on an energy difference between an unstable fault energy (?) and the intrinsic stacking fault energy (?-?). We report recombination energies of ?W = 0.168 eV/Å and ?W = 0.084 eV/Å, respectively, for the Cu screw dislocation within isotropic and anisotropic media. We develop an analytic model which provides insight into our simulation results which compare favourably with other (similar) models.

Strong carrier localization in stacking faults in semipolar (11-22) GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okur, Serdal; Monavarian, Morteza; Das, Saikat; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Zhang, Fan; Avrutin, Vitaliy; Morkoç, Hadis; Özgür, Ümit

2015-03-01

The effects of stacking faults (SFs) on optical processes in epitaxially grown semipolar (1122) GaN on m-sapphire substrate have been investigated in detail using steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time- and polarization-resolved PL. We demonstrate that the carrier recombination dynamics are substantially influenced due to strong carrier localization in the stacking faults. In addition to nonradiative recombination, carrier trapping/detrapping and carrier transfer between the stacking faults and donors are also found to be among the mechanisms affecting the recombination dynamics at different temperatures. PL decay times of both I1-type BSF and 3.31 eV SF (E-type BSF or prismatic stacking fault) do not show temperature dependence up to 80 K while 3.31 eV SF exhibits longer PL decay times (~3 ns) at low temperatures as compared to I1-type BSF (~1 ns), indicative of lower efficiency for radiative recombination. After 80 K, PL decay times decreased by power of ~-1 and ~-2 for 3.31 eV SF and I1-type BSF, respectively. It is obtained from radiative decay times with respect to temperature that the carrier localization becomes higher in I1-type BSF compared to 3.31 eV SF increasing the temperature. I1-type BSF also shows higher PL intensity, which is attributed to larger density, and therefore, larger contribution to recombination dynamics as compared to other type of stacking faults. Polarization-resolved PL measurements also revealed that the degree of polarization for the I1-type BSF (0.30) was twice that for the 3.31 eV SF.

On the small angle twist sub-grain boundaries in Ti3AlC2.

PubMed

Zhang, Hui; Zhang, Chao; Hu, Tao; Zhan, Xun; Wang, Xiaohui; Zhou, Yanchun

2016-04-01

Tilt-dominated grain boundaries have been investigated in depth in the deformation of MAX phases. In stark contrast, another important type of grain boundaries, twist grain boundaries, have long been overlooked. Here, we report on the observation of small angle twist sub-grain boundaries in a typical MAX phase Ti3AlC2 compressed at 1200 °C, which comprise hexagonal screw dislocation networks formed by basal dislocation reactions. By first-principles investigations on atomic-scale deformation and general stacking fault energy landscapes, it is unequivocally demonstrated that the twist sub-grain boundaries are most likely located between Al and Ti4f (Ti located at the 4f Wyckoff sites of P63/mmc) layers, with breaking of the weakly bonded Al-Ti4f. The twist angle increases with the increase of deformation and is estimated to be around 0.5° for a deformation of 26%. This work may shed light on sub-grain boundaries of MAX phases, and provide fundamental information for future atomic-scale simulations.

Molecular dynamics studies of defect formation during heteroepitaxial growth of InGaN alloys on (0001) GaN surfaces

DOE PAGES

Gruber, J.; Zhou, X. W.; Jones, R. E.; ...

2017-05-15

Here, we investigate the formation of extended defects during molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of GaN and InGaN growth on (0001) and (11more » $$\\bar{2}$$0) wurtzite-GaN surfaces. The simulated growths are conducted on an atypically large scale by sequentially injecting nearly a million individual vapor-phase atoms towards a fixed GaN surface; we apply time-and-position-dependent boundary constraints that vary the ensemble treatments of the vapor-phase, the near-surface solid-phase, and the bulk-like regions of the growing layer. The simulations employ newly optimized Stillinger-Weber In-Ga-N-system potentials, wherein multiple binary and ternary structures are included in the underlying density-functional-theory training sets, allowing improved treatment of In-Ga-related atomic interactions. To examine the effect of growth conditions, we study a matrix of >30 different MD-growth simulations for a range of InxGa1-xN-alloy compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and homologous growth temperatures [0.50 ≤ T/T* m(x) ≤ 0.90], where T* m(x) is the simulated melting point. Growths conducted on polar (0001) GaN substrates exhibit the formation of various extended defects including stacking faults/polymorphism, associated domain boundaries, surface roughness, dislocations, and voids. In contrast, selected growths conducted on semi-polar (11$$\\bar{2}$$0) GaN, where the wurtzite-phase stacking sequence is revealed at the surface, exhibit the formation of far fewer stacking faults. We discuss variations in the defect formation with the MD growth conditions, and we compare the resulting simulated films to existing experimental observations in InGaN/GaN. Finally, while the palette of defects observed by MD closely resembles those observed in the past experiments, further work is needed to achieve truly predictive large-scale simulations of InGaN/GaN crystal growth using MD methodologies.« less

Molecular dynamics studies of defect formation during heteroepitaxial growth of InGaN alloys on (0001) GaN surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, J.; Zhou, X. W.; Jones, R. E.; Lee, S. R.; Tucker, G. J.

2017-05-01

We investigate the formation of extended defects during molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of GaN and InGaN growth on (0001) and ( 11 2 ¯ 0 ) wurtzite-GaN surfaces. The simulated growths are conducted on an atypically large scale by sequentially injecting nearly a million individual vapor-phase atoms towards a fixed GaN surface; we apply time-and-position-dependent boundary constraints that vary the ensemble treatments of the vapor-phase, the near-surface solid-phase, and the bulk-like regions of the growing layer. The simulations employ newly optimized Stillinger-Weber In-Ga-N-system potentials, wherein multiple binary and ternary structures are included in the underlying density-functional-theory training sets, allowing improved treatment of In-Ga-related atomic interactions. To examine the effect of growth conditions, we study a matrix of >30 different MD-growth simulations for a range of InxGa1-xN-alloy compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and homologous growth temperatures [0.50 ≤ T/T*m(x) ≤ 0.90], where T*m(x) is the simulated melting point. Growths conducted on polar (0001) GaN substrates exhibit the formation of various extended defects including stacking faults/polymorphism, associated domain boundaries, surface roughness, dislocations, and voids. In contrast, selected growths conducted on semi-polar ( 11 2 ¯ 0 ) GaN, where the wurtzite-phase stacking sequence is revealed at the surface, exhibit the formation of far fewer stacking faults. We discuss variations in the defect formation with the MD growth conditions, and we compare the resulting simulated films to existing experimental observations in InGaN/GaN. While the palette of defects observed by MD closely resembles those observed in the past experiments, further work is needed to achieve truly predictive large-scale simulations of InGaN/GaN crystal growth using MD methodologies.

Molecular dynamics studies of defect formation during heteroepitaxial growth of InGaN alloys on (0001) GaN surfaces.

PubMed

Gruber, J; Zhou, X W; Jones, R E; Lee, S R; Tucker, G J

2017-05-21

We investigate the formation of extended defects during molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of GaN and InGaN growth on (0001) and ([Formula: see text]) wurtzite-GaN surfaces. The simulated growths are conducted on an atypically large scale by sequentially injecting nearly a million individual vapor-phase atoms towards a fixed GaN surface; we apply time-and-position-dependent boundary constraints that vary the ensemble treatments of the vapor-phase, the near-surface solid-phase, and the bulk-like regions of the growing layer. The simulations employ newly optimized Stillinger-Weber In-Ga-N-system potentials, wherein multiple binary and ternary structures are included in the underlying density-functional-theory training sets, allowing improved treatment of In-Ga-related atomic interactions. To examine the effect of growth conditions, we study a matrix of >30 different MD-growth simulations for a range of In x Ga 1-x N-alloy compositions (0 ≤  x  ≤ 0.4) and homologous growth temperatures [0.50 ≤  T/T * m ( x ) ≤ 0.90], where T * m ( x ) is the simulated melting point. Growths conducted on polar (0001) GaN substrates exhibit the formation of various extended defects including stacking faults/polymorphism, associated domain boundaries, surface roughness, dislocations, and voids. In contrast, selected growths conducted on semi-polar ([Formula: see text]) GaN, where the wurtzite-phase stacking sequence is revealed at the surface, exhibit the formation of far fewer stacking faults. We discuss variations in the defect formation with the MD growth conditions, and we compare the resulting simulated films to existing experimental observations in InGaN/GaN. While the palette of defects observed by MD closely resembles those observed in the past experiments, further work is needed to achieve truly predictive large-scale simulations of InGaN/GaN crystal growth using MD methodologies.

Conjugated π electron engineering of generalized stacking fault in graphene and h-BN.

PubMed

Ouyang, Bin; Chen, Cheng; Song, J

2018-03-02

Generalized-stacking-fault energy (GSFE) serves as an important metric that prescribes dislocation behaviors in materials. In this paper, utilizing first-principle calculations and chemical bonding analysis, we studied the behaviors of generalized stacking fault in graphene and h-BN. It has been shown that the π bond formation plays a critical role in the existence of metastable stacking fault (MSF) in graphene and h-BN lattice along certain slip directions. Chemical functionalization was then proposed as an effective means to engineer the π bond, and subsequently MSF along dislocation slips within graphene and h-BN. Taking hydrogenation as a representative functionalization method, we demonstrated that, with the preferential adsorption of hydrogen along the slip line, π electrons along the slip would be saturated by adsorbed hydrogen atoms, leading to the moderation or elimination of MSF. Our study elucidates the atomic mechanism of MSF formation in graphene-like materials, and more generally, provides important insights towards predictive tuning of mechanic properties in two-dimensional nanomaterials.

Effect of vacancy defects on generalized stacking fault energy of fcc metals.

PubMed

Asadi, Ebrahim; Zaeem, Mohsen Asle; Moitra, Amitava; Tschopp, Mark A

2014-03-19

Molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) studies were performed to investigate the influence of vacancy defects on generalized stacking fault (GSF) energy of fcc metals. MEAM and EAM potentials were used for MD simulations, and DFT calculations were performed to test the accuracy of different common parameter sets for MEAM and EAM potentials in predicting GSF with different fractions of vacancy defects. Vacancy defects were placed at the stacking fault plane or at nearby atomic layers. The effect of vacancy defects at the stacking fault plane and the plane directly underneath of it was dominant compared to the effect of vacancies at other adjacent planes. The effects of vacancy fraction, the distance between vacancies, and lateral relaxation of atoms on the GSF curves with vacancy defects were investigated. A very similar variation of normalized SFEs with respect to vacancy fractions were observed for Ni and Cu. MEAM potentials qualitatively captured the effect of vacancies on GSF.

Evolution of stacking fault tetrahedral and work hardening effect in copper single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hai Tao; Zhu, Xiu Fu; Sun, Ya Zhou; Xie, Wen Kun

2017-11-01

Stacking fault tetrahedral (SFT), generated in machining of copper single crystal as one type of subsurface defects, has significant influence on the performance of workpiece. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is used to investigate the evolution of stacking fault tetrahedral in nano-cutting of copper single crystal. The result shows that SFT is nucleated at the intersection of differently oriented stacking fault (SF) planes and SFT evolves from the preform only containing incomplete surfaces into a solid defect. The evolution of SFT contains several stress fluctuations until the complete formation. Nano-indentation simulation is then employed on the machined workpiece from nano-cutting, through which the interaction between SFT and later-formed dislocations in subsurface is studied. In the meanwhile, force-depth curves obtained from nano-indentation on pristine and machined workpieces are compared to analyze the mechanical properties. By simulation of nano-cutting and nano-indentation, it is verified that SFT is a reason of the work hardening effect.

Strain-Driven Stacking Faults in CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Nanorods.

PubMed

Demortière, Arnaud; Leonard, Donovan N; Petkov, Valeri; Chapman, Karena; Chattopadhyay, Soma; She, Chunxing; Cullen, David A; Shibata, Tomohiro; Pelton, Matthew; Shevchenko, Elena V

2018-04-19

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are commonly grown with a shell of a second semiconductor material to obtain desired physical properties, such as increased photoluminescence quantum yield. However, the growth of a lattice-mismatched shell results in strain within the nanocrystal, and this strain has the potential to produce crystalline defects. Here, we study CdSe/CdS core/shell nanorods as a model system to investigate the influence of core size and shape on the formation of stacking faults in the nanocrystal. Using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and pair-distribution-function analysis of synchrotron X-ray scattering, we show that growth of the CdS shell on smaller, spherical CdSe cores results in relatively small strain and few stacking faults. By contrast, growth of the shell on larger, prolate spheroidal cores leads to significant strain in the CdS lattice, resulting in a high density of stacking faults.

Conjugated π electron engineering of generalized stacking fault in graphene and h-BN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Bin; Chen, Cheng; Song, J.

2018-03-01

Generalized-stacking-fault energy (GSFE) serves as an important metric that prescribes dislocation behaviors in materials. In this paper, utilizing first-principle calculations and chemical bonding analysis, we studied the behaviors of generalized stacking fault in graphene and h-BN. It has been shown that the π bond formation plays a critical role in the existence of metastable stacking fault (MSF) in graphene and h-BN lattice along certain slip directions. Chemical functionalization was then proposed as an effective means to engineer the π bond, and subsequently MSF along dislocation slips within graphene and h-BN. Taking hydrogenation as a representative functionalization method, we demonstrated that, with the preferential adsorption of hydrogen along the slip line, π electrons along the slip would be saturated by adsorbed hydrogen atoms, leading to the moderation or elimination of MSF. Our study elucidates the atomic mechanism of MSF formation in graphene-like materials, and more generally, provides important insights towards predictive tuning of mechanic properties in two-dimensional nanomaterials.

Effects of Grain Size and Twin Layer Thickness on Crack Initiation at Twin Boundaries.

PubMed

Zhou, Piao; Zhou, Jianqiu; Zhu, Yongwei; Jiang, E; Wang, Zikun

2018-04-01

A theoretical model to explore the effect on crack initiation of nanotwinned materials was proposed based on the accumulation of dislocations at twin boundaries. First, a critical cracking initiation condition was established considering the number of dislocations pill-up at TBs, grain size and twin layer thickness, and a semi-quantitative relationship between the crystallographic orientation and the stacking fault energy was built. In addition, the number of dislocations pill-up was described by introducing the theory of strain gradient. Based on this model, the effects of grain size and twin lamellae thickness on dislocation density and crack initiation at twin boundaries were also discussed. The simulation results demonstrated that the crack initiation resistance can be improved by decreasing the grain size and increasing the twin lamellae, which keeps in agreement with recent experimental findings reported in the literature.

Seismic investigation of the Kunlun Fault: Analysis of the INDEPTH IV 2-D active-source seismic dataset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seelig, William George

The Tibetan Plateau has experienced significant crustal thickening and deformation since the continental subduction and collision of the Asian and Indian plates in the Eocene. Deformation of the northern Tibetan Plateau is largely accommodated by strike-slip faulting. The Kunlun Fault is a 1000-km long strike-slip fault near the northern boundary of the Plateau that has experienced five magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquakes in the past 100 years and represents a major rheological boundary. Active-source, 2-D seismic reflection/refraction data, collected as part of project INDEPTH IV (International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya, phase IV) in 2007, was used to examine the structure and the dip of the Kunlun fault. The INDEPTH IV data was acquired to better understand the tectonic evolution of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, such as the far-field deformation associated with the continent-continent collision and the potential subduction of the Asian continent beneath northern Tibet. Seismic reflection common depth point (CDP) stacks were examined to look for reflectivity patterns that may be associated with faulting. A possible reflection from the buried North Kunlun Thrust (NKT) is identified at 18-21 km underneath the East Kunlun Mountains, with an estimated apparent dip of 15°S and thrusting to the north. Minimally-processed shot gathers were also inspected for reflections off near-vertical structures such as faults and information on first-order velocity structure. Shot offset and nearest receiver number to reflection was catalogued to increase confidence of picks. Reflections off the North Kunlun (NKF) and South Kunlun Faults (SKF) were identified and analyzed for apparent dip and subsurface geometry. Fault reflection analysis found that the North Kunlun Fault had an apparent dip of approximately 68ºS to an estimated depth of 5 km, while the South Kunlun Fault dipped at approximately 78ºN to an estimated 3.5 km depth. Constraints on apparent dip and geometry of the NKF/SKF and NKT provide information valuable for seismic hazard analysis.

Interseismic secular deformation in Southern California from InSAR-derived maps over the time period between 1992 and 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivet, D. N.; Fialko, Y.

2007-12-01

We analyzed secular deformation in Southern California using an extensive catalog of InSAR data that spans 15 years between 1992 and 2006. We generated a map of the satellite line-of-sight displacements based on a stack of ~300 interferograms from 6 adjacent tracks of the ERS-1 and ERS-2 satellites covering Southern California. The main limitation to the accuracy of InSAR measurements of tectonic deformation is the atmospheric phase delay. We introduce a new method aimed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the InSAR- derived maps of secular deformation. The method involves identifying SAR acquisitions that are highly affected by atmospheric noise, and an optimal choice of interferometric pairs for stacking. We begin by generating a set of all possible interferometric pairs having baselines and time spans within prescribed limits. We then select interferograms with sufficiently high correlation. Subsequently, we identify noisy SAR acquisitions by means of calculating RMS of the phase signal. Finally, we generate a stack of interferograms by following a "connectivity tree" that minimizes contributions of noisy scenes. Using this method we obtained a continuous velocity field characterizing surface deformation in Southern California over the last 15 years. We identify interseismic deformation on a number of major faults, including those of the southern San Andreas system, and the Eastern California Shear Zone (ECSZ). We study the time dependency from 1992 to 2006 of those deformation patterns. Variations in the line-of- sight velocity across the Eastern California Shear Zone are non-monotonic, with the maximum along the strike of the Hector Mine fault of ~4 mm/yr, and total LOS velocity between the eastern and western boundaries of the shear zone of less than 2 mm/yr. We observe increases in the radar range to the east of ECSZ. This signal most likely results from subsidence east of the Death Valley-Mule Springs fault system, either due to hydrologic effects, or dip-slip tectonics. No resolvable interseismic deformation is detected across the Garlock fault. The Blackwater fault is associated with line-of-sight velocity of 2 mm/yr. By combining data from the ascending and descending satellite orbits, we infer that most of that strain is associated with the differential vertical motion across the fault (east side up), so that the accelerated strike-slip motion on the deep extension of the Blackwater fault is not required.

Motion of 1/3⟨111⟩ dislocations on Σ3 {112} twin boundaries in nanotwinned copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, N.; Du, K.; Lu, L.; Ye, H. Q.

2014-01-01

The atomic structure of Σ3 {112} ITBs in nanotwinned Cu is investigated by using aberration-corrected high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and in situ HRTEM observations. The Σ3 {112} ITBs are consisted of periodically repeated three partial dislocations. The in situ HRTEM results show that 1/3[111] partial dislocation moves on the Σ3 {112} incoherent twin boundary (ITB), which was accompanied by a migration of the ITB. A dislocation reaction mechanism is proposed for the motion of 1/3[111] Frank partial dislocation, in which the 1/3[111] partial dislocation exchanges its position with twin boundary dislocations in sequence. In this way, the 1/3[111] dislocation can move on the incoherent twin boundary in metals with low stacking fault energy. Meanwhile, the ITB will migrate in its normal direction accordingly. These results provide insight into the reaction mechanism of 1/3[111] dislocations and ITBs and the associated migration of ITBs.

Softening due to disordered grain boundaries in nanocrystalline Co.

PubMed

Yuasa, Motohiro; Hakamada, Masataka; Nakano, Hiromi; Mabuchi, Mamoru; Chino, Yasumasa

2013-08-28

Nanocrystalline Co consisting of fcc and hcp phases was processed by electrodeposition, and its mechanical properties were investigated by hardness tests. In addition, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the grain boundary structure and dislocation nucleation from the grain boundaries. A large amount of disorders existed at the grain boundaries and stacking faults were formed from the grain boundaries in the as-deposited Co specimen. The as-deposited specimen showed a lower hardness than did the annealed specimen, although the grain size of the former was smaller than that of the latter. The activation volume of the as-deposited specimen (=1.5b(3)) was lower than that of the annealed specimen (=50b(3)), thus indicating that nucleation of dislocations from grain boundaries is more active in the as-deposited specimen than in the annealed specimens. The MD simulations showed that dislocation nucleation was closely related to a change in the defect structures at the boundary. Therefore, it is suggested that a significant amount of defects enhance changes in the defect structures at the boundary, resulting in softening of the as-deposited specimen.

Softening due to disordered grain boundaries in nanocrystalline Co

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuasa, Motohiro; Hakamada, Masataka; Nakano, Hiromi; Mabuchi, Mamoru; Chino, Yasumasa

2013-08-01

Nanocrystalline Co consisting of fcc and hcp phases was processed by electrodeposition, and its mechanical properties were investigated by hardness tests. In addition, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the grain boundary structure and dislocation nucleation from the grain boundaries. A large amount of disorders existed at the grain boundaries and stacking faults were formed from the grain boundaries in the as-deposited Co specimen. The as-deposited specimen showed a lower hardness than did the annealed specimen, although the grain size of the former was smaller than that of the latter. The activation volume of the as-deposited specimen (=1.5b3) was lower than that of the annealed specimen (=50b3), thus indicating that nucleation of dislocations from grain boundaries is more active in the as-deposited specimen than in the annealed specimens. The MD simulations showed that dislocation nucleation was closely related to a change in the defect structures at the boundary. Therefore, it is suggested that a significant amount of defects enhance changes in the defect structures at the boundary, resulting in softening of the as-deposited specimen.

The shear response of copper bicrystals with Σ11 symmetric and asymmetric tilt grain boundaries by molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Lu, Cheng; Tieu, Kiet; Zhao, Xing; Pei, Linqing

2015-04-01

Grain boundaries (GBs) are important microstructure features and can significantly affect the properties of nanocrystalline materials. Molecular dynamics simulation was carried out in this study to investigate the shear response and deformation mechanisms of symmetric and asymmetric Σ11<1 1 0> tilt GBs in copper bicrystals. Different deformation mechanisms were reported, depending on GB inclination angles and equilibrium GB structures, including GB migration coupled to shear deformation, GB sliding caused by local atomic shuffling, and dislocation nucleation from GB. The simulation showed that migrating Σ11(1 1 3) GB under shear can be regarded as sliding of GB dislocations and their combination along the boundary plane. A non-planar structure with dissociated intrinsic stacking faults was prevalent in Σ11 asymmetric GBs of Cu. This type of structure can significantly increase the ductility of bicrystal models under shear deformation. A grain boundary can be a source of dislocation and migrate itself at different stress levels. The intrinsic free volume involved in the grain boundary area was correlated with dislocation nucleation and GB sliding, while the dislocation nucleation mechanism can be different for a grain boundary due to its different equilibrium structures.Grain boundaries (GBs) are important microstructure features and can significantly affect the properties of nanocrystalline materials. Molecular dynamics simulation was carried out in this study to investigate the shear response and deformation mechanisms of symmetric and asymmetric Σ11<1 1 0> tilt GBs in copper bicrystals. Different deformation mechanisms were reported, depending on GB inclination angles and equilibrium GB structures, including GB migration coupled to shear deformation, GB sliding caused by local atomic shuffling, and dislocation nucleation from GB. The simulation showed that migrating Σ11(1 1 3) GB under shear can be regarded as sliding of GB dislocations and their combination along the boundary plane. A non-planar structure with dissociated intrinsic stacking faults was prevalent in Σ11 asymmetric GBs of Cu. This type of structure can significantly increase the ductility of bicrystal models under shear deformation. A grain boundary can be a source of dislocation and migrate itself at different stress levels. The intrinsic free volume involved in the grain boundary area was correlated with dislocation nucleation and GB sliding, while the dislocation nucleation mechanism can be different for a grain boundary due to its different equilibrium structures. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Movies show the evolution of different grain boundaries under shear deformation: S-0, S-54.74, S-70.53-A, S-70.53-B, S-90. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07496c

The core structure and recombination energy of a copper screw dislocation: a Peierls study

DOE PAGES

Szajewski, B. A.; Hunter, A.; Beyerlein, I. J.

2017-05-19

The recombination process of dislocations is central to cross-slip, and transmission through Σ3 grain boundaries among other fundamental plastic deformation processes. Despite its importance, a detailed mechanistic understanding remains lacking. In this paper, we apply a continuous dislocation model, inspired by Peierls and Nabarro, complete with an ab-initio computed -surface and continuous units of infinitesimal dislocation slip, towards computing the stress-dependent recombination path of both an isotropic and anisotropic Cu screw dislocation. Under no applied stress, our model reproduces the stacking fault width between Shockley partial dislocations as predicted by discrete linear elasticity. Upon application of a compressive Escaig stress,more » the two partial dislocations coalesce to a separation of ~|b|. Upon increased loading the edge components of each partial dislocation recede, leaving behind a spread Peierls screw dislocation, indicating the recombined state. We demonstrate that the critical stress required to achieve the recombined state is independent of the shear modulus. Rather the critical recombination stress depends on an energy difference between an unstable fault energy (γτ) and the intrinsic stacking fault energy (γτ-γisf). We report recombination energies of ΔW = 0.168 eV/Å and ΔW = 0.084 eV/Å, respectively, for the Cu screw dislocation within isotropic and anisotropic media. Finally, we develop an analytic model which provides insight into our simulation results which compare favourably with other (similar) models.« less

The core structure and recombination energy of a copper screw dislocation: a Peierls study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Szajewski, B. A.; Hunter, A.; Beyerlein, I. J.

The recombination process of dislocations is central to cross-slip, and transmission through Σ3 grain boundaries among other fundamental plastic deformation processes. Despite its importance, a detailed mechanistic understanding remains lacking. In this paper, we apply a continuous dislocation model, inspired by Peierls and Nabarro, complete with an ab-initio computed -surface and continuous units of infinitesimal dislocation slip, towards computing the stress-dependent recombination path of both an isotropic and anisotropic Cu screw dislocation. Under no applied stress, our model reproduces the stacking fault width between Shockley partial dislocations as predicted by discrete linear elasticity. Upon application of a compressive Escaig stress,more » the two partial dislocations coalesce to a separation of ~|b|. Upon increased loading the edge components of each partial dislocation recede, leaving behind a spread Peierls screw dislocation, indicating the recombined state. We demonstrate that the critical stress required to achieve the recombined state is independent of the shear modulus. Rather the critical recombination stress depends on an energy difference between an unstable fault energy (γτ) and the intrinsic stacking fault energy (γτ-γisf). We report recombination energies of ΔW = 0.168 eV/Å and ΔW = 0.084 eV/Å, respectively, for the Cu screw dislocation within isotropic and anisotropic media. Finally, we develop an analytic model which provides insight into our simulation results which compare favourably with other (similar) models.« less

Floating stacking faults on the (111) surface of FCC metals: a finite-temperature first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rechtsman, Mikael; de Gironcoli, Stefano; Ceder, Gerbrand; Marzari, Nicola

2003-03-01

The (111) surfaces of FCC metals can develop anomalous thermal expansion properties at high temperatures (e.g. for the case of Ag(111)), and display floating stacking faults during homoepitaxial growth in the presence of surfactants. Inspired by the results of high-temperature ensemble-DFT molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate here the relative stability of FCC and HCP stacking in simple and transition metals (Al, Ag, Zn), searching for a structural phase transition taking place at the surface layer in the high-temperature regime. We use a combination of total-energy structural relaxations and linear-response perturbation theory to determine the surface phonon dispersions, and then the relative free energies in the quasi-harmonic approximation. Our results in Al show that the vibrational entropy strongly favors HCP stacking, substantially offsetting the energetic cost of the stacking fault that becomes favored close to the melting temperature. Besides its fundamental interest, HCP phonon softening is relevant in determining the relative stability of small islands during homoeptiaxial growth.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the coalescence and melting process of Au and Cu nano-clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Gang; Wang, Chuan Jie; Zhang, Peng

2018-03-01

Molecular dynamic (MD) method is used to study the coalescence and fusing process of Au and Cu nanoclusters. The results show that shear deformation, surface and interface diffusion play important role in different stages of all simulation procedure. In most cases, shear deformation produces the twin boundary or/and stacking fault in particles by particle rotation and slide. The angle between the {111} of Au and Cu particles decrease with increasing temperature, which promotes the formation of the stable interface. Furthermore, the coalescence point and melting temperature increase as cluster diameter increases. For the other cases, there are no particle rotation and slide phenomenon in the elevating temperature process because the stable interface can be formed by forming twin boundaries once two particles contact.

Determination of the gaseous hydrogen ductile-brittle transition in copper-nickel alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parr, R. A.; Johnston, M. H.; Davis, J. H.; Oh, T. K.

1985-01-01

A series of copper-nickel alloys were fabricated, notched tensile specimens machined for each alloy, and the specimens tested in 34.5 MPa hydrogen and in air. A notched tensile ratio was determined for each alloy and the hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE) determined for the alloys of 47.7 weight percent nickel to 73.5 weight percent nickel. Stacking fault probability and stacking fault energies were determined for each alloy using the x ray diffraction line shift and line profiles technique. Hydrogen environment embrittlement was determined to be influenced by stacking fault energies; however, the correlation is believed to be indirect and only partially responsible for the HEE behavior of these alloys.

Elimination of trench defects and V-pits from InGaN/GaN structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smalc-Koziorowska, Julita; Grzanka, Ewa; Czernecki, Robert

2015-03-09

The microstructural evolution of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells grown by metalorganic chemical vapor phase epitaxy was studied as a function of the growth temperature of the GaN quantum barriers (QBs). We observed the formation of basal stacking faults (BSFs) in GaN QBs grown at low temperature. The presence of BSFs terminated by stacking mismatch boundaries (SMBs) leads to the opening of the structure at the surface into a V-shaped trench loop. This trench may form above an SMB, thereby terminating the BSF, or above a junction between the SMB and a subsequent BSF. Fewer BSFs and thus fewer trench defectsmore » were observed in GaN QBs grown at temperatures higher than 830 °C. Further increase in the growth temperature of the GaN QBs led to the suppression of the threading dislocation opening into V-pits.« less

Model-based diagnosis through Structural Analysis and Causal Computation for automotive Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polverino, Pierpaolo; Frisk, Erik; Jung, Daniel; Krysander, Mattias; Pianese, Cesare

2017-07-01

The present paper proposes an advanced approach for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems fault detection and isolation through a model-based diagnostic algorithm. The considered algorithm is developed upon a lumped parameter model simulating a whole PEMFC system oriented towards automotive applications. This model is inspired by other models available in the literature, with further attention to stack thermal dynamics and water management. The developed model is analysed by means of Structural Analysis, to identify the correlations among involved physical variables, defined equations and a set of faults which may occur in the system (related to both auxiliary components malfunctions and stack degradation phenomena). Residual generators are designed by means of Causal Computation analysis and the maximum theoretical fault isolability, achievable with a minimal number of installed sensors, is investigated. The achieved results proved the capability of the algorithm to theoretically detect and isolate almost all faults with the only use of stack voltage and temperature sensors, with significant advantages from an industrial point of view. The effective fault isolability is proved through fault simulations at a specific fault magnitude with an advanced residual evaluation technique, to consider quantitative residual deviations from normal conditions and achieve univocal fault isolation.

Segregation and Phase Transformations Along Superlattice Intrinsic Stacking Faults in Ni-Based Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, T. M.; Esser, B. D.; Good, B.; Hooshmand, M. S.; Viswanathan, G. B.; Rae, C. M. F.; Ghazisaeidi, M.; McComb, D. W.; Mills, M. J.

2018-06-01

In this study, local chemical and structural changes along superlattice intrinsic stacking faults combine to represent an atomic-scale phase transformation. In order to elicit stacking fault shear, creep tests of two different single crystal Ni-based superalloys, ME501 and CMSX-4, were performed near 750 °C using stresses of 552 and 750 MPa, respectively. Through high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and state-of-the-art energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ordered compositional changes were measured along SISFs in both alloys. For both instances, the elemental segregation and local crystal structure present along the SISFs are consistent with a nanoscale γ' to D019 phase transformation. Other notable observations are prominent γ-rich Cottrell atmospheres and new evidence of more complex reordering processes responsible for the formation of these faults. These findings are further supported using density functional theory calculations and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF)-STEM image simulations.

X-ray analysis of temperature induced defect structures in boron implanted silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sztucki, M.; Metzger, T. H.; Kegel, I.; Tilke, A.; Rouvière, J. L.; Lübbert, D.; Arthur, J.; Patel, J. R.

2002-10-01

We demonstrate the application of surface sensitive diffuse x-ray scattering under the condition of grazing incidence and exit angles to investigate growth and dissolution of near-surface defects after boron implantation in silicon(001) and annealing. Silicon wafers were implanted with a boron dose of 6×1015 ions/cm2 at 32 keV and went through different annealing treatments. From the diffuse intensity close to the (220) surface Bragg peak we reveal the nature and kinetic behavior of the implantation induced defects. Analyzing the q dependence of the diffuse scattering, we are able to distinguish between point defect clusters and extrinsic stacking faults on {111} planes. Characteristic for stacking faults are diffuse x-ray intensity streaks along <111> directions, which allow for the determination of their growth and dissolution kinetics. For the annealing conditions of our crystals, we conclude that the kinetics of growth can be described by an Ostwald ripening model in which smaller faults shrink at the expense of the larger stacking faults. The growth is found to be limited by the self-diffusion of silicon interstitials. After longer rapid thermal annealing the stacking faults disappear almost completely without shrinking, most likely by transformation into perfect loops via a dislocation reaction. This model is confirmed by complementary cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy.

Influence of the Starting Microstructure on the Hot Deformation Behavior of a Low Stacking Fault Energy Ni-based Superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarley, Joshua; Alabbad, B.; Tin, S.

2018-03-01

The influence of varying fractions of primary gamma prime precipitates on the hot deformation and annealing behavior of an experimental Nickel-based superalloy containing 24 wt pct. Co was investigated. Billets heat treated at 1110 °C or 1135 °C were subjected to hot compression tests at temperatures ranging from 1020 °C to 1060 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 0.1/s. The microstructures were characterized using electron back scatter diffraction in the as-deformed condition as well as following a super-solvus anneal heat treatment at 1140 °C for 1 hour. This investigation sought to quantify and understand what effect the volume fraction of primary gamma prime precipitates has on the dynamic recrystallization behavior and resulting length fraction ∑3 twin boundaries in the low stacking fault superalloy following annealing. Although deformation at the lower temperatures and higher strain rates led to dynamic recrystallization for both starting microstructures, comparatively lower recrystallized fractions were observed in the 1135 °C billet microstructures deformed at strain rates of 0.1/s and 0.05/s. Subsequent annealing of the 1135 °C billet microstructures led to a higher proportion of annealing twins when compared to the annealed 1110 °C billet microstructures.

A molecular dynamics simulation study of irradiation induced defects in gold nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wenqiang; Chen, Piheng; Qiu, Ruizhi; Khan, Maaz; Liu, Jie; Hou, Mingdong; Duan, Jinglai

2017-08-01

Displacement cascade in gold nanowires was studied using molecular dynamics computer simulations. Primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) with different kinetic energies were initiated either at the surface or at the center of the nanowires. We found three kinds of defects that were induced by the cascade, including point defects, stacking faults and crater at the surface. The starting points of PKAs influence the number of residual point defects, and this consequently affect the boundary of anti-radiation window which was proposed by calculation of diffusion of point defects to the free surface of nanowires. Formation of stacking faults that expanded the whole cross-section of gold nanowires was observed when the PKA's kinetic energy was higher than 5 keV. Increasing the PKA's kinetic energy up to more than 10 keV may lead to the formation of crater at the surface of nanowires due to microexplosion of hot atoms. At this energy, PKAs started from the center of nanowires can also result in the creation of crater because length of cascade region is comparable to diameter of nanowires. Both the two factors, namely initial positions of PKAs as well as the craters induced by higher energy irradiation, would influence the ability of radiation resistance of metal nanowires.

Hydrogen Cracking in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of an AISI Type 321 Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozenak, P.; Unigovski, Ya.; Shneck, R.

The effects of in situ cathodic charging on the tensile properties and susceptibility to cracking of an AISI type 321 stainless steel, welded by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, was studied by various treatments. Appearance of delta-ferrite phase in the as-welded steels in our tested conditions was observed with discontinuous grain boundaries (M23C6) and a dense distribution of metal carbides MC ((Ti, Nb)C), which precipitated in the matrix. Shielding gas rates changes the mechanical properties of the welds. Ultimate tensile strength and ductility are increases with the resistance to the environments related the increase of the supplied shielding inert gas rates. Charged specimens, caused mainly in decreases in the ductility of welded specimens. However, more severe decrease in ductility was obtained after post weld heat treatment (PWHT). The fracture of sensitized specimens was predominantly intergranular, whereas the as-welded specimens exhibited massive transgranular regions. Both types of specimen demonstrated narrow brittle zones at the sides of the fracture surface and ductile micro-void coalescences in the middle. Ferrite δ was form after welding with high density of dislocation structures and stacking faults formation and the thin stacking fault plates with e-martensite phase were typically found in the austenitic matrix after the cathodical charging process.

Crystal structure of stacking faults in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trunkin, I. N.; Presniakov, M. Yu.; Vasiliev, A. L., E-mail: a.vasiliev56@gmail.com

Stacking faults and dislocations in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures have been studied by electron microscopy. The use of different techniques of transmission electron microscopy (primarily, highresolution dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy) has made it possible to determine the defect structure at the atomic level.

In-situ observation of stacking fault evolution in vacuum-deposited C60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardigree, J. F. M.; Ramirez, I. R.; Mazzotta, G.; Nicklin, C.; Riede, M.

2017-12-01

We report an in-situ study of stacking fault evolution in C60 thin films using grazing-incidence x-ray scattering. A Williamson-Hall analysis of the main scattering features during growth of a 15 nm film on glass indicates lattice strain as high as 6% in the first 5 nm of the film, with a decrease to 2% beyond 8 nm thickness. Deformation stacking faults along the {220} plane are found to occur with 68% probability and closely linked to the formation of a nanocrystalline powder-like film. Our findings, which capture monolayer-resolution growth, are consistent with previous work on crystalline and powder C60 films, and provide a crystallographic context for the real-time study of organic semiconductor thin films.

Inverse scattering pre-stack depth imaging and it's comparison to some depth migration methods for imaging rich fault complex structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurhandoko, Bagus Endar B.; Sukmana, Indriani; Mubarok, Syahrul; Deny, Agus; Widowati, Sri; Kurniadi, Rizal

2012-06-01

Migration is important issue for seismic imaging in complex structure. In this decade, depth imaging becomes important tools for producing accurate image in depth imaging instead of time domain imaging. The challenge of depth migration method, however, is in revealing the complex structure of subsurface. There are many methods of depth migration with their advantages and weaknesses. In this paper, we show our propose method of pre-stack depth migration based on time domain inverse scattering wave equation. Hopefully this method can be as solution for imaging complex structure in Indonesia, especially in rich thrusting fault zones. In this research, we develop a recent advance wave equation migration based on time domain inverse scattering wave which use more natural wave propagation using scattering wave. This wave equation pre-stack depth migration use time domain inverse scattering wave equation based on Helmholtz equation. To provide true amplitude recovery, an inverse of divergence procedure and recovering transmission loss are considered of pre-stack migration. Benchmarking the propose inverse scattering pre-stack depth migration with the other migration methods are also presented, i.e.: wave equation pre-stack depth migration, waveequation depth migration, and pre-stack time migration method. This inverse scattering pre-stack depth migration could image successfully the rich fault zone which consist extremely dip and resulting superior quality of seismic image. The image quality of inverse scattering migration is much better than the others migration methods.

Tight-binding study of stacking fault energies and the Rice criterion of ductility in the fcc metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehl, Michael J.; Papaconstantopoulos, Dimitrios A.; Kioussis, Nicholas; Herbranson, M.

2000-02-01

We have used the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) tight-binding (TB) method to calculate the generalized stacking fault energy and the Rice ductility criterion in the fcc metals Al, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au, and Pb. The method works well for all classes of metals, i.e., simple metals, noble metals, and transition metals. We compared our results with full potential linear-muffin-tin orbital and embedded atom method (EAM) calculations, as well as experiment, and found good agreement. This is impressive, since the NRL-TB approach only fits to first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave equations of state and band structures for cubic systems. Comparable accuracy with EAM potentials can be achieved only by fitting to the stacking fault energy.

Dynamics of Nanoscale Grain-Boundary Decohesion in Aluminum by Molecular-Dynamics Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, V.; Saether, E.; Phillips, D. R.; Glaessegen, E. H.

2007-01-01

The dynamics and energetics of intergranular crack growth along a flat grain boundary in aluminum is studied by a molecular-dynamics simulation model for crack propagation under steady-state conditions. Using the ability of the molecular-dynamics simulation to identify atoms involved in different atomistic mechanisms, it was possible to identify the energy contribution of different processes taking place during crack growth. The energy contributions were divided as: elastic energy, defined as the potential energy of the atoms in fcc crystallographic state; and plastically stored energy, the energy of stacking faults and twin boundaries; grain-boundary and surface energy. In addition, monitoring the amount of heat exchange with the molecular-dynamics thermostat gives the energy dissipated as heat in the system. The energetic analysis indicates that the majority of energy in a fast growing crack is dissipated as heat. This dissipation increases linearly at low speed, and faster than linear at speeds approaching 1/3 the Rayleigh wave speed when the crack tip becomes dynamically unstable producing periodic dislocation bursts until the crack is blunted.

Application of Oxidation to the Structural Characterization of Sic Epitaxial Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, J. A.; Petit, J. B.; Edgar, J. H.; Jenkins, I. G.; Matus, L. G.

1991-01-01

Both 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC single-crystal films can be grown on vicinal (0001) 6H-SiC wafers. It is found that oxidation can be a powerful diagnostic process for (1) 'color mapping' the 3C and 6H regions of these films, (2) decorating stacking faults in the films, (3) enhancing the decoration of double positioning boundaries, and (4) decorating polishing damage. Contrary to previously published oxidation results, proper oxidation conditions can yield interference colors that provide a definitive map of the polytype distribution for both the Si face and C face of SiC films.

High temperature deformation mechanisms of L12-containing Co-based superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titus, Michael Shaw

Ni-based superalloys have been used as the structural material of choice for high temperature applications in gas turbine engines since the 1940s, but their operating temperature is becoming limited by their melting temperature (Tm =1300degrees C). Despite decades of research, no viable alternatives to Ni-based superalloys have been discovered and developed. However, in 2006, a ternary gamma' phase was discovered in the Co-Al-W system that enabled a new class of Co-based superalloys to be developed. These new Co-based superalloys possess a gamma-gamma' microstructure that is nearly identical to Ni-based superalloys, which enables these superalloys to achieve extraordinary high temperature mechanical properties. Furthermore, Co-based alloys possess the added benefit of exhibiting a melting temperature of at least 100degrees C higher than commercial Ni-based superalloys. Superalloys used as the structural materials in high pressure turbine blades must withstand large thermomechanical stresses imparted from the rotating disk and hot, corrosive gases present. These stresses induce time-dependent plastic deformation, which is commonly known as creep, and new superalloys must possess adequate creep resistance over a broad range of temperature in order to be used as the structural materials for high pressure turbine blades. For these reasons, this research focuses on quantifying high temperature creep properties of new gamma'-containing Co-based superalloys and identifying the high temperature creep deformation mechanisms. The high temperature creep properties of new Co- and CoNi-based alloys were found to be comparable to Ni-based superalloys with respect to minimum creep rates and creep-rupture lives at 900degrees C up to the solvus temperature of the gamma' phase. Co-based alloys exhibited a propensity for extended superlattice stacking fault formation in the gamma' precipitates resulting from dislocation shearing events. When Ni was added to the Co-based compositions, this mode of shearing altered such that extended antiphase boundaries formed in the gamma' precipitates. These high temperature shearing mechanisms differ from Ni-based superalloys, where shearing occurs via APB-coupled dislocations. High resolution electron microscopy studies revealed chemical fluctuations of solute near stacking faults and antiphase boundaries in the gamma' phases. These chemical fluctuations were found to significantly reduce the stacking fault energy, which was calculated via first-principles. The implications for these chemical fluctuations on creep strength were determined, and new models for precipitate shearing will be presented. Furthermore, the implications for the design of new Co- and CoNi-based compositions will be discussed.

Growth of non-polar and semi-polar gallium nitride with plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy: Relatonships between film microstructure, reciprocal lattice and transport properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLaurin, Melvin Barker

2007-12-01

The group-III nitrides exhibit significant spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization parallel to the [0001] direction, which are manifested as sheet charges at heterointerfaces. While polarization can be used to engineer the band-structure of a device, internal electric fields generated by polarization discontinuities can also have a number of negative consequences for the performance and design of structures utilizing heterojunctions. The most direct route to polarization free group-III nitride devices is growth on either one of the "non-polar" prismatic faces of the crystal (m-plane (1010) or a-plane (1120)) where the [0001] direction lies in the plane of any heterointerfaces. This dissertation focuses on the growth of non-polar and semi-polar GaN by MBE and on how the dominant feature of the defect structure of non-polar and semi-polar films, basal plane stacking faults, determines the properties of the reciprocal lattice and electrical transport of the films. The first part is a survey of the MBE growth of the two non-polar planes (10 10) and (1120) and three semi-polar planes (1011), (1013) and {11 22} investigated in this work. The relationship between basal plane stacking faults and broadening of the reciprocal lattice is discussed and measured with X-ray diffraction using a lateral-variant of the Williamson-Hall analysis. The electrical properties of m-plane films are investigated using Hall-effect and TLM measurements. Anisotropic mobilities were observed for both electrons and holes along with record p-type conductivities and hole concentrations. By comparison to both inversion-domain free c-plane films and stacking-fault-free free-standing m-plane GaN wafers it was determined that basal plane stacking faults were the source of both the enhanced p-type conductivity and the anisotropic carrier mobilities. Finally, we propose a possible source of anisotropic mobilities and enhanced p-type conduction in faulted films is proposed. Basal plane stacking faults are treated as heterostructures of the wurtzite and zincblende polytypes of GaN. The band parameter and polarization differences between the polytypes result in large offsets in both the conduction and valence band edges at the stacking faults. Anisotropy results from scattering from the band-edge offsets and enhanced mobility from screening due to charge accumulation at these band edge offsets.

Stacking fault induced tunnel barrier in platelet graphite nanofiber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lan, Yann-Wen, E-mail: chiidong@phys.sinica.edu.tw, E-mail: ywlan@phys.sinica.edu.tw; Chang, Yuan-Chih; Chang, Chia-Seng

A correlation study using image inspection and electrical characterization of platelet graphite nanofiber devices is conducted. Close transmission electron microscopy and diffraction pattern inspection reveal layers with inflection angles appearing in otherwise perfectly stacked graphene platelets, separating nanofibers into two domains. Electrical measurement gives a stability diagram consisting of alternating small-large Coulomb blockade diamonds, suggesting that there are two charging islands coupled together through a tunnel junction. Based on these two findings, we propose that a stacking fault can behave as a tunnel barrier for conducting electrons and is responsible for the observed double-island single electron transistor characteristics.

Energetics analysis of interstitial loops in single-phase concentrated solid-solution alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin-Xin; Niu, Liang-Liang; Wang, Shaoqing

2018-04-01

Systematic energetics analysis on the shape preference, relative stability and radiation-induced segregation of interstitial loops in nickel-containing single-phase concentrated solid-solution alloys have been conducted using atomistic simulations. It is shown that the perfect loops prefer rhombus shape for its low potential energy, while the Frank faulted loops favor ellipse for its low potential energy and the possible large configurational entropy. The decrease of stacking fault energy with increasing compositional complexity provides the energetic driving force for the formation of faulted loops, which, in conjunction with the kinetic factors, explains the experimental observation that the fraction of faulted loops rises with increasing compositional complexity. Notably, the kinetics is primarily responsible for the absence of faulted loops in nickel-cobalt with a very low stacking fault energy. We further demonstrate that the simultaneous nickel enrichment and iron/chromium depletion on interstitial loops can be fully accounted for by their energetics.

Impact of internal crystalline boundaries on lattice thermal conductivity: Importance of boundary structure and spacing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aghababaei, Ramin, E-mail: ramin.aghababaei@epfl.ch; Anciaux, Guillaume; Molinari, Jean-François

2014-11-10

The low thermal conductivity of nano-crystalline materials is commonly explained via diffusive scattering of phonons by internal boundaries. In this study, we have quantitatively studied phonon-crystalline boundaries scattering and its effect on the overall lattice thermal conductivity of crystalline bodies. Various types of crystalline boundaries such as stacking faults, twins, and grain boundaries have been considered in FCC crystalline structures. Accordingly, the specularity coefficient has been determined for different boundaries as the probability of the specular scattering across boundaries. Our results show that in the presence of internal boundaries, the lattice thermal conductivity can be characterized by two parameters: (1)more » boundary spacing and (2) boundary excess free volume. We show that the inverse of the lattice thermal conductivity depends linearly on a non-dimensional quantity which is the ratio of boundary excess free volume over boundary spacing. This shows that phonon scattering across crystalline boundaries is mainly a geometrically favorable process rather than an energetic one. Using the kinetic theory of phonon transport, we present a simple analytical model which can be used to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity of nano-crystalline materials where the ratio can be considered as an average density of excess free volume. While this study is focused on FCC crystalline materials, where inter-atomic potentials and corresponding defect structures have been well studied in the past, the results would be quantitatively applicable for semiconductors in which heat transport is mainly due to phonon transport.« less

Imaging the Moon's Core with Seismology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, Renee C.; Lin, Pei-Ying Patty; Garnero, Ed J.; Williams, Quetin C.; Lognonne, Philippe

2011-01-01

Constraining the structure of the lunar core is necessary to improve our understanding of the present-day thermal structure of the interior and the history of a lunar dynamo, as well as the origin and thermal and compositional evolution of the Moon. We analyze Apollo deep moonquake seismograms using terrestrial array processing methods to search for the presence of reflected and converted energy from the lunar core. Although moonquake fault parameters are not constrained, we first explore a suite of theoretical focal spheres to verify that fault planes exist that can produce favorable core reflection amplitudes relative to direct up-going energy at the Apollo stations. Beginning with stacks of event seismograms from the known distribution of deep moonquake clusters, we apply a polarization filter to account for the effects of seismic scattering that (a) partitions energy away from expected components of ground motion, and (b) obscures all but the main P- and S-wave arrivals. The filtered traces are then shifted to the predicted arrival time of a core phase (e.g. PcP) and stacked to enhance subtle arrivals associated with the Moon s core. This combination of filtering and array processing is well suited for detecting deep lunar seismic reflections, since we do not expect scattered wave energy from near surface (or deeper) structure recorded at varying epicentral distances and stations from varying moonquakes at varying depths to stack coherently. Our results indicate the presence of a solid inner and fluid outer core, overlain by a partial-melt-containing boundary layer (Table 1). These layers are consistently observed among stacks from four classes of reflections: P-to-P, S-to-P, P-to-S, and S-to-S, and are consistent with current indirect geophysical estimates of core and deep mantle properties, including mass, moment of inertia, lunar laser ranging, and electromagnetic induction. Future refinements are expected following the successful launch of the GRAIL lunar orbiter and SELENE 2 lunar lander missions.

Effect of Na presence during CuInSe{sub 2} growth on stacking fault annihilation and electronic properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stange, H., E-mail: helena.stange@helmholtz-berlin.de; Brunken, S.; Hempel, H.

While presence of Na is essential for the performance of high-efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin film solar cells, the reasons why addition of Na by post-deposition treatment is superior to pre-deposition Na supply—particularly at low growth temperatures—are not yet fully understood. Here, we show by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy that Na impedes annihilation of stacking faults during the Cu-poor/Cu-rich transition of low temperature 3-stage co-evaporation and prevents Cu homogeneity on a microscopic level. Lower charge carrier mobilities are found by optical pump terahertz probe spectroscopy for samples with remaining high stacking fault density, indicating a detrimental effect on electronic propertiesmore » if Na is present during growth.« less

High-velocity projectile impact induced 9R phase in ultrafine-grained aluminium.

PubMed

Xue, Sichuang; Fan, Zhe; Lawal, Olawale B; Thevamaran, Ramathasan; Li, Qiang; Liu, Yue; Yu, K Y; Wang, Jian; Thomas, Edwin L; Wang, Haiyan; Zhang, Xinghang

2017-11-21

Aluminium typically deforms via full dislocations due to its high stacking fault energy. Twinning in aluminium, although difficult, may occur at low temperature and high strain rate. However, the 9R phase rarely occurs in aluminium simply because of its giant stacking fault energy. Here, by using a laser-induced projectile impact testing technique, we discover a deformation-induced 9R phase with tens of nm in width in ultrafine-grained aluminium with an average grain size of 140 nm, as confirmed by extensive post-impact microscopy analyses. The stability of the 9R phase is related to the existence of sessile Frank loops. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the formation mechanisms of the 9R phase in aluminium. This study sheds lights on a deformation mechanism in metals with high stacking fault energies.

Formation of an 18R long-period stacking ordered structure in rapidly solidified Mg{sub 88}Y{sub 8}Zn{sub 4} alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garcés, Gerardo, E-mail: ggarces@cenim.csic.es

The formation of the long-period stacking ordered structure (LPSO) in a Mg{sub 88}Y{sub 8}Zn{sub 4}(at%) ribbon produced by melt spinning was studied using high energy X-ray synchrotron radiation diffraction during in-situ isochronal heating and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure of the rapidly solidified ribbons is characterised by fine magnesium grains with yttrium and zinc in solid solution and primary 18R LPSO-phase segregated at grain boundaries. Using differential scanning calorimetry, a strong exothermal peak was observed around 300 °C which was associated with the development of the 18R-type LPSO-phase in the magnesium grains. The apparent activation energy calculated using the Kissingermore » model was 125 KJmol{sup −1} and it is related to simultaneous diffusion of Y and Zn through magnesium basal plane. - Highlights: •The formation of the LPSO phase in rapidly solidified ribbons was studied. •The formation of the 18R LPSO starts at around 300 °C. •LPSO formation have to steps: Stacking faults along basal plane and then growth of 18R structure along the c direction.« less

Deformation and erosion of f.c.c. metals and alloys under cavitation attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, B. C. S.; Buckley, D. H.

1984-01-01

Experimental investigations have been conducted to determine the early stages of cavitation attack on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, electrolytic tough pitch copper, brass, and bronze, all having polycrystalline fcc matrices. The surface profiles and scanning electron micrographs show that the pits are initially formed at the grain boundaries, while the grain surfaces are progressively roughened by multiple slip and twinning. The initial erosion is noted to have occurred from the material in the grain boundaries, as well as by fragmentation of part of the grains. Further erosion occurred by shearing and necking of the surface undulations caused by plastic deformation. The mean penetration depth, computed on the basis of mass loss, was lowest on the bronze and greatest on the copper. Attention is given to the relation of cavitation attack to grain size, glide stress and stacking fault energy.

Dual mechanisms of grain refinement in a FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloy processed by high-pressure torsion

PubMed Central

Wu, Wenqian; Song, Min; Ni, Song; Wang, Jingshi; Liu, Yong; Liu, Bin; Liao, Xiaozhou

2017-01-01

An equiatomic FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloy with a face-centered cubic structure was fabricated by a powder metallurgy route, and then processed by high-pressure torsion. Detailed microscopy investigations revealed that grain refinement from coarse grains to nanocrystalline grains occurred mainly via concurrent nanoband (NB) subdivision and deformation twinning. NB–NB, twin–NB and twin–twin interactions contributed to the deformation process. The twin–twin interactions resulted in severe lattice distortion and accumulation of high densities of dislocations in the interaction areas. With increasing strain, NB subdivision and interactions between primary twins and inclined secondary stacking faults (SFs)/nanotwins occurred. Secondary nanotwins divided the primary twins into many equiaxed parts, leading to further grain refinement. The interactions between secondary SFs/nanotwins associated with the presence of Shockley partials and primary twins also transformed the primary twin boundaries into incoherent high-angle grain boundaries. PMID:28429759

Influence of preliminary ultrasonic treatment upon the steady-state creep of metals of different stacking fault energies.

PubMed

Rusinko, A

2014-01-01

This paper addresses the issue of the ultrasound effects upon the creep deformation of metals with different levels of stacking fault energy. The influence of preliminary ultrasound irradiation time upon the steady state creep rate is considered. Synthetic theory of irrecoverable deformation is taken as a mathematical apparatus. The analytical results show good agreement with experimental data. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solute effect on basal and prismatic slip systems of Mg.

PubMed

Moitra, Amitava; Kim, Seong-Gon; Horstemeyer, M F

2014-11-05

In an effort to design novel magnesium (Mg) alloys with high ductility, we present a first principles data based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The DFT was employed to calculate the generalized stacking fault energy curves, which can be used in the generalized Peierls-Nabarro (PN) model to study the energetics of basal slip and prismatic slip in Mg with and without solutes to calculate continuum scale dislocation core widths, stacking fault widths and Peierls stresses. The generalized stacking fault energy curves for pure Mg agreed well with other DFT calculations. Solute effects on these curves were calculated for nine alloying elements, namely Al, Ca, Ce, Gd, Li, Si, Sn, Zn and Zr, which allowed the strength and ductility to be qualitatively estimated based on the basal dislocation properties. Based on our multiscale methodology, a suggestion has been made to improve Mg formability.

Electronically decoupled stacking fault tetrahedra embedded in Au(111) films

PubMed Central

Schouteden, Koen; Amin-Ahmadi, Behnam; Li, Zhe; Muzychenko, Dmitry; Schryvers, Dominique; Van Haesendonck, Chris

2016-01-01

Stacking faults are known as defective structures in crystalline materials that typically lower the structural quality of the material. Here, we show that a particular type of defect, that is, stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs), exhibits pronounced quantized electronic behaviour, revealing a potential synthetic route to decoupled nanoparticles in metal films. We report on the electronic properties of SFTs that exist in Au(111) films, as evidenced by scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. We find that the SFTs reveal a remarkable decoupling from their metal surroundings, leading to pronounced energy level quantization effects within the SFTs. The electronic behaviour of the SFTs can be described well by the particle-in-a-box model. Our findings demonstrate that controlled preparation of SFTs may offer an alternative way to achieve well-decoupled nanoparticles of high crystalline quality in metal thin films without the need of thin insulating layers. PMID:28008910

Electronically decoupled stacking fault tetrahedra embedded in Au(111) films.

PubMed

Schouteden, Koen; Amin-Ahmadi, Behnam; Li, Zhe; Muzychenko, Dmitry; Schryvers, Dominique; Van Haesendonck, Chris

2016-12-23

Stacking faults are known as defective structures in crystalline materials that typically lower the structural quality of the material. Here, we show that a particular type of defect, that is, stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs), exhibits pronounced quantized electronic behaviour, revealing a potential synthetic route to decoupled nanoparticles in metal films. We report on the electronic properties of SFTs that exist in Au(111) films, as evidenced by scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. We find that the SFTs reveal a remarkable decoupling from their metal surroundings, leading to pronounced energy level quantization effects within the SFTs. The electronic behaviour of the SFTs can be described well by the particle-in-a-box model. Our findings demonstrate that controlled preparation of SFTs may offer an alternative way to achieve well-decoupled nanoparticles of high crystalline quality in metal thin films without the need of thin insulating layers.

High-Resolution Seismic Reflection Profiling Across the Black Hills Fault, Clark County, Nevada: Preliminary Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaragoza, S. A.; Snelson, C. M.; Jernsletten, J. A.; Saldana, S. C.; Hirsch, A.; McEwan, D.

2005-12-01

The Black Hills fault (BHF) is located in the central Basin and Range Province of western North America, a region that has undergone significant Cenozoic extension. The BHF is an east-dipping normal fault that forms the northwestern structural boundary of the Eldorado basin and lies ~20 km southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. A recent trench study indicated that the fault offsets Holocene strata, and is capable of producing Mw 6.4-6.8 earthquakes. These estimates indicate a subsurface rupture length at least 10 km greater than the length of the scarp. This poses a significant hazard to structures such as the nearby Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, which is being built to withstand a Mw 6.2-7.0 earthquake on local faults. If the BHF does continue in the subsurface, this structure, as well as nearby communities (Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Henderson), may not be as safe as previously expected. Previous attempts to image the fault with shallow seismics (hammer source) were inconclusive. However, gravity studies imply that the fault continues south of the scarp. Therefore, a new experiment utilizing high-resolution seismic reflection was performed to image subsurface geologic structures south of the scarp. At each shot point, a stack of four 30-160 Hz vibroseis sweeps of 15 s duration was recorded on a 60-channel system with 40 Hz geophones. This produced two 300 m reflection profiles, with a maximum depth of 500-600 m. A preliminary look at these data indicates the existence of two faults, potentially confirming that the BHF continues in the subsurface south of the scarp.

Characterization of 3C-SiC Films Grown on 4H- and 6H-SiC Substrate Mesas During Step-Free Surface Heteroepitaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Powel J. Anthony; Spry, David J.; Trunek, Andrew J.; Huang, Xianrong; Vetter, William M.; Dudley, Michael; Skowronski, Marek; Liu, Jinqiang

2002-01-01

This paper reports detailed structural characterization of 3C-SiC heteroepitaxial films grown on 4H- and 6H-SiC mesa surfaces. 3C-SiC heterofilms grown by the "step-free surface heteroepitaxy" process, free of double-positioning boundary (DPB) and stacking-fault (SF) defects, were compared to less-optimized 3C-SiC heterofilms using High Resolution X-ray Diffraction (HRXRD), High Resolution Cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRXTEM), molten potassium hydroxide (KOH) etching, and dry thermal oxidation. The results suggest that step free surface heteroepitaxy enables remarkably benign partial lattice mismatch strain relief during heterofilm growth.

Structure of the Red Dog District, western Brooks Range, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

de Vera, Jean-Pierre P.; McClay, K. R.

2004-01-01

The Red Dog district of the western Brooks Range of northern Alaska, which includes the sediment-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag ± Ba deposits at Red Dog, Su-Lik, and Anarraaq, contains one of the world's largest reserves of zinc. This paper presents a new model for the structural development of the area and shows that understanding the structure is crucial for future exploration efforts and new mineral discoveries in the district. In the Red Dog district, a telescoped Late Devonian through Jurassic continental passive margin is exposed in a series of subhorizontally stacked, internally imbricated, and regionally folded thrust sheets. These sheets were emplaced during the Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous Brookian orogeny and subsequently were uplifted by late tectonic activity in the Tertiary. The thrust sheet stack comprises seven tectonostratigraphically distinct allochthonous sheets, three of which have been subject to regional and detailed structural analysis. The lowermost of these is the Endicott Mountains allochthon, which is overlain by the structurally higher Picnic Creek and Kelly River allochthons. Each individual allochthon is itself internally imbricated into a series of tectonostratigraphically coherent and distinct thrust plates and subplates. This structural style gives rise to duplex development and imbrication at a range of scales, from a few meters to tens of kilometers. The variable mechanical properties of the lithologic units of the ancient passive margin resulted in changes in structural styles and scales of structures across allochthon boundaries. Structural mapping and analysis of the district indicate a dominant northwest to west-northwest direction of regional tectonic transport. Local north to north-northeast transport of thrust sheets is interpreted to reflect the influence of underlying lateral and/or oblique ramps, which may have been controlled by inherited basin margin structures. Some thrust-sheet stacking patterns suggest out-of-sequence thrusting. The west-northwest-east-southeast-trending Wrench Creek and Sivukat Mountain faults were previously interpreted to be strike-slip faults, but this study shows that they are Tertiary (Eocene?) late extensional faults with little or no lateral displacement.

Effects of neutron irradiation of Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2 in the 121–1085 °C temperature range

DOE PAGES

Tallman, Darin J.; He, Lingfeng; Gan, Jian; ...

2016-11-19

Herein we report on the formation of defects in response to neutron irradiation of polycrystalline Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2 samples exposed to doses of 0.14±0.01, 1.6±0.1, and 3.4±0.1 displacements per atom (dpa) at irradiation temperatures of 121±12, 735±6 and 1085±68 °C. After irradiation to 0.14 dpa at 121 °C and 735 °C, black spots are observed in both Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2. After irradiation to 1.6 and 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, basal dislocation loops, with a Burgers vector of b = ½ [0001] are observed in Ti 3SiC 2, with loop diameters ofmore » 21±6 and 30±8 nm for 1.6 dpa and 3.4 dpa, respectively. In Ti3AlC2, larger dislocation loops, 75±34 nm in diameter are observed after 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, in addition to stacking faults. Impurity particles of TiC, as well as stacking fault TiC platelets in the MAX phases, are seen to form extensive dislocation loops under all conditions. Voids are observed at grain boundaries and within stacking faults after 3.4 dpa irradiation, with extensive void formation in the TiC regions at 1085 °C. Remarkably, denuded zones on the order of 1 µm are observed in Ti 3SiC 2 after irradiation to 3.4 dpa at 735 °C. Small grains, 3-5 µm in diameter, are damage free after irradiation at 1085 °C at this dose. The presence of the A-layer in the MAX phases is seen to provide enhanced irradiation tolerance. Based on these results, and up to 3.41 dpa, Ti 3SiC 2 remains a promising candidate for high temperature nuclear applications.« less

Effects of neutron irradiation of Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2 in the 121–1085 °C temperature range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tallman, Darin J.; He, Lingfeng; Gan, Jian

Herein we report on the formation of defects in response to neutron irradiation of polycrystalline Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2 samples exposed to doses of 0.14±0.01, 1.6±0.1, and 3.4±0.1 displacements per atom (dpa) at irradiation temperatures of 121±12, 735±6 and 1085±68 °C. After irradiation to 0.14 dpa at 121 °C and 735 °C, black spots are observed in both Ti 3SiC 2 and Ti 3AlC 2. After irradiation to 1.6 and 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, basal dislocation loops, with a Burgers vector of b = ½ [0001] are observed in Ti 3SiC 2, with loop diameters ofmore » 21±6 and 30±8 nm for 1.6 dpa and 3.4 dpa, respectively. In Ti3AlC2, larger dislocation loops, 75±34 nm in diameter are observed after 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, in addition to stacking faults. Impurity particles of TiC, as well as stacking fault TiC platelets in the MAX phases, are seen to form extensive dislocation loops under all conditions. Voids are observed at grain boundaries and within stacking faults after 3.4 dpa irradiation, with extensive void formation in the TiC regions at 1085 °C. Remarkably, denuded zones on the order of 1 µm are observed in Ti 3SiC 2 after irradiation to 3.4 dpa at 735 °C. Small grains, 3-5 µm in diameter, are damage free after irradiation at 1085 °C at this dose. The presence of the A-layer in the MAX phases is seen to provide enhanced irradiation tolerance. Based on these results, and up to 3.41 dpa, Ti 3SiC 2 remains a promising candidate for high temperature nuclear applications.« less

Misoriented grain boundaries vicinal to the ? twin in Nickel part II: thermodynamics of hydrogen segregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

2016-05-01

Grain boundary engineered materials are of immense interest for their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. This work builds on the work undertaken in Part I on the thermodynamic stability and structure of misoriented grain boundaries vicinal to the ?? (coherent-twin) boundary to examine hydrogen segregation to those boundaries. The segregation of hydrogen reflects the asymmetry of the boundary structure with the sense of rotation of the grains about the coherent-twin boundary, and the temperature-dependent structural transition present in one sense of misorientation. This work also finds that the presence of hydrogen affects a change in structure of the boundaries with increasing concentration. The structural change effects only one sense of misorientation and results in the reduction in length of the emitted stacking faults. Moreover, the structural change results in the generation of occupied sites populated by more strongly bound hydrogen. The improved understanding of misoriented twin grain boundary structure and the effect on hydrogen segregation resulting from this work is relevant to higher length-scale models. To that end, we examine commonly used metrics such as free volume and atomic stress at the boundary. Free volume is found not to be useful as a surrogate for predicting the degree of hydrogen segregation, whereas the volumetric virial stress reliably predicts the locations of hydrogen segregation and exclusion at concentrations below saturation or the point where structural changes are induced by increasing hydrogen concentration.

Disentangling vortex pinning landscape in chemical solution deposited superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-x films and nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palau, A.; Vallès, F.; Rouco, V.; Coll, M.; Li, Z.; Pop, C.; Mundet, B.; Gàzquez, J.; Guzman, R.; Gutierrez, J.; Obradors, X.; Puig, T.

2018-07-01

In-field angular pinning performances at different temperatures have been analysed on chemical solution deposited (CSD) YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) pristine films and nanocomposites. We show that with this analysis we are able to quantify the vortex pinning strength and energies, associated with different kinds of natural and artificial pinning defects, acting as efficient pinning centres at different regions of the H-T phase diagram. A good quantification of the variety of pinning defects active at different temperatures and magnetic fields provides a unique tool to design the best vortex pinning landscape under different operating conditions. We have found that by artificially introducing a unique defect in the YBCO matrix, the stacking faults, we are able to modify three different contributions to vortex pinning (isotropic-strong, anisotropic-strong, and isotropic-weak). The isotropic-strong contribution, widely studied in CSD YBCO nanocomposites, is associated with nanostrained regions induced at the partial dislocations surrounding the stacking faults. Moreover, the stacking fault itself acts as a planar defect which provides a very effective anisotropic-strong pinning at H//ab. Finally, the large presence of Cu-O cluster vacancies found in the stacking faults have been revealed as a source of isotropic-weak pinning sites, very active at low temperatures and high fields.

Atomic simulation of mechanical behavior of Mg in a super-lattice of nanocrystalline Mg and amorphous Mg-Al alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, H. Y.; An, M. R.; Li, Y. L.; Deng, Q.

2014-12-01

The mechanical properties of a super-lattice architecture composed of nanocrystalline Mg and Mg-Al amorphous alloy are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicate that deformation mechanism of nanocrystalline Mg is obviously affected by the amorphous boundary spacing and temperature. The strength of the material increases with the decrease of amorphous boundary spacing, presenting a Hall-Petch effect at both 10 K and 300 K. A stress platform and following stiffness softening, as well as a linear strengthening in the plastic stage, are observed when the amorphous boundary spacing below 8.792 nm at 10 K. The implying reason may be that the amorphous boundary acts as the dislocations emission and absorption source. However, the second stress peak is not observed for the models at 300 K. Instead, the flow stress in plastic stage is a nearly constant value. The simulation demonstrates the emergence of the new grain, accompanied by the deformation twins and stacking faults associated with the plastic behaviors at 300 K. The general conclusions derived from this work may provide a guideline for the design of high-performance hexagonal close-packed metals.

A Multi-Scale Simulation Approach to Deformation Mechanism Prediction in Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Duchao

High-temperature alloys in general and superalloys in particular are crucial for manufacturing gas turbines for aircraft and power generators. Among the superalloy family, the Ni-based superalloys are the most frequently used due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Their strength results from their ordered intermetallic phases (precipitates), which are relatively stable at elevated temperatures. The major deformation processes of Ni-based and Co-based superalloys are precipitate shearing and Orowan looping. The key to developing physics-based models of creep and yield strength of aircraft engine components is to understand the two deformation mechanisms mentioned above. Recent discoveries of novel dislocation structures and stacking-fault configurations in deformed superalloys implied that the traditional anti-phase boundary (APB)-type, yield-strength model is unable to explain the shearing mechanisms of the gamma" phase in 718-type (Ni-based) superalloys. While the onset of plastic deformation is still related to the formation of highly-energetic stacking faults, the physics-based yield strength prediction requires that the novel dislocation structure and the correct intermediate stacking-fault be considered in the mathematical expressions. In order to obtain the dependence of deformation mechanisms on a materials chemical composition, the relationship between the generalized-stacking-fault (GSF) surface and its chemical composition must be understood. For some deformation scenarios in which one precipitate phase and one mechanism are dominant (e.g., Orowan looping), their use in industry requires a fast-acting model that can capture the features of the deformation (e.g., the volume fraction of the sheared matrix) and reduces lost time by not repeating fine-scale simulations. The objective of this thesis was to develop a multi-scale, physics-based simulation approach that can be used to optimize existing superalloys and to accelerate the design of new alloys. In particular, density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the GSF surface of the gamma" phase in the 718-type superalloy. In addition, the deformation pathways inside the gamma" particles were identified, and the dislocation emissions were predicted. Many novel dislocation sources inside the gamma" particles were simulated by using the phase-field method, which predicts and explains the dislocation configurations that appear during the deformation process or that are left as debris. Moreover, based on the stacking-fault energies in the available literature, we calculated the dependence of the chemical composition of the GSF surface of the gamma' phase in Co-based, CoNi-based, and Ni-based superalloys. The phase-field simulation, which used the GSF surfaces as inputs, explained the relationship between the shearing mechanism and chemical composition. Thus, two fast-acting models were developed by using the modified analytic expressions of particle shearing and Orowan looping. These expressions were calibrated by using the GSF surface and the simulation of the phase-field, and they were used to predict the yield strength of 718-type superalloy and the localized creep features of the gamma/gamma' microstructure. The fast-acting yield models were trained by the available experimental results. Since the chemical re-ordering and the segregation effects are not considered in this work, the fast-acting models are designed to the predict mechanical behaviors at the room temperature and the intermediate temperature.

Low-Frequency Earthquakes Associated with the Late-Interseismic Central Alpine Fault, Southern Alps, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratin, L. M.; Chamberlain, C. J.; Townend, J.; Savage, M. K.

2016-12-01

Characterising the seismicity associated with slow deformation in the vicinity of the Alpine Fault may provide constraints on the state of stress of this major transpressive margin prior to a large (≥M8) earthquake. Here, we use recently detected tremor and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) to examine how slow tectonic deformation is loading the Alpine Fault toward an anticipated large rupture. We initially work with a continous seismic dataset collected between 2009 and 2012 from an array of short-period seismometers, the Southern Alps Microearthquake Borehole Array. Fourteen primary LFE templates are used in an iterative matched-filter and stacking routine. This method allows the detection of similar signals and establishes LFE families with common locations. We thus generate a 36 month catalogue of 10718 LFEs. The detections are then combined for each LFE family using phase-weighted stacking to yield a signal with the highest possible signal to noise ratio. We found phase-weighted stacking to be successful in increasing the number of LFE detections by roughly 20%. Phase-weighted stacking also provides cleaner phase arrivals of apparently impulsive nature allowing more precise phase and polarity picks. We then compute improved non-linear earthquake locations using a 3D velocity model. We find LFEs to occur below the seismogenic zone at depths of 18-34 km, locating on or near the proposed deep extent of the Alpine Fault. Our next step is to estimate seismic source parameters by implementing a moment tensor inversion technique. Our focus is currently on generating a more extensive catalogue (spanning the years 2009 to 2016) using synthetic waveforms as primary templates, with which to detect LFEs. Initial testing shows that this technique paired up with phase-weighted stacking increases the number of LFE families and overall detected events roughly sevenfold. This catalogue should provide new insight into the geometry of the Alpine Fault and the prevailing stress field in the central Southern Alps.

3D Fault Network of the Murchison Domain, Yilgarn Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdie, Ruth; Gessner, Klaus

2014-05-01

The architecture of Archean granite-greenstone terranes is often controlled by networks of 10 km to 100 km-scale shear zones that record displacement under amphibolite facies to greenschist facies metamorphic conditions. The geometry of such crustal scale 'fault networks' has been shown to be highly relevant to understand the tectonic and metamorphic history of granite-greenstone terranes, as well as the availability of structural controlled fluid pathways related to magmatic and hydrothermal mineralization. The Neoarchean Yilgarn Craton and the Proterozoic orogens around its margins constitute one of Earth's greatest mineral treasure troves, including iron, gold, copper and nickel mineral deposits. Whereas the Yilgarn Craton is one of the best studied Archean cratons, its enormous size and limited outcrop are detrimental to the better understanding of what controls the distribution of these vast resources and what geodynamic processes were involved the tectonic assembly of this part of the Australian continent. Here we present a network of the major faults of the NW Yilgarn Craton between the Yalgar Fault, Murchison's NW contact with the Narryer Terrane to the Ida Fault, its boundary with the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane. The model has been constructed from various geophysical and geological data, including potential field grids, Geological Survey of Western Australia map sheets, seismic reflection surveys and magnetotelluric traverses. The northern extremity of the modelled area is bounded by the Proterozoic cover and the southern limit has been arbitrarily chosen to include various greenstone belts. In the west, the major faults in the upper crust, such as the Carbar and Chundaloo Shear Zones, dip steeply towards the west and then flatten off at depth. They form complex branching fault systems that bound the greenstone belts in a series of stacked faults. East of the Ida, the far east of the model, the faults have been integrated with Geoscience Australia's pmd*CRC Eastern Goldfields model. In the central portion, the major faults such as the Youanmi and Wattle Creek, dip to the east and can be followed into the fabric of the Yarraquin Seismic Province. The Wattle Creek Shear Zone in particular can be traced on all three of the Youanmi seismic lines. The greenstones are cradled between these major faults and antithetic westward dipping subsidiary faults such as the Edale Shear Zone. While the Ida Fault cannot be located with great confidence, the slight drop in Moho depth toward the east and the overall change of seismic texture delineate the Youanmi-Eastern Goldfields boundary. The Lawler's Anticline, presumably located in the hanging wall of the Ida Fault, again changes the style of faulting with the Lawler's tonalite forming the core of a 10 km-scale antiform. The fault network presented here is a milestone to a craton-wide integrated structural model and will hopefully contribute to provide a better spatial context for geological, geochemical and geophysical data in our quest to understand the tectonics and mineral potential of the Yilgarn craton.

The synchronous improvement of strength and plasticity (SISP) in new Ni-Co based disc superalloys by controling stacking fault energy.

PubMed

Xu, H; Zhang, Z J; Zhang, P; Cui, C Y; Jin, T; Zhang, Z F

2017-08-14

It is a great challenge to improve the strength of disc superalloys without great loss of plasticity together since the microstructures benefiting the strength always do not avail the plasticity. Interestingly, this study shows that the trade-off relationship between strength and plasticity can be broken through decreasing stacking fault energy (SFE) in newly developed Ni-Co based disc superalloys. Axial tensile tests in the temperature range of 25 to 725 °C were carried out in these alloys with Co content ranging from 5% to 23% (wt.%). It is found that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and uniform elongation (UE) are improved synchronously when microtwinning is activated by decreasing the SFE at 650 and 725 °C. In contrast, only UTS is improved when stacking fault (SF) dominates the plastic deformation at 25 and 400 °C. These results may be helpful for designing advanced disc superalloys with relatively excellent strength and plasticity simultaneously.

Mobility and coalescence of stacking fault tetrahedra in Cu

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martínez, Enrique; Uberuaga, Blas P.

Stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs) are ubiquitous defects in face-centered cubic metals. They are produced during cold work plastic deformation, quenching experiments or under irradiation. From a dislocation point of view, the SFTs are comprised of a set of stair-rod dislocations at the (110) edges of a tetrahedron bounding triangular stacking faults. These defects are extremely stable, increasing their energetic stability as they grow in size. At the sizes visible within transmission electron microscope they appear nearly immobile. Contrary to common belief, we show in this report, using a combination of molecular dynamics and temperature accelerated dynamics, how small SFTs canmore » diffuse by temporarily disrupting their structure through activated thermal events. More over, we demonstrate that the diffusivity of defective SFTs is several orders of magnitude higher than perfect SFTs, and can be even higher than isolated vacancies. Finally, we show how SFTs can coalesce, forming a larger defect in what is a new mechanism for the growth of these omnipresent defects.« less

Mobility and coalescence of stacking fault tetrahedra in Cu

DOE PAGES

Martínez, Enrique; Uberuaga, Blas P.

2015-03-13

Stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs) are ubiquitous defects in face-centered cubic metals. They are produced during cold work plastic deformation, quenching experiments or under irradiation. From a dislocation point of view, the SFTs are comprised of a set of stair-rod dislocations at the (110) edges of a tetrahedron bounding triangular stacking faults. These defects are extremely stable, increasing their energetic stability as they grow in size. At the sizes visible within transmission electron microscope they appear nearly immobile. Contrary to common belief, we show in this report, using a combination of molecular dynamics and temperature accelerated dynamics, how small SFTs canmore » diffuse by temporarily disrupting their structure through activated thermal events. More over, we demonstrate that the diffusivity of defective SFTs is several orders of magnitude higher than perfect SFTs, and can be even higher than isolated vacancies. Finally, we show how SFTs can coalesce, forming a larger defect in what is a new mechanism for the growth of these omnipresent defects.« less

Mobility and coalescence of stacking fault tetrahedra in Cu

PubMed Central

Martínez, Enrique; Uberuaga, Blas P.

2015-01-01

Stacking fault tetrahedra (SFTs) are ubiquitous defects in face-centered cubic metals. They are produced during cold work plastic deformation, quenching experiments or under irradiation. From a dislocation point of view, the SFTs are comprised of a set of stair-rod dislocations at the (110) edges of a tetrahedron bounding triangular stacking faults. These defects are extremely stable, increasing their energetic stability as they grow in size. At the sizes visible within transmission electron microscope they appear nearly immobile. Contrary to common belief, we show in this report, using a combination of molecular dynamics and temperature accelerated dynamics, how small SFTs can diffuse by temporarily disrupting their structure through activated thermal events. More over, we demonstrate that the diffusivity of defective SFTs is several orders of magnitude higher than perfect SFTs, and can be even higher than isolated vacancies. Finally, we show how SFTs can coalesce, forming a larger defect in what is a new mechanism for the growth of these omnipresent defects. PMID:25765711

Generalized stacking fault energies of alloys.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Lu, Song; Hu, Qing-Miao; Kwon, Se Kyun; Johansson, Börje; Vitos, Levente

2014-07-02

The generalized stacking fault energy (γ surface) provides fundamental physics for understanding the plastic deformation mechanisms. Using the ab initio exact muffin-tin orbitals method in combination with the coherent potential approximation, we calculate the γ surface for the disordered Cu-Al, Cu-Zn, Cu-Ga, Cu-Ni, Pd-Ag and Pd-Au alloys. Studying the effect of segregation of the solute to the stacking fault planes shows that only the local chemical composition affects the γ surface. The calculated alloying trends are discussed using the electronic band structure of the base and distorted alloys.Based on our γ surface results, we demonstrate that the previous revealed 'universal scaling law' between the intrinsic energy barriers (IEBs) is well obeyed in random solid solutions. This greatly simplifies the calculations of the twinning measure parameters or the critical twinning stress. Adopting two twinnability measure parameters derived from the IEBs, we find that in binary Cu alloys, Al, Zn and Ga increase the twinnability, while Ni decreases it. Aluminum and gallium yield similar effects on the twinnability.

Injected carrier concentration dependence of the expansion of single Shockley-type stacking faults in 4H-SiC PiN diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawara, T.; Matsunaga, S.; Fujimoto, T.; Ryo, M.; Miyazato, M.; Miyazawa, T.; Takenaka, K.; Miyajima, M.; Otsuki, A.; Yonezawa, Y.; Kato, T.; Okumura, H.; Kimoto, T.; Tsuchida, H.

2018-01-01

We investigated the relationship between the dislocation velocity and the injected carrier concentration on the expansion of single Shockley-type stacking faults by monitoring the electroluminescence from 4H-SiC PiN diodes with various anode Al concentrations. The injected carrier concentration was calculated using a device simulation that took into account the measured accumulated charge in the drift layer during diode turn-off. The dislocation velocity was strongly dependent on the injected hole concentration, which represents the excess carrier concentration. The activation energy of the dislocation velocity was quite small (below 0.001 eV between 310 and 386 K) over a fixed range of hole concentrations. The average threshold hole concentration required for the expansion of bar-shaped single Shockley-type stacking faults at the interface between the buffer layer and the substrate was determined to be 1.6-2.5 × 1016 cm-3 for diodes with a p-type epitaxial anode with various Al concentrations.

The effect of aluminium on mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of hadfield steel single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharova, E. G.; Kireeva, I. V.; Chumlyakov, Y. I.; Shul'Mina, A. A.; Sehitoglu, H.; Karaman, I.

2004-06-01

On single crystals of Hadfield steel (Fe-13Mn-1.3C, Fe-13Mn-2.7Al-1.3C, wt.%) the systematical investigations of deformation mechanisms - slip and twinning, stages of plastic flow, strain hardening coefficient depending on orientation of tensile axis have been carried out by methods of optical and electron microscopy, x-ray analysis. Is has been shown that the combination of low stacking fault energy (γ{SF}=0.03J/m^2) with high concentration of carbon atoms in aluminium-free steel results in development of the mechanical twinning at room temperature in all crystal orientations. The new type of twinning with formation of extrinsic stacking fault has been found out in [001] single crystals. Experimentally it has been established that alloying with aluminium leads to increase of stacking fault energy of Hadfield steel and suppresses twinning in all orientations of crystals at preservation of high values of strain-hardening coefficients θ.

Direct observation of a stacking fault in Si(1 - x)Ge(x) semiconductors by spherical aberration-corrected TEM and conventional ADF-STEM.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Jun; Kawai, Tomoyuki; Tanaka, Nobuo

2004-01-01

Spherical aberration (C(S))-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and annular dark-field scanning TEM (ADF-STEM) are applied to high-resolution observation of stacking faults in Si(1 - x)Ge(x) alloy films prepared on a Si(100) buffer layer by the chemical vapor deposition method. Both of the images clarify the individual nature of stacking faults from their directly interpretable image contrast and also by using image simulation in the case of the C(S)-corrected TEM. Positions of the atomic columns obtained in the ADF-STEM images almost agree with a projection of the theoretical model studied by Chou et al. (Phys. Rev. B 32(1985): 7979). Comparison between the C(S)-corrected TEM and ADF-STEM images shows that their resolution is at a similar level, but directly interpretable image contrast is obtained in ultrathin samples for C(S)-corrected TEM and in slightly thicker samples for ADF-STEM.

Mapping tectonic and anthropogenic processes in central California using satellite and airborne InSAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z.; Lundgren, P.; Liang, C.; Farr, T. G.; Fielding, E. J.

2017-12-01

The improved spatiotemporal resolution of surface deformation from recent satellite and airborne InSAR measurements provides a great opportunity to improve our understanding of both tectonic and non-tectonic processes. In central California the primary plate boundary fault system (San Andreas fault) lies adjacent to the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), a vast structural trough that accounts for about one-sixth of the United Sates' irrigated land and one-fifth of its extracted groundwater. The central San Andreas fault (CSAF) displays a range of fault slip behavior with creeping in its central segment that decreases towards its northwest and southeast ends, where it transitions to being fully locked. Despite much progress, many questions regarding fault and anthropogenic processes in the region still remain. In this study, we combine satellite InSAR and NASA airborne UAVSAR data to image fault and anthropogenic deformation. The UAVSAR data cover fault perpendicular swaths imaged from opposing look directions and fault parallel swaths since 2009. The much finer spatial resolution and optimized viewing geometry provide important constraints on near fault deformation and fault slip at very shallow depth. We performed a synoptic InSAR time series analysis using Sentinel-1, ALOS, and UAVSAR interferograms. We estimate azimuth mis-registration between single look complex (SLC) images of Sentinel-1 in a stack sense to achieve accurate azimuth co-registration between SLC images for low coherence and/or long interval interferometric pairs. We show that it is important to correct large-scale ionosphere features in ALOS-2 ScanSAR data for accurate deformation measurements. Joint analysis of UAVSAR and ALOS interferometry measurements show clear variability in deformation along the fault strike, suggesting variable fault creep and locking at depth and along strike. In addition to fault creep, the L-band ALOS, and especially ALOS-2 ScanSAR interferometry, show large-scale ground subsidence in the SJV due to over-exploitation of groundwater. InSAR time series are compared to GPS and well-water hydraulic head in-situ time series to understand water storage processes and mass loading changes. We present model results to assess the influence of anthropogenic processes on surface deformation and fault mechanics.

Fault structures in the focal area of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake revealed by derivatives and structure parameters of a gravity gradient tensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiramatsu, Y.; Matsumoto, N.; Sawada, A.

2016-12-01

We analyze gravity anomalies in the focal area of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, evaluate the continuity, segmentation and faulting type of the active fault zones, and discuss relationships between those features and the aftershock distribution. We compile the gravity data published by the Gravity Research Group in Southwest Japan (2001), the Geographical Survey Institute (2006), Yamamoto et al. (2011), Honda et al. (2012), and the Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (2013). We apply terrain corrections with 10 m DEM and a low-pass filter, then remove a linear trend to obtain Bouguer anomalies. We calculate the first horizontal derivative (HD), the first vertical derivative (VD), the normalized total horizontal derivative (TDX) (Cooper and Cowan, 2006), the dimensionality index (Di) (Beki and Pedersen, 2010), and dip angle (β) (Beki, 2013) from a gravity gradient tensor. The HD, VD and TDX show the existence of the continuous fault structure along the Futagawa fault zone, extending from the Uto peninsula to the Beppu Bay except Mt. Aso area. Aftershocks are distributed along this structural boundary from the confluence of the Futagawa and the Hinagu fault zones to the east end of the Aso volcano. The distribution of dip angle β along the Futagawa fault zone implies a normal faulting, which corresponds to the coseismic faulting estimated geologically and geomorphologically. We observe the S-shaped distribution of the Bouguer anomalies around the southern part of the Hinagu segment, indicating a right lateral faulting. The VD and TDX support the existence of the fault structure along the segment but it is not so clear. We can recognize no clear structural boundaries along the Takano-Shirahata segment. TDX implies the existence of a structural boundary with a NW-SE trend around the boundary between the Hinagu and Takano-Shirahata segments. The Di shows that this boundary has a 3D-like structure rather than a 2D-like one, suggesting the discontinuity of 2D-like fault structure along the fault zone. A geological map indicates that this structure boundary corresponds to a boundary between the metamorphic rock and the sedimentary rock. The active area of the aftershocks does not extend to the south beyond this structure boundary, implying that the spatial extent of the source fault is controlled by this boundary.

Spatio-temporal mapping of plate boundary faults in California using geodetic imaging

USGS Publications Warehouse

Donnellan, Andrea; Arrowsmith, Ramon; DeLong, Stephen B.

2017-01-01

The Pacific–North American plate boundary in California is composed of a 400-km-wide network of faults and zones of distributed deformation. Earthquakes, even large ones, can occur along individual or combinations of faults within the larger plate boundary system. While research often focuses on the primary and secondary faults, holistic study of the plate boundary is required to answer several fundamental questions. How do plate boundary motions partition across California faults? How do faults within the plate boundary interact during earthquakes? What fraction of strain accumulation is relieved aseismically and does this provide limits on fault rupture propagation? Geodetic imaging, broadly defined as measurement of crustal deformation and topography of the Earth’s surface, enables assessment of topographic characteristics and the spatio-temporal behavior of the Earth’s crust. We focus here on crustal deformation observed with continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) data and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) from NASA’s airborne UAVSAR platform, and on high-resolution topography acquired from lidar and Structure from Motion (SfM) methods. Combined, these measurements are used to identify active structures, past ruptures, transient motions, and distribution of deformation. The observations inform estimates of the mechanical and geometric properties of faults. We discuss five areas in California as examples of different fault behavior, fault maturity and times within the earthquake cycle: the M6.0 2014 South Napa earthquake rupture, the San Jacinto fault, the creeping and locked Carrizo sections of the San Andreas fault, the Landers rupture in the Eastern California Shear Zone, and the convergence of the Eastern California Shear Zone and San Andreas fault in southern California. These examples indicate that distribution of crustal deformation can be measured using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and high-resolution topography and can improve our understanding of tectonic deformation and rupture characteristics within the broad plate boundary zone.

Temperature-dependent ideal strength and stacking fault energy of fcc Ni: a first-principles study of shear deformation.

PubMed

Shang, S L; Wang, W Y; Wang, Y; Du, Y; Zhang, J X; Patel, A D; Liu, Z K

2012-04-18

Variations of energy, stress, and magnetic moment of fcc Ni as a response to shear deformation and the associated ideal shear strength (τ(IS)), intrinsic (γ(SF)) and unstable (γ(US)) stacking fault energies have been studied in terms of first-principles calculations under both the alias and affine shear regimes within the {111} slip plane along the <112> and <110> directions. It is found that (i) the intrinsic stacking fault energy γ(SF) is nearly independent of the shear deformation regimes used, albeit a slightly smaller value is predicted by pure shear (with relaxation) compared to the one from simple shear (without relaxation); (ii) the minimum ideal shear strength τ(IS) is obtained by pure alias shear of {111}<112>; and (iii) the dissociation of the 1/2[110] dislocation into two partial Shockley dislocations (1/6[211] + 1/6[121]) is observed under pure alias shear of {111}<110>. Based on the quasiharmonic approach from first-principles phonon calculations, the predicted γ(SF) has been extended to finite temperatures. In particular, using a proposed quasistatic approach on the basis of the predicted volume versus temperature relation, the temperature dependence of τ(IS) is also obtained. Both the γ(SF) and the τ(IS) of fcc Ni decrease with increasing temperature. The computed ideal shear strengths as well as the intrinsic and unstable stacking fault energies are in favorable accord with experiments and other predictions in the literature.

Characterization of V-shaped defects in 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Lihua; Su, Dong; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2014-12-04

Synchrotron white beam x-ray topography images show that faint needle-like surface morphological features observed on the Si-face of 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers using Nomarski optical microscopy are associated with V shaped stacking faults in the epilayer. KOH etching of the V shaped defect reveals small oval pits connected by a shallow line which corresponding to the surface intersections of two partial dislocations and the stacking fault connecting them. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens from regions containing the V shaped defects were prepared using focused ion beam milling, and stacking sequences of (85), (50) and (63) are observed at the faulted regionmore » with high resolution TEM. In order to study the formation mechanism of V shaped defect, low dislocation density 4H-SiC substrates were chosen for epitaxial growth, and the corresponding regions before and after epitaxy growth are compared in SWBXT images. It is found that no defects in the substrate are directly associated with the formation of the V shaped defect. Simulation results of the contrast from the two partial dislocations associated with V shaped defect in synchrotron monochromatic beam x-ray topography reveals the opposite sign nature of their Burgers vectors. Therefore, a mechanism of 2D nucleation during epitaxy growth is postulated for the formation of the V shaped defect, which requires elimination of non-sequential 1/4[0001] bilayers from the original structure to create the observed faulted stacking sequence.« less

Characterization of V-shaped defects in 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Lihua; Su, Dong; Kisslinger, Kim

Synchrotron white beam x-ray topography images show that faint needle-like surface morphological features observed on the Si-face of 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers using Nomarski optical microscopy are associated with V shaped stacking faults in the epilayer. KOH etching of the V shaped defect reveals small oval pits connected by a shallow line which corresponding to the surface intersections of two partial dislocations and the stacking fault connecting them. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens from regions containing the V shaped defects were prepared using focused ion beam milling, and stacking sequences of (85), (50) and (63) are observed at the faulted regionmore » with high resolution TEM. In order to study the formation mechanism of V shaped defect, low dislocation density 4H-SiC substrates were chosen for epitaxial growth, and the corresponding regions before and after epitaxy growth are compared in SWBXT images. It is found that no defects in the substrate are directly associated with the formation of the V shaped defect. Simulation results of the contrast from the two partial dislocations associated with V shaped defect in synchrotron monochromatic beam x-ray topography reveals the opposite sign nature of their Burgers vectors. Therefore, a mechanism of 2D nucleation during epitaxy growth is postulated for the formation of the V shaped defect, which requires elimination of non-sequential 1/4[0001] bilayers from the original structure to create the observed faulted stacking sequence.« less

Characterization of individual stacking faults in a wurtzite GaAs nanowire by nanobeam X-ray diffraction.

PubMed

Davtyan, Arman; Lehmann, Sebastian; Kriegner, Dominik; Zamani, Reza R; Dick, Kimberly A; Bahrami, Danial; Al-Hassan, Ali; Leake, Steven J; Pietsch, Ullrich; Holý, Václav

2017-09-01

Coherent X-ray diffraction was used to measure the type, quantity and the relative distances between stacking faults along the growth direction of two individual wurtzite GaAs nanowires grown by metalorganic vapour epitaxy. The presented approach is based on the general property of the Patterson function, which is the autocorrelation of the electron density as well as the Fourier transformation of the diffracted intensity distribution of an object. Partial Patterson functions were extracted from the diffracted intensity measured along the [000\\bar{1}] direction in the vicinity of the wurtzite 00\\bar{1}\\bar{5} Bragg peak. The maxima of the Patterson function encode both the distances between the fault planes and the type of the fault planes with the sensitivity of a single atomic bilayer. The positions of the fault planes are deduced from the positions and shapes of the maxima of the Patterson function and they are in excellent agreement with the positions found with transmission electron microscopy of the same nanowire.

Characterization of individual stacking faults in a wurtzite GaAs nanowire by nanobeam X-ray diffraction

PubMed Central

Davtyan, Arman; Lehmann, Sebastian; Zamani, Reza R.; Dick, Kimberly A.; Bahrami, Danial; Al-Hassan, Ali; Leake, Steven J.; Pietsch, Ullrich; Holý, Václav

2017-01-01

Coherent X-ray diffraction was used to measure the type, quantity and the relative distances between stacking faults along the growth direction of two individual wurtzite GaAs nanowires grown by metalorganic vapour epitaxy. The presented approach is based on the general property of the Patterson function, which is the autocorrelation of the electron density as well as the Fourier transformation of the diffracted intensity distribution of an object. Partial Patterson functions were extracted from the diffracted intensity measured along the direction in the vicinity of the wurtzite Bragg peak. The maxima of the Patterson function encode both the distances between the fault planes and the type of the fault planes with the sensitivity of a single atomic bilayer. The positions of the fault planes are deduced from the positions and shapes of the maxima of the Patterson function and they are in excellent agreement with the positions found with transmission electron microscopy of the same nanowire. PMID:28862620

Rapid and Nondestructive Identification of Polytypism and Stacking Sequences in Few-Layer Molybdenum Diselenide by Raman Spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Lu, Xin; Utama, M. Iqbal Bakti; Lin, Junhao; ...

2015-07-02

Various combinations of interlayer shear modes emerge in few-layer molybdenum diselenide grown by chemical vapor deposition depending on the stacking configuration of the sample. Raman measurements may also reveal polytypism and stacking faults, as supported by first principles calculations and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Thus, Raman spectroscopy is an important tool in probing stacking-dependent properties in few-layer 2D materials.

Hydrogen segregation to inclined Σ3 < 110 >twin grain boundaries in nickel

DOE PAGES

O’Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

2016-08-04

Low-mobility twin grain boundaries dominate the microstructure of grain boundary-engineered materials and are critical to understanding their plastic deformation behaviour. The presence of solutes, such as hydrogen, has a profound effect on the thermodynamic stability of the grain boundaries. This work examines the case of a Σ3 grain boundary at inclinations from 0° ≤ Φ ≤ 90°. The angle Φ corresponds to the rotation of the Σ3 (1 1 1) < 1 1 0 > (coherent) into the Σ3 (1 1 2) < 1 1 0 > (lateral) twin boundary. To this end, atomistic models of inclined grain boundaries, utilisingmore » empirical potentials, are used to elucidate the finite-temperature boundary structure while grand canonical Monte Carlo models are applied to determine the degree of hydrogen segregation. In order to understand the boundary structure and segregation behaviour of hydrogen, the structural unit description of inclined twin grain boundaries is found to provide insight into explaining the observed variation of excess enthalpy and excess hydrogen concentration on inclination angle, but the explanatory power is limited by how the enthalpy of segregation is affected by hydrogen concentration. At higher concentrations, the grain boundaries undergo a defaceting transition. In order to develop a more complete mesoscale model of the interfacial behaviour, an analytical model of boundary energy and hydrogen segregation that relies on modelling the boundary as arrays of discrete 1/3 < 1 1 1 > disconnections is constructed. Lastly, the complex interaction of boundary reconstruction and concentration-dependent segregation behaviour exhibited by inclined twin grain boundaries limits the range of applicability of such an analytical model and illustrates the fundamental limitations for a structural unit model description of segregation in lower stacking fault energy materials.« less

Spectral element modelling of fault-plane reflections arising from fluid pressure distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haney, M.; Snieder, R.; Ampuero, J.-P.; Hofmann, R.

2007-01-01

The presence of fault-plane reflections in seismic images, besides indicating the locations of faults, offers a possible source of information on the properties of these poorly understood zones. To better understand the physical mechanism giving rise to fault-plane reflections in compacting sedimentary basins, we numerically model the full elastic wavefield via the spectral element method (SEM) for several different fault models. Using well log data from the South Eugene Island field, offshore Louisiana, we derive empirical relationships between the elastic parameters (e.g. P-wave velocity and density) and the effective-stress along both normal compaction and unloading paths. These empirical relationships guide the numerical modelling and allow the investigation of how differences in fluid pressure modify the elastic wavefield. We choose to simulate the elastic wave equation via SEM since irregular model geometries can be accommodated and slip boundary conditions at an interface, such as a fault or fracture, are implemented naturally. The method we employ for including a slip interface retains the desirable qualities of SEM in that it is explicit in time and, therefore, does not require the inversion of a large matrix. We performa complete numerical study by forward modelling seismic shot gathers over a faulted earth model using SEM followed by seismic processing of the simulated data. With this procedure, we construct post-stack time-migrated images of the kind that are routinely interpreted in the seismic exploration industry. We dip filter the seismic images to highlight the fault-plane reflections prior to making amplitude maps along the fault plane. With these amplitude maps, we compare the reflectivity from the different fault models to diagnose which physical mechanism contributes most to observed fault reflectivity. To lend physical meaning to the properties of a locally weak fault zone characterized as a slip interface, we propose an equivalent-layer model under the assumption of weak scattering. This allows us to use the empirical relationships between density, velocity and effective stress from the South Eugene Island field to relate a slip interface to an amount of excess pore-pressure in a fault zone. ?? 2007 The Authors Journal compilation ?? 2007 RAS.

ESR dating marine terraces along the Mediterranean coast of the Antakya Graben, SE Turkey: Sea level change and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tari, Ufuk; Tüysüz, Okan; Blackwell, Bonnie; Genç, Ş. Can; İmren, Caner; Florentin, Jonathan A.; Skinner, Anne

2015-04-01

In southeastern Turkey, NE-trending Antakya Graben forms an asymmetric depression filled by Pliocene marine siliciclastic sediment, Pleistocene to Recent fluvial terrace sediment and alluvium. A multi-segmented, dominantly sinistral fault lying along the graben possibly connects the Cyprus Arc in the west to the Amik Triple Junction on the Dead Sea Fault (DSF) in the east. Normal faults, bounding the southeastern margin caused the graben to tilt southeastward and these faults are younger than the sinistral ones. Westward escape of the continental İskenderun Block along the sinistral faults belonging to the DSF in the east and to the Eastern Anatolian Fault in the north caused Antakya Graben to open since Pliocene. In the later stages of this opening, normal faults developed along the southeastern of the graben, leading to differential uplift of the Mediterranean coastal terraces. Tectonic uplift coupled with sea level fluctuations has produced several stacked marine terraces at elevations ranging from 0.25 m to 180 m above current sea level along the Mediterranean coast. In this study we dated these terrace deposits by using electron spin resonance (ESR) method. In the NW part of the graben, terraces at 30 m above mean sea level (amsl) yield 63±8 ka and correlate with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4. Older units dating to MIS 7 and 5 likely were being eroded to supply some fossils found in this terrace. On the 45 m amsl terrace dates to 114±7 ka, which is the MIS 5d/5e boundary. Terrace deposits at 105 m amsl belong to MIS 5c boundary at 91±13 ka. At Samandağ site at 39 m amsl, molluscs deposited in a large tidal channel indicate MIS 5d/5e boundary at 116 ± 5 ka. Contemporary sediments are seen in different elevations in the SE part of the graben. The youngest samples suggest an age 14±1 ka in the late MIS 2 for the slump topping the 8 m amsl terrace. At the 50 m amsl terrace dates to 89±5 ka and correlate with MIS 5a/5c. Here 180 m amsl terrace gave a preliminary age of 398 ± 24 ka, correlating with MIS 11. These data support that differential uplifting occurred in the Antakya Graben during the Quaternary and eustatic sea level changes in the Mediterranean have controlled the morphological evolution of the region. Uplift on the Mediterranean coast probably still continues, since the Paleolithic Merdivenli Cave sits at ~ 50 m amsl and the Middle Paleolithic Üçağızlı Cave sits at ~ 20 m amsl, and the ancient harbour, Seleucia Pierria now sits above sea level.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Calabrese, Gabriele, E-mail: calabrese@pdi-berlin.de; Corfdir, Pierre; Gao, Guanhui

We demonstrate the self-assembled growth of vertically aligned GaN nanowire ensembles on a flexible Ti foil by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The analysis of single nanowires by transmission electron microscopy reveals that they are single crystalline. Low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy demonstrates that in comparison to standard GaN nanowires grown on Si, the nanowires prepared on the Ti foil exhibit an equivalent crystalline perfection, a higher density of basal-plane stacking faults, but a reduced density of inversion domain boundaries. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the nanowire ensemble is not influenced or degraded by the bending of the substrate. The present results pavemore » the way for the fabrication of flexible optoelectronic devices based on GaN nanowires on metal foils.« less

Locality-preserving logical operators in topological stabilizer codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webster, Paul; Bartlett, Stephen D.

2018-01-01

Locality-preserving logical operators in topological codes are naturally fault tolerant, since they preserve the correctability of local errors. Using a correspondence between such operators and gapped domain walls, we describe a procedure for finding all locality-preserving logical operators admitted by a large and important class of topological stabilizer codes. In particular, we focus on those equivalent to a stack of a finite number of surface codes of any spatial dimension, where our procedure fully specifies the group of locality-preserving logical operators. We also present examples of how our procedure applies to codes with different boundary conditions, including color codes and toric codes, as well as more general codes such as Abelian quantum double models and codes with fermionic excitations in more than two dimensions.

Grain wall boundaries in centimeter-scale continuous monolayer WS2 film grown by chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Jia, Zhiyan; Hu, Wentao; Xiang, Jianyong; Wen, Fusheng; Nie, Anmin; Mu, Congpu; Zhao, Zhisheng; Xu, Bo; Tian, Yongjun; Liu, Zhongyuan

2018-06-22

Centimeter-scale continuous monolayer WS 2 film with large tensile strain has been successfully grown on oxidized silicon substrate by chemical vapor deposition, in which monolayer grains can be more than 200 μm in size. Monolayer WS 2 grains are observed to merge together via not only traditional grain boundaries but also non-traditional ones, which are named as grain walls (GWs) due to their nanometer-scale widths. The GWs are revealed to consist of two or three layers. Though not a monolayer, the GWs exhibit significantly enhanced fluorescence and photoluminescence. This enhancement may be attributed to abundant structural defects such as stacking faults and partial dislocations in the GWs, which are clearly observable in atomically resolved high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy images. Moreover, GW-based phototransistor is found to deliver higher photocurrent than that based on monolayer film. These features of GWs provide a clue to microstructure engineering of monolayer WS 2 for specific applications in (opto)electronics.

Grain wall boundaries in centimeter-scale continuous monolayer WS2 film grown by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Zhiyan; Hu, Wentao; Xiang, Jianyong; Wen, Fusheng; Nie, Anmin; Mu, Congpu; Zhao, Zhisheng; Xu, Bo; Tian, Yongjun; Liu, Zhongyuan

2018-06-01

Centimeter-scale continuous monolayer WS2 film with large tensile strain has been successfully grown on oxidized silicon substrate by chemical vapor deposition, in which monolayer grains can be more than 200 μm in size. Monolayer WS2 grains are observed to merge together via not only traditional grain boundaries but also non-traditional ones, which are named as grain walls (GWs) due to their nanometer-scale widths. The GWs are revealed to consist of two or three layers. Though not a monolayer, the GWs exhibit significantly enhanced fluorescence and photoluminescence. This enhancement may be attributed to abundant structural defects such as stacking faults and partial dislocations in the GWs, which are clearly observable in atomically resolved high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy images. Moreover, GW-based phototransistor is found to deliver higher photocurrent than that based on monolayer film. These features of GWs provide a clue to microstructure engineering of monolayer WS2 for specific applications in (opto)electronics.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O’Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

Low-mobility twin grain boundaries dominate the microstructure of grain boundary-engineered materials and are critical to understanding their plastic deformation behaviour. The presence of solutes, such as hydrogen, has a profound effect on the thermodynamic stability of the grain boundaries. This work examines the case of a Σ3 grain boundary at inclinations from 0° ≤ Φ ≤ 90°. The angle Φ corresponds to the rotation of the Σ3 (1 1 1) < 1 1 0 > (coherent) into the Σ3 (1 1 2) < 1 1 0 > (lateral) twin boundary. To this end, atomistic models of inclined grain boundaries, utilisingmore » empirical potentials, are used to elucidate the finite-temperature boundary structure while grand canonical Monte Carlo models are applied to determine the degree of hydrogen segregation. In order to understand the boundary structure and segregation behaviour of hydrogen, the structural unit description of inclined twin grain boundaries is found to provide insight into explaining the observed variation of excess enthalpy and excess hydrogen concentration on inclination angle, but the explanatory power is limited by how the enthalpy of segregation is affected by hydrogen concentration. At higher concentrations, the grain boundaries undergo a defaceting transition. In order to develop a more complete mesoscale model of the interfacial behaviour, an analytical model of boundary energy and hydrogen segregation that relies on modelling the boundary as arrays of discrete 1/3 < 1 1 1 > disconnections is constructed. Lastly, the complex interaction of boundary reconstruction and concentration-dependent segregation behaviour exhibited by inclined twin grain boundaries limits the range of applicability of such an analytical model and illustrates the fundamental limitations for a structural unit model description of segregation in lower stacking fault energy materials.« less

Formation and Growth of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra in Ni via Vacancy Aggregation Mechanism

DOE PAGES

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Lu, Chenyang; Jin, Ke; ...

2015-12-29

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the formation and growth of stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) are captured by vacancy cluster diffusion and aggregation mechanisms in Ni. The vacancytetrahedron acts as a nucleation point for SFT formation. Simulations show that perfect SFT can grow to the next size perfect SFT via a vacancy aggregation mechanism. The stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) calculations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that SFT can form farther away from the initial cascade-event locations, indicating the operation of diffusion-based vacancy-aggregation mechanism.

Formation and Growth of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra in Ni via Vacancy Aggregation Mechanism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Lu, Chenyang; Jin, Ke

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the formation and growth of stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) are captured by vacancy cluster diffusion and aggregation mechanisms in Ni. The vacancytetrahedron acts as a nucleation point for SFT formation. Simulations show that perfect SFT can grow to the next size perfect SFT via a vacancy aggregation mechanism. The stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) calculations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that SFT can form farther away from the initial cascade-event locations, indicating the operation of diffusion-based vacancy-aggregation mechanism.

Ductilizing bulk metallic glass composite by tailoring stacking fault energy.

PubMed

Wu, Y; Zhou, D Q; Song, W L; Wang, H; Zhang, Z Y; Ma, D; Wang, X L; Lu, Z P

2012-12-14

Martensitic transformation was successfully introduced to bulk metallic glasses as the reinforcement micromechanism. In this Letter, it was found that the twinning property of the reinforcing crystals can be dramatically improved by reducing the stacking fault energy through microalloying, which effectively alters the electron charge density redistribution on the slipping plane. The enhanced twinning propensity promotes the martensitic transformation of the reinforcing austenite and, consequently, improves plastic stability and the macroscopic tensile ductility. In addition, a general rule to identify effective microalloying elements based on their electronegativity and atomic size was proposed.

Dislocation Dissociation Strongly Influences on Frank—Read Source Nucleation and Microplasticy of Materials with Low Stacking Fault Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Min-Sheng; Zhu, Ya-Xin; Li, Zhen-Huan

2014-04-01

The influence of dislocation dissociation on the evolution of Frank—Read (F-R) sources is studied using a three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics simulation (3D-DDD). The classical Orowan nucleation stress and recently proposed Benzerga nucleation time models for F-R sources are improved. This work shows that it is necessary to introduce the dislocation dissociation scheme into 3D-DDD simulation, especially for simulations on micro-plasticity of small sized materials with low stacking fault energy.

Using Remote Sensing Data to Constrain Models of Fault Interactions and Plate Boundary Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glasscoe, M. T.; Donnellan, A.; Lyzenga, G. A.; Parker, J. W.; Milliner, C. W. D.

2016-12-01

Determining the distribution of slip and behavior of fault interactions at plate boundaries is a complex problem. Field and remotely sensed data often lack the necessary coverage to fully resolve fault behavior. However, realistic physical models may be used to more accurately characterize the complex behavior of faults constrained with observed data, such as GPS, InSAR, and SfM. These results will improve the utility of using combined models and data to estimate earthquake potential and characterize plate boundary behavior. Plate boundary faults exhibit complex behavior, with partitioned slip and distributed deformation. To investigate what fraction of slip becomes distributed deformation off major faults, we examine a model fault embedded within a damage zone of reduced elastic rigidity that narrows with depth and forward model the slip and resulting surface deformation. The fault segments and slip distributions are modeled using the JPL GeoFEST software. GeoFEST (Geophysical Finite Element Simulation Tool) is a two- and three-dimensional finite element software package for modeling solid stress and strain in geophysical and other continuum domain applications [Lyzenga, et al., 2000; Glasscoe, et al., 2004; Parker, et al., 2008, 2010]. New methods to advance geohazards research using computer simulations and remotely sensed observations for model validation are required to understand fault slip, the complex nature of fault interaction and plate boundary deformation. These models help enhance our understanding of the underlying processes, such as transient deformation and fault creep, and can aid in developing observation strategies for sUAV, airborne, and upcoming satellite missions seeking to determine how faults behave and interact and assess their associated hazard. Models will also help to characterize this behavior, which will enable improvements in hazard estimation. Validating the model results against remotely sensed observations will allow us to better constrain fault zone rheology and physical properties, having implications for the overall understanding of earthquake physics, fault interactions, plate boundary deformation and earthquake hazard, preparedness and risk reduction.

Mesoscale models for stacking faults, deformation twins and martensitic transformations: Linking atomistics to continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibey, Sandeep A.

We present a hierarchical approach that spans multiple length scales to describe defect formation---in particular, formation of stacking faults (SFs) and deformation twins---in fcc crystals. We link the energy pathways (calculated here via ab initio density functional theory, DFT) associated with formation of stacking faults and twins to corresponding heterogeneous defect nucleation models (described through mesoscale dislocation mechanics). Through the generalized Peieirls-Nabarro model, we first correlate the width of intrinsic SFs in fcc alloy systems to their nucleation pathways called generalized stacking fault energies (GSFE). We then establish a qualitative dependence of twinning tendency in fee metals and alloys---specifically, in pure Cu and dilute Cu-xAl (x= 5.0 and 8.3 at.%)---on their twin-energy pathways called the generalized planar fault energies (GPFE). We also link the twinning behavior of Cu-Al alloys to their electronic structure by determining the effect of solute Al on the valence charge density redistribution at the SF through ab initio DFT. Further, while several efforts have been undertaken to incorporate twinning for predicting stress-strain response of fcc materials, a fundamental law for critical twinning stress has not yet emerged. We resolve this long-standing issue by linking quantitatively the twin-energy pathways (GPFE) obtained via ab initio DFT to heterogeneous, dislocation-based twin nucleation models. We establish an analytical expression that quantitatively predicts the critical twinning stress in fcc metals in agreement with experiments without requiring any empiricism at any length scale. Our theory connects twinning stress to twin-energy pathways and predicts a monotonic relation between stress and unstable twin stacking fault energy revealing the physics of twinning. We further demonstrate that the theory holds for fcc alloys as well. Our theory inherently accounts for directional nature of twinning which available qualitative models do not necessarily account for. Finally, we extend the present work to martensitic transformations and determine the energy pathway for B2→B19 transformation in NiTi. Based on our ab initio DFT calculations, we propose a combined distortion-shuffle pathway for B2→B19 transformation in NiTi. Our results indicate that in NiTi, a barrier of 0.48 mRyd/atom (relative to B2 phase) must be overcome to transform the parent B2 into orthorhombic B19 phase.

Role of Transtension in Rifting at the Pacific-North America Plate Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, J. M.

2011-12-01

Transtensional plate motion can be accommodated either in a localized zone of transtensional rifting or over a broader region. Broader zones of deformation can be classified either as diffuse deformation or strain partitioning (one or more major strike-slip shear zones geographically offset from a region of a extensional faulting). The Pacific-North America plate boundary in southwestern North America was transtensional during much of its history and has exhibited the full range of these behaviors at different spatial scales and in different locations, as recorded by fault motions and paleomagnetic rotations. Here we focus on the northern Gulf of California part of the plate boundary (Upper and Lower Delfin basin segments), which has been in a zone of transtensional Pacific-North America plate boundary motion ever since the middle Miocene demise of adjacent Farallon-derived microplates. Prior to the middle Miocene, during the time of microplate activity, this sector of North America experienced basin-and-range normal faults (core complexes) in Sonora. However there is no evidence of continued extensional faulting nor of a Gulf-related topographic depression until after ca 12 Ma when a major ignimbrite (Tuff of San Felipe/ Ignimbrite of Hermosillo) was deposited across the entire region of the future Gulf of California rift in this sector. After 12 Ma, faults disrupted this marker bed in eastern Baja California and western Sonora, and some major NNW-striking right-lateral faults are inferred to have developed near the Sonoran coast causing offset of some of the volcanic facies. However, there are major tectonic rotations of the volcanic rocks in NE Baja California between 12 and 6 Ma, suggesting that the plate boundary motion was still occurring over a broad region. By contrast, after about 6 Ma, diminished rotations in latest Miocene and Pliocene volcanic rocks, as well as fault slip histories, show that plate boundary deformation became localized to a narrower transtensional zone of long offset strike-slip faults and intervening basins (the modern Gulf of California basin and transform fault system). Within and adjacent to this zone the fault patterns continued to evolve, with new plate boundary strike-slip faults breaking into previously intact blocks of continent. These new strike-slip faults were not accompanied by any widespread zones of tectonic rotation. This suggests that if widespread rotations are occurring, plate boundary transtension has not yet localized and the strike-slip faults are not yet accommodating most of the plate boundary slip. The cessation of widespread and significant vertical axis rotations could indicate strain localization and the increasing importance of throughgoing strike-slip faults (a precursor to fully oceanic rifting) along a transtensional plate boundary.

Deformation of the Pacific/North America plate boundary at Queen Charlotte Fault: The possible role of rheology

USGS Publications Warehouse

ten Brink, Uri S.; Miller, Nathaniel; Andrews, Brian; Brothers, Daniel; Haeussler, Peter J.

2018-01-01

The Pacific/North America (PA/NA) plate boundary between Vancouver Island and Alaska is similar to the PA/NA boundary in California in its kinematic history and the rate and azimuth of current relative motion, yet their deformation styles are distinct. The California plate boundary shows a broad zone of parallel strike slip and thrust faults and folds, whereas the 49‐mm/yr PA/NA relative plate motion in Canada and Alaska is centered on a single, narrow, continuous ~900‐km‐long fault, the Queen Charlotte Fault (QCF). Using gravity analysis, we propose that this plate boundary is centered on the continent/ocean boundary (COB), an unusual location for continental transform faults because plate boundaries typically localize within the continental lithosphere, which is weaker. Because the COB is a boundary between materials of contrasting elastic properties, once a fault is established there, it will probably remain stable. We propose that deformation progressively shifted to the COB in the wake of Yakutat terrane's northward motion along the margin. Minor convergence across the plate boundary is probably accommodated by fault reactivation on Pacific crust and by an eastward dipping QCF. Underthrusting of Pacific slab under Haida Gwaii occurs at convergence angles >14°–15° and may have been responsible for the emergence of the archipelago. The calculated slab entry dip (5°–8°) suggests that the slab probably does not extend into the asthenosphere. The PA/NA plate boundary at the QCF can serve as a structurally simple site to investigate the impact of rheology and composition on crustal deformation and the initiation of slab underthrusting.

Misoriented grain boundaries vicinal to the (111) <11¯0> twin in nickel part II: Thermodynamics of hydrogen segregation

DOE PAGES

O’Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

2016-04-19

Grain boundary engineered materials are of immense interest for their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. This work builds on the work undertaken in Part I on the thermodynamic stability and structure of misoriented grain boundaries vicinal to the Σ3 (111) <11¯0> (coherent-twin) boundary to examine hydrogen segregation to those boundaries. The segregation of hydrogen reflects the asymmetry of the boundary structure with the sense of rotation of the grains about the coherent-twin boundary, and the temperature-dependent structural transition present in one sense of misorientation. This work also finds that the presence of hydrogen affects a change in structure of the boundariesmore » with increasing concentration. The structural change effects only one sense of misorientation and results in the reduction in length of the emitted stacking faults. Moreover, the structural change results in the generation of occupied sites populated by more strongly bound hydrogen. The improved understanding of misoriented twin grain boundary structure and the effect on hydrogen segregation resulting from this work is relevant to higher length-scale models. To that end, we examine commonly used metrics such as free volume and atomic stress at the boundary. In conclusion, free volume is found not to be useful as a surrogate for predicting the degree of hydrogen segregation, whereas the volumetric virial stress reliably predicts the locations of hydrogen segregation and exclusion at concentrations below saturation or the point where structural changes are induced by increasing hydrogen concentration.« less

Identifying Fault Connections of the Southern Pacific-North American Plate Boundary Using Triggered Slip and Crustal Velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnellan, A.; Grant Ludwig, L.; Rundle, J. B.; Parker, J. W.; Granat, R.; Heflin, M. B.; Pierce, M. E.; Wang, J.; Gunson, M.; Lyzenga, G. A.

2017-12-01

The 2010 M7.2 El Mayor - Cucapah earthquake caused extensive triggering of slip on faults proximal to the Salton Trough in southern California. Triggered slip and postseismic motions that have continued for over five years following the earthquake highlight connections between the El Mayor - Cucapah rupture and the network of faults that branch out along the southern Pacific - North American Plate Boundary. Coseismic triggering follows a network of conjugate faults from the northern end of the rupture to the Coachella segment of the southernmost San Andreas fault. Larger aftershocks and postseismic motions favor connections to the San Jacinto and Elsinore faults further west. The 2012 Brawley Swarm can be considered part of the branching on the Imperial Valley or east side of the plate boundary. Cluster analysis of long-term GPS velocities using Lloyds Algorithm, identifies bifurcation of the Pacific - North American plate boundary; The San Jacinto fault joins with the southern San Andreas fault, and the Salton Trough and Coachella segment of the San Andreas fault join with the Eastern California Shear Zone. The clustering analysis does not identify throughgoing deformation connecting the Coachella segment of the San Andreas fault with the rest of the San Andreas fault system through the San Gorgonio Pass. This observation is consistent with triggered slip from both the 1992 Landers and 2010 El Mayor - Cucapah earthquakes that follows the plate boundary bifurcation and with paleoseismic evidence of smaller earthquakes in the San Gorgonio Pass.

Solid-State Fault Current Limiter Development : Design and Testing Update of a 15kV SSCL Power Stack

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dr. Ram Adapa; Mr. Dante Piccone

2012-04-30

ABSTRACT The Solid-State Fault Current Limiter (SSCL) is a promising technology that can be applied to utility power delivery systems to address the problem of increasing fault currents associated with load growth. As demand continues to grow, more power is added to utility system either by increasing generator capacity or by adding distributed generators, resulting in higher available fault currents, often beyond the capabilities of the present infrastructure. The SSCL is power-electronics based equipment designed to work with the present utility system to address this problem. The SSCL monitors the line current and dynamically inserts additional impedance into the linemore » in the event of a fault being detected. The SSCL is based on a modular design and can be configured for 5kV through 69kV systems at nominal current ratings of 1000A to 4000A. Results and Findings This report provides the final test results on the development of 15kV class SSCL single phase power stack. The scope of work included the design of the modular standard building block sub-assemblies, the design and manufacture of the power stack and the testing of the power stack for the key functional tests of continuous current capability and fault current limiting action. Challenges and Objectives Solid-State Current Limiter technology impacts a wide spectrum of utility engineering and operating personnel. It addresses the problems associated with load growth both at Transmission and Distribution class networks. The design concept is pioneering in terms of developing the most efficient and compact power electronics equipment for utility use. The initial test results of the standard building blocks are promising. The independent laboratory tests of the power stack are promising. However the complete 3 phase system needs rigorous testing for performance and reliability. Applications, Values, and Use The SSCL is an intelligent power-electronics device which is modular in design and can provide current limiting or current interrupting capabilities. It can be applied to variety of applications from distribution class to transmission class power delivery grids and networks. It can also be applied to single major commercial and industrial loads and distributed generator supplies. The active switching of devices can be further utilized for protection of substation transformers. The stress on the system can be reduced substantially improving the life of the power system. It minimizes the voltage sag by speedy elimination of heavy fault currents and promises to be an important element of the utility power system. DOE Perspective This development effort is now focused on a 15kV system. This project will help mitigate the challenges of increasing available fault current. DOE has made a major contribution in providing a cost effective SSCL designed to integrate seamlessly into the Transmission and Distribution networks of today and the future. Approach SSCL development program for a 69kV SSCL was initiated which included the use of the Super GTO advanced semiconductor device which won the 2007 R&D100 Award. In the beginning, steps were identified to accomplish the economically viable design of a 69kV class Solid State Current Limiter that is extremely reliable, cost effective, and compact enough to be applied in urban transmission. The prime thrust in design and development was to encompass the 1000A and the 3000A ratings and provide a modular design to cover the wide range of applications. The focus of the project was then shifted to a 15kV class SSCL. The specifications for the 15kV power stack are reviewed. The design changes integrated into the 15kV power stack are discussed. In this Technical Update the complete project is summarized followed by a detailed test report. The power stack independent high voltage laboratory test requirements and results are presented. Keywords Solid State Current Limiter, SSCL, Fault Current Limiter, Fault Current Controller, Power electronics controller, Intelligent power-electronics Device, IED« less

Correlation of Coseismic Velocity and Static Volumetric Strain Changes Induced by the 2010 Mw6.3 Jiasian Earthquake under the Southern Taiwan Orogenic Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, S. M.; Hung, S. H.

2015-12-01

Earthquake-induced temporal changes in seismic velocity of the earth's crust have been demonstrated to be monitored effectively by the time-lapse shifts of coda waves recently. Velocity drop during the coseismic rupture has been explicitly observed in proximity to the epicenters of large earthquakes with different styles of faulting. The origin of such sudden perturbation in crustal properties is closely related to the damage and/or volumetric strain change influenced by seismic slip distribution. In this study, we apply a coda wave interferometry method to investigate potential velocity change in both space and time related to the moderate-sized (Mw6.3) 2010 Jiasian earthquake, which nucleated deeply in the crust (~23 km), ruptured and terminated around the depth of 10 km along a previously unidentified blind thrust fault near the lithotectonic boundary of the southern Taiwan orogenic belt. To decipher the surface and crustal response to this relatively deep rupture, we first measure relative time-lapse changes of coda between different short-term time frames spanning one year covering the pre- and post-seismic stages by using the Moving Window Cross Spectral Method. Rather than determining temporal velocity variations based on a long-term reference stack, we conduct a Bayesian least-squares inversion to obtain the optimal estimates by minimizing the inconsistency between the relative time-lapse shifts of individual short-term stacks. The results show the statistically significant velocity reduction immediately after the mainshock, which is most pronounced at the pairs with the interstation paths traversing through the hanging-wall block of the ruptured fault. The sensitivity of surface wave coda arrivals mainly in the periods of 3-5 s to shear wave speed perturbation is confined within the depth of 10 km, where the crust mostly experienced extensional strain changes induced by the slip distribution from the finite-fault model. Compared with coseismic slip distribution from GPS data and finite-fault inversion, peak ground velocity, and static volumetric strain field following the earthquake, the velocity decrease observed in the hanging wall side of the shallow crust is most likely attributed to pervasive dilatational strain changes induced by the slip rupture on the underlying blind thrust.

Near band gap luminescence in hybrid organic-inorganic structures based on sputtered GaN nanorods.

PubMed

Forsberg, Mathias; Serban, Elena Alexandra; Hsiao, Ching-Lien; Junaid, Muhammad; Birch, Jens; Pozina, Galia

2017-04-26

Novel hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructures fabricated to utilize non-radiative resonant energy transfer mechanism are considered to be extremely attractive for a variety of light emitters for down converting of ultaviolet light and for photovoltaic applications since they can be much more efficient compared to devices grown with common design. Organic-inorganic hybrid structures based on green polyfluorene (F8BT) and GaN (0001) nanorods grown by magnetron sputtering on Si (111) substrates are studied. In such nanorods, stacking faults can form periodic polymorphic quantum wells characterized by bright luminescence. In difference to GaN exciton emission, the recombination rate for the stacking fault related emission increases in the presence of polyfluorene film, which can be understood in terms of Förster interaction mechanism. From comparison of dynamic properties of the stacking fault related luminescence in the hybrid structures and in the bare GaN nanorods, the pumping efficiency of non-radiative resonant energy transfer in hybrids was estimated to be as high as 35% at low temperatures.

The role of surface diffusion and wing tilt in the formation of localized stacking faults in high In-content InGaN MQW nanostructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakajima, Yoshitake; Dapkus, P. Daniel

Yellow and green emitting multiple quantum well structures are grown on nanostripe templates with {10-11} facets. SEM and cathodoluminescence measurements show a correlation between rough surface morphology near the bottom of the stripes and non-radiative recombination centers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that these surface instabilities are a result of stacking faults generated from the quantum well (QW) regions near the bottom of the pyramid that propagate to the surface. HRTEM images show that the stacking faults are I{sub 1} type which is formed by removal of one half basal plane to relieve the compressive strain in the InGaNmore » QW. Thicker QWs near the bottom as a result of growth rate enhancement due to the surface diffusion of the precursors from the mask regions cause increased strain. Additionally, the compressive strain induced by the bending of the nanostructure towards the growth mask further increases the strain experienced by the QW thereby causing the localized defect generation.« less

Anisotropy of Earth's D'' layer and stacking faults in the MgSiO3 post-perovskite phase.

PubMed

Oganov, Artem R; Martonák, Roman; Laio, Alessandro; Raiteri, Paolo; Parrinello, Michele

2005-12-22

The post-perovskite phase of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 is believed to be the main mineral phase of the Earth's lowermost mantle (the D'' layer). Its properties explain numerous geophysical observations associated with this layer-for example, the D'' discontinuity, its topography and seismic anisotropy within the layer. Here we use a novel simulation technique, first-principles metadynamics, to identify a family of low-energy polytypic stacking-fault structures intermediate between the perovskite and post-perovskite phases. Metadynamics trajectories identify plane sliding involving the formation of stacking faults as the most favourable pathway for the phase transition, and as a likely mechanism for plastic deformation of perovskite and post-perovskite. In particular, the predicted slip planes are {010} for perovskite (consistent with experiment) and {110} for post-perovskite (in contrast to the previously expected {010} slip planes). Dominant slip planes define the lattice preferred orientation and elastic anisotropy of the texture. The {110} slip planes in post-perovskite require a much smaller degree of lattice preferred orientation to explain geophysical observations of shear-wave anisotropy in the D'' layer.

Significant contribution of stacking faults to the strain hardening behavior of Cu-15%Al alloy with different grain sizes.

PubMed

Tian, Y Z; Zhao, L J; Chen, S; Shibata, A; Zhang, Z F; Tsuji, N

2015-11-19

It is commonly accepted that twinning can induce an increase of strain-hardening rate during the tensile process of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals and alloys with low stacking fault energy (SFE). In this study, we explored the grain size effect on the strain-hardening behavior of a Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with low SFE. Instead of twinning, we detected a significant contribution of stacking faults (SFs) irrespective of the grain size even in the initial stage of tensile process. In contrast, twinning was more sensitive to the grain size, and the onset of deformation twins might be postponed to a higher strain with increasing the grain size. In the Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with a mean grain size of 47 μm, there was a stage where the strain-hardening rate increases with strain, and this was mainly induced by the SFs instead of twinning. Thus in parallel with the TWIP effect, we proposed that SFs also contribute significantly to the plasticity of FCC alloys with low SFE.

Significant contribution of stacking faults to the strain hardening behavior of Cu-15%Al alloy with different grain sizes

PubMed Central

Tian, Y. Z.; Zhao, L. J.; Chen, S.; Shibata, A.; Zhang, Z. F.; Tsuji, N.

2015-01-01

It is commonly accepted that twinning can induce an increase of strain-hardening rate during the tensile process of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals and alloys with low stacking fault energy (SFE). In this study, we explored the grain size effect on the strain-hardening behavior of a Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with low SFE. Instead of twinning, we detected a significant contribution of stacking faults (SFs) irrespective of the grain size even in the initial stage of tensile process. In contrast, twinning was more sensitive to the grain size, and the onset of deformation twins might be postponed to a higher strain with increasing the grain size. In the Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with a mean grain size of 47 μm, there was a stage where the strain-hardening rate increases with strain, and this was mainly induced by the SFs instead of twinning. Thus in parallel with the TWIP effect, we proposed that SFs also contribute significantly to the plasticity of FCC alloys with low SFE. PMID:26582568

The role of surface diffusion and wing tilt in the formation of localized stacking faults in high In-content InGaN MQW nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, Yoshitake; Dapkus, P. Daniel

2016-08-01

Yellow and green emitting multiple quantum well structures are grown on nanostripe templates with {10-11} facets. SEM and cathodoluminescence measurements show a correlation between rough surface morphology near the bottom of the stripes and non-radiative recombination centers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that these surface instabilities are a result of stacking faults generated from the quantum well (QW) regions near the bottom of the pyramid that propagate to the surface. HRTEM images show that the stacking faults are I1 type which is formed by removal of one half basal plane to relieve the compressive strain in the InGaN QW. Thicker QWs near the bottom as a result of growth rate enhancement due to the surface diffusion of the precursors from the mask regions cause increased strain. Additionally, the compressive strain induced by the bending of the nanostructure towards the growth mask further increases the strain experienced by the QW thereby causing the localized defect generation.

From 2012 HAITI-SIS Survey: thick-skin versus thin-skin tectonics partitioned along offshore strike-slip Faults-Haïti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellouz, N.; Leroy, S. D.; Momplaisir, R.; Mercier de Lepinay, B.

2013-12-01

The characterization of the deformation along large strike-slip fault-systems like transpressive boundaries between N. Caribbean/N America is a challenging topic, which requires a multi-scale approach. Thanks to Haiti-sis new data, the precise description of the fault segmentation pattern, the sedimentogical distribution, the uplift/subsidence rates, the along-fault and intra-basin fluids circulations, allows to actualize the evolution of the deformation history up to present-day . All the co-seismic surface to near-surface events, have to be also identified in order to integrate geophysical solutions for the earthquake, within the present-day geological and structural pattern. These two approaches, ranging from geological to instantaneous time-scales have been used during multi-tools Haiti-Sis oceanographic survey, allowing to document and image these different aspects at a large scale. The complex strike-slip North Caribbean boundary registered significative stress partitioning. Oblique convergence is expressed by along-strike evolution; from rifted segments (Cayman Through) to transpressive ones (Haiti, Dominican Rep.), to subduction (Porto Rico). In the Haiti-Sis survey, we acquired new offshore data surrounding the active fault areas, in the Gonâve Bay, the Jamaica Channel and along Southern Peninsula. Mapping the sea-floor, and HR seismic acquisition were our main objectives, in order to characterize the fault and fold architecture, with a new delineation of active segments. Offshore piston cores, have been used as representative of the modern basin sedimentation, and to document the catastrophic events (earthquakes, massive flood or sudden destabilization of the platform ) represented by turbiditic or mass-flow sequences, with the objective to track the time recurrence of seismic events by dating some of these catastrophic sediment deposition. At surface, the other markers of the fault activity are linked with along-fault permeability and fluid circulation pathway changes. Geochemical signature and temperature of the fluids and gas, change drastically depending on location and depth provenance. Our first results show that 1) the present-day EPGF geometry results from oblique shortening processes along different segments of the fault. Deep basins previously localized south and north of the fault are inverted at different degrees, 2) the Gonâve Island is only the emerged part of a NW-SE, either growing large " anti-formal stack" or basement inversion responsible for the large present-day fold amplitude, or both of them successively. It separates two sub-basins South and North Gonâve with independant sedimentary and deformation evolution 3) the Jeremie Basin probably has a specific long-living evolution, allowing to precise the geodynamic evolution of the Western Hispaniola Margin.

A first principles study of commonly observed planar defects in Ti/TiB system

DOE PAGES

Nandwana, Peeyush; Gupta, Niraj; Srinivasan, Srivilliputhur G.; ...

2018-04-20

Here, TiB exhibits a hexagonal cross-section with growth faults on (1 0 0) planes and contains B27-B f bicrystals. The hexagonal cross-section is presently explained by surface free energy minimization principle. We show that interfacial energy calculations explain the longer (1 0 0) facet compared to (1 0 1) type facets whereas free surface energy arguments do not provide the true picture. No quantitative explanation of stacking faults and B27-B f interfaces in TiB exists. We show that the low formation energy of stacking faults and B27-B f interfaces explain their abundance. The low energy barrier for B f formationmore » is shown to be responsible for their presence in TiB.« less

A first principles study of commonly observed planar defects in Ti/TiB system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nandwana, Peeyush; Gupta, Niraj; Srinivasan, Srivilliputhur G.

Here, TiB exhibits a hexagonal cross-section with growth faults on (1 0 0) planes and contains B27-B f bicrystals. The hexagonal cross-section is presently explained by surface free energy minimization principle. We show that interfacial energy calculations explain the longer (1 0 0) facet compared to (1 0 1) type facets whereas free surface energy arguments do not provide the true picture. No quantitative explanation of stacking faults and B27-B f interfaces in TiB exists. We show that the low formation energy of stacking faults and B27-B f interfaces explain their abundance. The low energy barrier for B f formationmore » is shown to be responsible for their presence in TiB.« less

The role of the cubic structure in freezing of a supercooled water droplet on an ice substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, T.; Kobayashi, T.

1983-12-01

The possibility of the formation of a metastable cubic (diamond) structure and its role in freezing of a supercooled water droplet on an ice substrate are discussed in terms of two-dimensional nucleation. The mode of stacking sequence of new layers formed by two-dimensional nucleation is divided into single and multi-nucleation according to the degree of supercooling and to the size of the supercooled droplet. In the case of single nucleation a frozen droplet develops into a complete hexagonal single crystal or an optically single crystal (containing discontinuous stacking faults). In the case of multi-nucleation attention is paid to the size effect and the stacking direction of the nucleus to calculate the waiting time in the nucleation. Then the frozen droplets are crystallographically divided into three categories: completely single crystals, optically single crystals (containing a small cubic structure, i.e. stacking faults) and polycrystals with a misorientation of 70.53° between the c-axes.

Late Miocene-Early Pliocene reactivation of the Main Boundary Thrust: Evidence from the seismites in southeastern Kumaun Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Anurag; Srivastava, Deepak C.; Shah, Jyoti

2013-05-01

Tectonic history of the Himalaya is punctuated by successive development of the faults that run along the boundaries between different lithotectonic terrains. The Main Boundary Fault, defining the southern limit of the Lesser Himalayan terrain, is tectonically most active. A review of published literature reveals that the nature and age of reactivation events on the Main Boundary Fault is one of the poorly understood aspects of the Himalayan orogen. By systematic outcrop mapping of the seismites, this study identifies a Late Miocene-Early Pliocene reactivation on the Main Boundary Thrust in southeast Kumaun Himalaya. Relatively friable and cohesionless Neogene sedimentary sequences host abundant soft-sediment deformation structures in the vicinity of the Main Boundary Thrust. Among a large variety of structures, deformed cross-beds, liquefaction pockets, slump folds, convolute laminations, sand dykes, mushroom structures, fluid escape structures, flame and load structures and synsedimentary faults are common. The morphological attributes, the structural association and the distribution pattern of the soft-sediment deformation structures with respect to the Main Boundary Fault strongly suggest their development by seismically triggered liquefaction and fluidization. Available magnetostratigraphic age data imply that the seismites were developed during a Late Miocene-Early Pliocene slip on the Main Boundary Thrust. The hypocenter of the main seismic event may lie on the Main Boundary Thrust or to the north of the study area on an unknown fault or the Basal Detachment Thrust.

Effect of the cadmium chloride treatment on RF sputtered Cd{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 0.4}Te films for application in multijunction solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shimpi, Tushar M., E-mail: mechanical.tushar@gmail.com; Kephart, Jason M.; Swanson, Drew E.

Single phase Cd{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 0.4}Te (CdZnTe) films of 1 μm thickness were deposited by radio frequency planar magnetron sputter deposition on commercial soda lime glass samples coated with fluorine-doped tin oxide and cadmium sulphide (CdS). The stack was then treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl{sub 2}) at different temperatures using a constant treatment time. The effect of the CdCl{sub 2} treatment was studied using optical, materials, and electrical characterization of the samples and compared with the as-deposited CdZnTe film with the same stack configuration. The band gap deduced from Tauc plots on the as-deposited CdZnTe thin film was 1.72 eV. The depositedmore » film had good crystalline quality with a preferred orientation along the {111} plane. After the CdCl{sub 2} treatment, the absorption edge shifted toward longer wavelength region and new peaks corresponding to cadmium telluride (CdTe) emerged in the x-ray diffraction pattern. This suggested loss of zinc after the CdCl{sub 2} treatment. The cross sectional transmission electron microscope images of the sample treated at 400 °C and the energy dispersive elemental maps revealed the absence of chlorine along the grain boundaries of CdZnTe and residual CdTe. The presence of chlorine in the CdTe devices plays a vital role in drastically improving the device performance which was not observed in CdZnTe samples treated with CdCl{sub 2}. The loss of zinc from the surface and incomplete recrystallization of the grains together with the presence of high densities of stacking faults were observed. The surface images using scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of the grains changed from small spherical shape to large grains formed due to the fusion of small grains with distinct grain boundaries visible at the higher CdCl{sub 2} treatment temperatures. The absence of chlorine along the grain boundaries, incomplete recrystallization and distinct grain boundaries is understood to cause the poor performance of the fabricated devices.« less

Fault interaction and stresses along broad oceanic transform zone: Tjörnes Fracture Zone, north Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homberg, C.; Bergerat, F.; Angelier, J.; Garcia, S.

2010-02-01

Transform motion along oceanic transforms generally occurs along narrow faults zones. Another class of oceanic transforms exists where the plate boundary is quite large (˜100 km) and includes several subparallel faults. Using a 2-D numerical modeling, we simulate the slip distribution and the crustal stress field geometry within such broad oceanic transforms (BOTs). We examine the possible configurations and evolution of such BOTs, where the plate boundary includes one, two, or three faults. Our experiments show that at any time during the development of the plate boundary, the plate motion is not distributed along each of the plate boundary faults but mainly occurs along a single master fault. The finite width of a BOT results from slip transfer through time with locking of early faults, not from a permanent distribution of deformation over a wide area. Because of fault interaction, the stress field geometry within the BOTs is more complex than that along classical oceanic transforms and includes stress deflections close to but also away from the major faults. Application of this modeling to the 100 km wide Tjörnes Fracture Zone (TFZ) in North Iceland, a major BOT of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that includes three main faults, suggests that the Dalvik Fault and the Husavik-Flatey Fault developed first, the Grismsey Fault being the latest active structure. Since initiation of the TFZ, the Husavik-Flatey Fault accommodated most of the plate motion and probably persists until now as the main plate structure.

Source Parameters and Rupture Directivities of Earthquakes Within the Mendocino Triple Junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, A. A.; Chen, X.

2017-12-01

The Mendocino Triple Junction (MTJ), a region in the Cascadia subduction zone, produces a sizable amount of earthquakes each year. Direct observations of the rupture properties are difficult to achieve due to the small magnitudes of most of these earthquakes and lack of offshore observations. The Cascadia Initiative (CI) project provides opportunities to look at the earthquakes in detail. Here we look at the transform plate boundary fault located in the MTJ, and measure source parameters of Mw≥4 earthquakes from both time-domain deconvolution and spectral analysis using empirical Green's function (EGF) method. The second-moment method is used to infer rupture length, width, and rupture velocity from apparent source duration measured at different stations. Brune's source model is used to infer corner frequency and spectral complexity for stacked spectral ratio. EGFs are selected based on their location relative to the mainshock, as well as the magnitude difference compared to the mainshock. For the transform fault, we first look at the largest earthquake recorded during the Year 4 CI array, a Mw5.72 event that occurred in January of 2015, and select two EGFs, a Mw1.75 and a Mw1.73 located within 5 km of the mainshock. This earthquake is characterized with at least two sub-events, with total duration of about 0.3 second and rupture length of about 2.78 km. The earthquake is rupturing towards west along the transform fault, and both source durations and corner frequencies show strong azimuthal variations, with anti-correlation between duration and corner frequency. The stacked spectral ratio from multiple stations with the Mw1.73 EGF event shows deviation from pure Brune's source model following the definition from Uchide and Imanishi [2016], likely due to near-field recordings with rupture complexity. We will further analyze this earthquake using more EGF events to test the reliability and stability of the results, and further analyze three other Mw≥4 earthquakes within the array.

Effects of neutron irradiation of Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2 in the 121-1085 °C temperature range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tallman, Darin J.; He, Lingfeng; Gan, Jian; Caspi, El'ad N.; Hoffman, Elizabeth N.; Barsoum, Michel W.

2017-02-01

Herein we report on the formation of defects in response to neutron irradiation of polycrystalline Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2 samples exposed to total fluences of ≈6 × 1020 n/m2, 5 × 1021 n/m2 and 1.7 × 1022 n/m2 at irradiation temperatures of 121(12), 735(6) and 1085(68)°C. These fluences correspond to 0.14, 1.6 and 3.4 dpa, respectively. After irradiation to 0.14 dpa at 121 °C and 735 °C, black spots are observed via transmission electron microscopy in both Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2. After irradiation to 1.6 and 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, basal dislocation loops, with a Burgers vector of b = ½ [0001] are observed in Ti3SiC2, with loop diameters of 21(6) and 30(8) nm after 1.6 dpa and 3.4 dpa, respectively. In Ti3AlC2, larger dislocation loops, 75(34) nm in diameter are observed after 3.4 dpa at 735 °C, in addition to stacking faults. Impurity particles of TiC, as well as stacking fault TiC platelets in the MAX phases, are seen to form extensive dislocation loops under all conditions. Cavities were observed at grain boundaries and within stacking faults after 3.4 dpa irradiation, with extensive cavity formation in the TiC regions at 1085 °C. Remarkably, denuded zones on the order of 1 μm are observed in Ti3SiC2 after irradiation to 3.4 dpa at 735 °C. Small grains, 3-5 μm in diameter, are damage free after irradiation at 1085 °C at this dose. The results shown herein confirm once again that the presence of the A-layers in the MAX phases considerably enhance their irradiation tolerance. Based on these results, and up to 3.4 dpa, Ti3SiC2 remains a promising candidate for high temperature nuclear applications as long as the temperature remains >700 °C.

Interaction potential for indium phosphide: a molecular dynamics and first-principles study of the elastic constants, generalized stacking fault and surface energies.

PubMed

Branicio, Paulo Sergio; Rino, José Pedro; Gan, Chee Kwan; Tsuzuki, Hélio

2009-03-04

Indium phosphide is investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density-functional theory calculations. MD simulations use a proposed effective interaction potential for InP fitted to a selected experimental dataset of properties. The potential consists of two- and three-body terms that represent atomic-size effects, charge-charge, charge-dipole and dipole-dipole interactions as well as covalent bond bending and stretching. Predictions are made for the elastic constants as a function of density and temperature, the generalized stacking fault energy and the low-index surface energies.

Teaching earth science

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alpha, Tau Rho; Diggles, Michael F.

1998-01-01

This CD-ROM contains 17 teaching tools: 16 interactive HyperCard 'stacks' and a printable model. They are separated into the following categories: Geologic Processes, Earthquakes and Faulting, and Map Projections and Globes. A 'navigation' stack, Earth Science, is provided as a 'launching' place from which to access all of the other stacks. You can also open the HyperCard Stacks folder and launch any of the 16 stacks yourself. In addition, a 17th tool, Earth and Tectonic Globes, is provided as a printable document. Each of the tools can be copied onto a 1.4-MB floppy disk and distributed freely.

An improved low-frequency earthquakes catalogue in the vicinity of the late-interseismic central Alpine Fault, Southern Alps, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratin, Laura-May; Chamberlain, Calum J.; Townend, John; Savage, Martha K.

2017-04-01

Characterising the seismicity associated with slow deformation in the vicinity of the Alpine Fault may provide constraints on the state of stress of this major transpressive margin prior to a large (≥M8) earthquake. Here, we use recently detected tectonic tremor and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) to examine how slow tectonic deformation is loading the Alpine Fault toward an anticipated large rupture. We initially work with a continous seismic dataset collected between 2009 and 2012 from an array of short-period seismometers, the Southern Alps Microearthquake Borehole Array. Fourteen primary LFE templates, found through visual inspection within previously identified tectonic tremor, are used in an iterative matched-filter and stacking routine. This method allows the detection of similar signals and establishes LFE families with common locations. We thus generate a 36 month catalogue of 10718 LFEs. The detections are then combined for each LFE family using phase-weighted stacking to yield a signal with the highest possible signal to noise ratio. We found phase-weighted stacking to be successful in increasing the number of LFE detections by roughly 20%. Phase-weighted stacking also provides cleaner phase arrivals of apparently impulsive nature allowing more precise phase picks. We then compute non-linear earthquake locations using a 3D velocity model and find LFEs to occur below the seismogenic zone at depths of 18-34 km, locating on or near the proposed deep extent of the Alpine Fault. To gain insight into deep fault slip behaviour, a detailed study of the spatial-temporal evolution of LFEs is required. We thus generate a more extensive catalogue of LFEs spanning the years 2009 to 2016 using a different technique to detect LFEs more efficiently. This time 638 synthetic waveforms are used as primary templates in the match-filter routine. Of those, 38 templates yield no detections over our 7-yr study period. The remaining 600 templates end up detecting between 370 and 730 events each totalling ˜310 000 detections. We then focus on only keeping the detections that robustly stack (i.e. representing real LFEs) for each synthetic template hence creating new LFE templates. From there, we rerun the match-filter routine with our new LFE templates. Finally, each LFE template and its subsequent detections form a LFE family, itself associated with a single source. Initial testing shows that this technique paired up with phase-weighted stacking increases the number of LFE families and overall detected events roughly thirtyfold. Our next step is to study in detail the spatial and temporal activity of our LFEs. This new catalogue should provide new insight into the deep central Alpine Fault structure and its slip behaviour.

Cell boundary fault detection system

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles Jens [Rochester, MN; Pinnow, Kurt Walter [Rochester, MN; Ratterman, Joseph D [Rochester, MN; Smith, Brian Edward [Rochester, MN

2009-05-05

A method determines a nodal fault along the boundary, or face, of a computing cell. Nodes on adjacent cell boundaries communicate with each other, and the communications are analyzed to determine if a node or connection is faulty.

Fault Creep along the Southern San Andreas from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, Permanent Scatterers, and Stacking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, Suzanne; Sandwell, David

2003-01-01

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) provides a practical means of mapping creep along major strike-slip faults. The small amplitude of the creep signal (less than 10 mm/yr), combined with its short wavelength, makes it difficult to extract from long time span interferograms, especially in agricultural or heavily vegetated areas. We utilize two approaches to extract the fault creep signal from 37 ERS SAR images along the southem San Andreas Fault. First, amplitude stacking is utilized to identify permanent scatterers, which are then used to weight the interferogram prior to spatial filtering. This weighting improves correlation and also provides a mask for poorly correlated areas. Second, the unwrapped phase is stacked to reduce tropospheric and other short-wavelength noise. This combined processing enables us to recover the near-field (approximately 200 m) slip signal across the fault due to shallow creep. Displacement maps fiom 60 interferograms reveal a diffuse secular strain buildup, punctuated by localized interseismic creep of 4-6 mm/yr line of sight (LOS, 12-18 mm/yr horizontal). With the exception of Durmid Hill, this entire segment of the southern San Andreas experienced right-lateral triggered slip of up to 10 cm during the 3.5-year period spanning the 1992 Landers earthquake. The deformation change following the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake was much smaller (4 cm) and broader than for the Landers event. Profiles across the fault during the interseismic phase show peak-to-trough amplitude ranging from 15 to 25 mm/yr (horizontal component) and the minimum misfit models show a range of creeping/locking depth values that fit the data.

How the gas hydrate system gives insight into subduction wedge dewatering processes in a zone of highly-oblique convergence on the southern Hikurangi margin of New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crutchley, Gareth; Klaeschen, Dirk; Pecher, Ingo; Henrys, Stuart

2017-04-01

The southern end of New Zealand's Hikurangi subduction margin is characterised by highly-oblique convergence as it makes a southward transition into a right-lateral transform plate boundary at the Alpine Fault. Long-offset seismic data that cross part of the offshore portion of this transition zone give new insight into the nature of the plate boundary. We have carried out 2D pre-stack depth migrations, with an iterative reflection tomography to update the velocity field, on two seismic lines in this area to investigate fluid flow processes that have implications for the mechanical stability of the subduction interface. The results show distinct and focused fluid expulsion pathways from the subduction interface to the shallow sub-surface. For example, on one of the seismic lines there is a clear disruption of the gas hydrate system at its intersection with a splay fault - a clear indication of focused fluid release from the subduction interface. The seismic velocities derived from tomography also highlight a broad, pronounced low velocity zone beneath the deforming wedge that we interpret as a thick zone of gas-charged fluids that may have important implications for the long-term frictional stability of the plate boundary in this area. The focused flow upward toward the seafloor has the potential to result in the formation of concentrated gas hydrate deposits. Our on-going work on these data will include amplitude versus offset analysis in an attempt to better characterise the nature of the subduction interface, the fluids in that region, and also the shallower gas hydrate system.

Visual offline sample stacking via moving neutralization boundary electrophoresis for analysis of heavy metal ion.

PubMed

Fan, Yinping; Li, Shan; Fan, Liuyin; Cao, Chengxi

2012-06-15

In this paper, a moving neutralization boundary (MNB) electrophoresis is developed as a novel model of visual offline sample stacking for the trace analysis of heavy metal ions (HMIs). In the stacking system, the cathodic-direction motion MNB is designed with 1.95-2.8mM HCl+98 mM KCl in phase alfa and 4.0mM NaOH+96 mM KCl in phase beta. If a little of HMI is present in phase alfa, the metal ion electrically migrates towards the MNB and react with hydroxyl ion, producing precipitation and moving precipitation boundary (MPB). The alkaline precipitation is neutralized by hydrogen ion, leading to a moving eluting boundary (MEB), release of HMI from its precipitation, circle of HMI from the MEB to the MPB, and highly efficient visual stacking. As a proof of concept, a set of metal ions (Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Pb(II) and Cr(III)) were chosen as the model HMIs and capillary electrophoresis (CE) was selected as an analytical tool for the experiments demonstrating the feasibility of MNB-based stacking. As shown in this paper, (i) the visual stacking model was manifested by the experiments; (ii) there was a controllable stacking of HMI in the MNB system; (iii) the offline stacking could achieve higher than 123 fold preconcentration; and (iv) the five HMIs were simultaneously stacked via the developed stacking technique for the trace analyses with the limits of detection (LOD): 3.67×10(-3) (Cu(II)), 1.67×10(-3) (Co(II), 4.17×10(-3) (Mn(II)), 4.6×10(-4) (Pb(II)) and 8.40×10(-4)mM (Cr(III)). Even the off-line stacking was demonstrated for the use of CE-based HMI analysis, it has potential applications in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC) etc. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geodetic estimates of fault slip rates in the San Francisco Bay area

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savage, J.C.; Svarc, J.L.; Prescott, W.H.

1999-01-01

Bourne et al. [1998] have suggested that the interseismic velocity profile at the surface across a transform plate boundary is a replica of the secular velocity profile at depth in the plastosphere. On the other hand, in the viscoelastic coupling model the shape of the interseismic surface velocity profile is a consequence of plastosphere relaxation following the previous rupture of the faults that make up the plate boundary and is not directly related to the secular flow in the plastosphere. The two models appear to be incompatible. If the plate boundary is composed of several subparallel faults and the interseismic surface velocity profile across the boundary known, each model predicts the secular slip rates on the faults which make up the boundary. As suggested by Bourne et al., the models can then be tested by comparing the predicted secular slip rates to those estimated from long-term offsets inferred from geology. Here we apply that test to the secular slip rates predicted for the principal faults (San Andreas, San Gregorio, Hayward, Calaveras, Rodgers Creek, Green Valley and Greenville faults) in the San Andreas fault system in the San Francisco Bay area. The estimates from the two models generally agree with one another and to a lesser extent with the geologic estimate. Because the viscoelastic coupling model has been equally successful in estimating secular slip rates on the various fault strands at a diffuse plate boundary, the success of the model of Bourne et al. [1998] in doing the same thing should not be taken as proof that the interseismic velocity profile across the plate boundary at the surface is a replica of the velocity profile at depth in the plastosphere.

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new aluminum-silicon-nitride phosphor containing boron, Ba5B2Al4Si32N52:Eu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimura, Fumitaka; Yamane, Hisanori; Nagasako, Makoto

2017-07-01

Single crystals of Ba5B2Al4Si32N52:Eu were grown on the wall of a boron nitride crucible by heating a starting mixture of binary nitrides at 2050 °C and a N2 pressure of 0.85 MPa. The fundamental reflections of X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the crystals were indexed with triclinic cell parameters, a=9.7879(11) Å, b=9.7920(11) Å, c=12.7226(15) Å, α=96.074(4)°, β=112.330(3)°, and γ=94.080(4)°. Streak lines were observed between the fundamental reflections in the direction of the c* axis in the oscillation XRD images and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns, indicating stacking faults in the structure. The atomic images of stacking faults with a slip system of (0 0 1)[-1 1 0]/3, and displacement of a Ba atom layer with (0 0 1)[-1 -1 0]/6 were observed with a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The models of the basic (normal-stacking) structure with space group P1 and local structures of the stacking faults are herein presented. The single crystals emitted blue light with a peak wavelength of 472 nm and a full width at half maximum of 78 nm under 365 nm excitation.

Reliability analysis and initial requirements for FC systems and stacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Åström, K.; Fontell, E.; Virtanen, S.

In the year 2000 Wärtsilä Corporation started an R&D program to develop SOFC systems for CHP applications. The program aims to bring to the market highly efficient, clean and cost competitive fuel cell systems with rated power output in the range of 50-250 kW for distributed generation and marine applications. In the program Wärtsilä focuses on system integration and development. System reliability and availability are key issues determining the competitiveness of the SOFC technology. In Wärtsilä, methods have been implemented for analysing the system in respect to reliability and safety as well as for defining reliability requirements for system components. A fault tree representation is used as the basis for reliability prediction analysis. A dynamic simulation technique has been developed to allow for non-static properties in the fault tree logic modelling. Special emphasis has been placed on reliability analysis of the fuel cell stacks in the system. A method for assessing reliability and critical failure predictability requirements for fuel cell stacks in a system consisting of several stacks has been developed. The method is based on a qualitative model of the stack configuration where each stack can be in a functional, partially failed or critically failed state, each of the states having different failure rates and effects on the system behaviour. The main purpose of the method is to understand the effect of stack reliability, critical failure predictability and operating strategy on the system reliability and availability. An example configuration, consisting of 5 × 5 stacks (series of 5 sets of 5 parallel stacks) is analysed in respect to stack reliability requirements as a function of predictability of critical failures and Weibull shape factor of failure rate distributions.

Investigations of stacking fault density in perpendicular recording media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Piramanayagam, S. N., E-mail: prem-SN@dsi.a-star.edu.sg; Varghese, Binni; Yang, Yi

In magnetic recording media, the grains or clusters reverse their magnetization over a range of reversal field, resulting in a switching field distribution. In order to achieve high areal densities, it is desirable to understand and minimize such a distribution. Clusters of grains which contain stacking faults (SF) or fcc phase have lower anisotropy, an order lower than those without them. It is believed that such low anisotropy regions reverse their magnetization at a much lower reversal field than the rest of the material with a larger anisotropy. Such clusters/grains cause recording performance deterioration, such as adjacent track erasure andmore » dc noise. Therefore, the observation of clusters that reverse at very low reversal fields (nucleation sites, NS) could give information on the noise and the adjacent track erasure. Potentially, the observed clusters could also provide information on the SF. In this paper, we study the reversal of nucleation sites in granular perpendicular media based on a magnetic force microscope (MFM) methodology and validate the observations with high resolution cross-section transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements. Samples, wherein a high anisotropy CoPt layer was introduced to control the NS or SF in a systematic way, were evaluated by MFM, TEM, and magnetometry. The magnetic properties indicated that the thickness of the CoPt layer results in an increase of nucleation sites. TEM measurements indicated a correlation between the thickness of CoPt layer and the stacking fault density. A clear correlation was also observed between the MFM results, TEM observations, and the coercivity and nucleation field of the samples, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method in evaluating the nucleation sites which potentially arise from stacking faults.« less

ICME for Crashworthiness of TWIP Steels: From Ab Initio to the Crash Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güvenç, O.; Roters, F.; Hickel, T.; Bambach, M.

2015-01-01

During the last decade, integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) emerged as a field which aims to promote synergetic usage of formerly isolated simulation models, data and knowledge in materials science and engineering, in order to solve complex engineering problems. In our work, we applied the ICME approach to a crash box, a common automobile component crucial to passenger safety. A newly developed high manganese steel was selected as the material of the component and its crashworthiness was assessed by simulated and real drop tower tests. The crashworthiness of twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel is intrinsically related to the strain hardening behavior caused by the combination of dislocation glide and deformation twinning. The relative contributions of those to the overall hardening behavior depend on the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the selected material. Both the deformation twinning mechanism and the stacking fault energy are individually well-researched topics, but especially for high-manganese steels, the determination of the stacking-fault energy and the occurrence of deformation twinning as a function of the SFE are crucial to understand the strain hardening behavior. We applied ab initio methods to calculate the stacking fault energy of the selected steel composition as an input to a recently developed strain hardening model which models deformation twinning based on the SFE-dependent dislocation mechanisms. This physically based material model is then applied to simulate a drop tower test in order to calculate the energy absorption capacity of the designed component. The results are in good agreement with experiments. The model chain links the crash performance to the SFE and hence to the chemical composition, which paves the way for computational materials design for crashworthiness.

Generalized stacking fault energies, cleavage energies, ionicity and brittleness of Cu(Al/Ga/In)Se2 and CuGa(S/Se/Te)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, H. T.; Tang, F. L.; Gruhn, T.; Lu, W. J.; Wan, F. C.; Rui, Z. Y.; Feng, Y. D.

2014-04-01

We calculate the generalized stacking fault (GSF) energies and cleavage energies γcl of the chalcopyrite compounds CuAlSe2, CuGaSe2, CuInSe2, CuGaS2 and CuGaTe2 using first principles. From the GSF energies, we obtain the unstable stacking fault energies γus and intrinsic stacking fault energies γisf. By analyzing γus and γisf, we find that the \\langle \\bar{{1}}\\,1\\,0\\rangle (1 1 2) direction is the easiest slip direction for these five compounds. Also, for CuInSe2, it is most possible to undergo a dislocation-nucleation-induced plastic deformation along the \\langle \\bar{{1}}\\,1\\,0\\rangle (1 1 2) slip direction. We show that the (1 1 2) plane is the preferable plane for fracture in the five compounds by comparing γcl of the (0 0 1) and (1 1 2) planes. It is also found that both γus and γcl decrease as the cationic or anionic radius increases in these chalcopyrites, i.e. along the sequences CuAlSe2 → CuGaSe2 → CuInSe2 and CuGaS2 → CuGaSe2 → CuGaTe2. Based on the values of the ratio γcl/γus, we discuss the brittle-ductile properties of these compounds. All of the compounds can be considered as brittle materials. In addition, a strong relationship between γcl/γus and the total proportion of ionic bonding in these compounds is found.

Detailed seismicity analysis revealing the dynamics of the southern Dead Sea area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braeuer, B.; Asch, G.; Hofstetter, R.; Haberland, Ch.; Jaser, D.; El-Kelani, R.; Weber, M.

2014-10-01

Within the framework of the international DESIRE (DEad Sea Integrated REsearch) project, a dense temporary local seismological network was operated in the southern Dead Sea area. During 18 recording months, 648 events were detected. Based on an already published tomography study clustering, focal mechanisms, statistics and the distribution of the microseismicity in relation to the velocity models from the tomography are analysed. The determined b value of 0.74 leads to a relatively high risk of large earthquakes compared to the moderate microseismic activity. The distribution of the seismicity indicates an asymmetric basin with a vertical strike-slip fault forming the eastern boundary of the basin, and an inclined western boundary, made up of strike-slip and normal faults. Furthermore, significant differences between the area north and south of the Bokek fault were observed. South of the Bokek fault, the western boundary is inactive while the entire seismicity occurs on the eastern boundary and below the basin-fill sediments. The largest events occurred here, and their focal mechanisms represent the northwards transform motion of the Arabian plate along the Dead Sea Transform. The vertical extension of the spatial and temporal cluster from February 2007 is interpreted as being related to the locking of the region around the Bokek fault. North of the Bokek fault similar seismic activity occurs on both boundaries most notably within the basin-fill sediments, displaying mainly small events with strike-slip mechanism and normal faulting in EW direction. Therefore, we suggest that the Bokek fault forms the border between the single transform fault and the pull-apart basin with two active border faults.

The Iceland Plate Boundary Zone: Propagating Rifts, Migrating Transforms, and Rift-Parallel Strike-Slip Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karson, J. A.

2017-11-01

Unlike most of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the North America/Eurasia plate boundary in Iceland lies above sea level where magmatic and tectonic processes can be directly investigated in subaerial exposures. Accordingly, geologic processes in Iceland have long been recognized as possible analogs for seafloor spreading in the submerged parts of the mid-ocean ridge system. Combining existing and new data from across Iceland provides an integrated view of this active, mostly subaerial plate boundary. The broad Iceland plate boundary zone includes segmented rift zones linked by transform fault zones. Rift propagation and transform fault migration away from the Iceland hotspot rearrange the plate boundary configuration resulting in widespread deformation of older crust and reactivation of spreading-related structures. Rift propagation results in block rotations that are accommodated by widespread, rift-parallel, strike-slip faulting. The geometry and kinematics of faulting in Iceland may have implications for spreading processes elsewhere on the mid-ocean ridge system where rift propagation and transform migration occur.

Cell boundary fault detection system

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles Jens [Rochester, MN; Pinnow, Kurt Walter [Rochester, MN; Ratterman, Joseph D [Rochester, MN; Smith, Brian Edward [Rochester, MN

2011-04-19

An apparatus and program product determine a nodal fault along the boundary, or face, of a computing cell. Nodes on adjacent cell boundaries communicate with each other, and the communications are analyzed to determine if a node or connection is faulty.

Seismic Velocity and Elastic Properties of Plate Boundary Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeppson, Tamara N.

The elastic properties of fault zone rock at depth play a key role in rupture nucleation, propagation, and the magnitude of fault slip. Materials that lie within major plate boundary fault zones often have very different material properties than standard crustal rock values. In order to understand the mechanics of faulting at plate boundaries, we need to both measure these properties and understand how they govern the behavior of different types of faults. Mature fault zones tend to be identified in large-scale geophysical field studies as zones with low seismic velocity and/or electrical resistivity. These anomalous properties are related to two important mechanisms: (1) mechanical or diagenetic alteration of the rock materials and/or (2) pore fluid pressure and stress effects. However, in remotely-sensed and large-length-scale data it is difficult to determine which of these mechanisms are affecting the measured properties. The objective of this dissertation research is to characterize the seismic velocity and elastic properties of fault zone rocks at a range of scales, with a focus on understanding why the fault zone properties are different from those of the surrounding rock and the potential effects on earthquake rupture and fault slip. To do this I performed ultrasonic velocity experiments under elevated pressure conditions on drill core and outcrops samples from three plate boundary fault zones: the San Andreas Fault, California, USA; the Alpine Fault, South Island, New Zealand; and the Japan Trench megathrust, Japan. Additionally, I compared laboratory measurements to sonic log and large-scale seismic data to examine the scale-dependence of the measured properties. The results of this study provide the most comprehensive characterization of the seismic velocities and elastic properties of fault zone rocks currently available. My work shows that fault zone rocks at mature plate boundary faults tend to be significantly more compliant than surrounding crustal rocks and quantifies that relationship. The results of this study are particularly relevant to the interpretation of field-scale seismic datasets at major fault zones. Additionally, the results of this study provide constraints on elastic properties used in dynamic rupture models.

Boundary integral solutions for faults in flowing rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Wei

We develop new boundary-integral solutions for faulting in viscous rock and implement solutions numerically with a boundary-element computer program, called Faux_Pas. In the solutions, large permanent rock deformations near faults are treated with velocity discontinuities within linear, incompressible, creeping, viscous flows. The faults may have zero strength or a finite strength that can be a constant or varying with deformation. Large deformations are achieved by integrating step by step with the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. With this method, the boundaries and passive markers are updated dynamically. Faux_Pas has been applied to straight and curved elementary faults, and to listric and dish compound faults, composed of two or more elementary faults, such as listric faults and dish faults, all subjected to simple shear, shortening and lengthening. It reproduces the essential geometric elements seen in seismic profiles of fault-related folds associated with listric thrust faults in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, with dish faults in the Appalachians in Pennsylvania, Parry Islands of Canada and San Fernando Valley, California, and with listric normal faults in the Gulf of Mexico. Faux_Pas also predicts that some of these fault-related structures will include fascinating minor folds, especially in the footwall of the fault, that have been recognized earlier but have not been known to be related to the faulting. Some of these minor folds are potential structural traps. Faux_Pas is superior in several respects to current geometric techniques of balancing profiles, such as the "fault-bend fold" construction. With Faux_Pas, both the hanging wall and footwall are deformable, the faults are mechanical features, the cross sections are automatically balanced and, most important, the solutions are based on the first principles of mechanics. With the geometric techniques, folds are drawn only in the hanging wall, the faults are simply lines, the cross sections are arbitrarily balanced and, most important, the drawings are based on unsubstantiated rules of thumb. Faux_Pas provides the first rational tool for the study of fault-related folds.

Composite transform-convergent plate boundaries: description and discussion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryan, H.F.; Coleman, P.J.

1992-01-01

The leading edge of the overriding plate at an obliquely convergent boundary is commonly sliced by a system of strike-slip faults. This fault system is often structurally complex, and may show correspondingly uneven strain effects, with great vertical and translational shifts of the component blocks of the fault system. The stress pattern and strain effects vary along the length of the system and change through time. These margins are considered to be composite transform-convergent (CTC) plate boundaries. Examples are given of structures formed along three CTC boundaries: the Aleutian Ridge, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. The dynamism of the fault system along a CTC boundary can enhance vertical tectonism and basin formation. This concept provides a framework for the evaluation of petroleum resources related to basin formation, and mineral exploration related to igneous activity associated with transtensional processes. ?? 1992.

Tsunamis and splay fault dynamics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wendt, J.; Oglesby, D.D.; Geist, E.L.

2009-01-01

The geometry of a fault system can have significant effects on tsunami generation, but most tsunami models to date have not investigated the dynamic processes that determine which path rupture will take in a complex fault system. To gain insight into this problem, we use the 3D finite element method to model the dynamics of a plate boundary/splay fault system. We use the resulting ground deformation as a time-dependent boundary condition for a 2D shallow-water hydrodynamic tsunami calculation. We find that if me stress distribution is homogeneous, rupture remains on the plate boundary thrust. When a barrier is introduced along the strike of the plate boundary thrust, rupture propagates to the splay faults, and produces a significantly larger tsunami man in the homogeneous case. The results have implications for the dynamics of megathrust earthquakes, and also suggest mat dynamic earthquake modeling may be a useful tool in tsunami researcn. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

How fault evolution changes strain partitioning and fault slip rates in Southern California: Results from geodynamic modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Jiyang; Liu, Mian

2017-08-01

In Southern California, the Pacific-North America relative plate motion is accommodated by the complex southern San Andreas Fault system that includes many young faults (<2 Ma). The initiation of these young faults and their impact on strain partitioning and fault slip rates are important for understanding the evolution of this plate boundary zone and assessing earthquake hazard in Southern California. Using a three-dimensional viscoelastoplastic finite element model, we have investigated how this plate boundary fault system has evolved to accommodate the relative plate motion in Southern California. Our results show that when the plate boundary faults are not optimally configured to accommodate the relative plate motion, strain is localized in places where new faults would initiate to improve the mechanical efficiency of the fault system. In particular, the Eastern California Shear Zone, the San Jacinto Fault, the Elsinore Fault, and the offshore dextral faults all developed in places of highly localized strain. These younger faults compensate for the reduced fault slip on the San Andreas Fault proper because of the Big Bend, a major restraining bend. The evolution of the fault system changes the apportionment of fault slip rates over time, which may explain some of the slip rate discrepancy between geological and geodetic measurements in Southern California. For the present fault configuration, our model predicts localized strain in western Transverse Ranges and along the dextral faults across the Mojave Desert, where numerous damaging earthquakes occurred in recent years.

Effect of Alloying on the Strength Properties and the Hardening Mechanisms of Nitrogen-Bearing Austenitic Steels after Hot Deformation and Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bannykh, I. O.

2017-11-01

The main mechanisms of hardening nitrogen-bearing austenitic steels that operate under various thermomechanical treatment conditions at various steel compositions are considered. The strength properties of the steels are shown to depend on the content of interstitial elements, namely, carbon and nitrogen, and the influence of these elements on the stacking fault energy is estimated. The ratios of the main alloying elements that favor an increase or a decrease in the stacking fault energy are found to achieve the desirable level of strain hardening provided that an austenitic structure of steel is retained.

Composition-dependence of stacking fault energy in austenitic stainless steels through linear regression with random intercepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meric de Bellefon, G.; van Duysen, J. C.; Sridharan, K.

2017-08-01

The stacking fault energy (SFE) plays an important role in deformation behavior and radiation damage of FCC metals and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels. In the present communication, existing expressions to calculate SFE in those steels from chemical composition are reviewed and an improved multivariate linear regression with random intercepts is used to analyze a new database of 144 SFE measurements collected from 30 literature references. It is shown that the use of random intercepts can account for experimental biases in these literature references. A new expression to predict SFE from austenitic stainless steel compositions is proposed.

Interaction of sodium atoms with stacking faults in silicon with different Fermi levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohno, Yutaka; Morito, Haruhiko; Kutsukake, Kentaro; Yonenaga, Ichiro; Yokoi, Tatsuya; Nakamura, Atsutomo; Matsunaga, Katsuyuki

2018-06-01

Variation in the formation energy of stacking faults (SFs) with the contamination of Na atoms was examined in Si crystals with different Fermi levels. Na atoms agglomerated at SFs under an electronic interaction, reducing the SF formation energy. The energy decreased with the decrease of the Fermi level: it was reduced by more than 10 mJ/m2 in p-type Si, whereas it was barely reduced in n-type Si. Owing to the energy reduction, Na atoms agglomerating at SFs in p-type Si are stable compared with those in n-type Si, and this hypothesis was supported by ab initio calculations.

Defects in paramagnetic Co-doped ZnO films studied by transmission electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kovacs, Andras; Ney, A.; Duchamp, Martial

2013-12-23

We have studied planar defects in epitaxial Co:ZnO dilute magnetic semiconductor thin films deposited on c-plane sapphire (Al2O3) and the Co:ZnO/Al2O3 interface structure at atomic resolution using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). Comparing Co:ZnO samples deposited by pulsed laser deposition and reactive magnetron sputtering, both exhibit extrinsic stacking faults, incoherent interface structures, and compositional variations within the first 3-4 Co:ZnO layers at the interface.. In addition, we have measured the local strain which reveals the lattice distortion around the stacking faults.

Creep Mechanisms of a Ni-Co-Based-Wrought Superalloy with Low Stacking Fault Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Chenggang; Xu, Ling; Cui, Chuanyong; Sun, Xiaofeng

2015-10-01

In order to study the influences of stress and temperature on the creep deformation mechanisms of a newly developed Ni-Co-based superalloy with low stacking fault energy, creep experiments were carried out under a stress range of 345 to 840 MPa and a temperature range of 923 K to 1088 K (650 °C to 815 °C). The mechanisms operated under the various creep conditions were identified and the reasons for their transformation were well discussed. A deformation mechanism map under different creep conditions was summarized, which provides a qualitative representation of the operative creep mechanisms as a function of stress and temperature.

Validation of the Concurrent Atomistic-Continuum Method on Screw Dislocation/Stacking Fault Interactions

DOE PAGES

Xu, Shuozhi; Xiong, Liming; Chen, Youping; ...

2017-04-26

Dislocation/stacking fault interactions play an important role in the plastic deformation of metallic nanocrystals and polycrystals. These interactions have been explored in atomistic models, which are limited in scale length by high computational cost. In contrast, multiscale material modeling approaches have the potential to simulate the same systems at a fraction of the computational cost. In this paper, we validate the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method on the interactions between a lattice screw dislocation and a stacking fault (SF) in three face-centered cubic metallic materials—Ni, Al, and Ag. Two types of SFs are considered: intrinsic SF (ISF) and extrinsic SF (ESF).more » For the three materials at different strain levels, two screw dislocation/ISF interaction modes (annihilation of the ISF and transmission of the dislocation across the ISF) and three screw dislocation/ESF interaction modes (transformation of the ESF into a three-layer twin, transformation of the ESF into an ISF, and transmission of the dislocation across the ESF) are identified. Here, our results show that CAC is capable of accurately predicting the dislocation/SF interaction modes with greatly reduced DOFs compared to fully-resolved atomistic simulations.« less

Validation of the Concurrent Atomistic-Continuum Method on Screw Dislocation/Stacking Fault Interactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Shuozhi; Xiong, Liming; Chen, Youping

Dislocation/stacking fault interactions play an important role in the plastic deformation of metallic nanocrystals and polycrystals. These interactions have been explored in atomistic models, which are limited in scale length by high computational cost. In contrast, multiscale material modeling approaches have the potential to simulate the same systems at a fraction of the computational cost. In this paper, we validate the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method on the interactions between a lattice screw dislocation and a stacking fault (SF) in three face-centered cubic metallic materials—Ni, Al, and Ag. Two types of SFs are considered: intrinsic SF (ISF) and extrinsic SF (ESF).more » For the three materials at different strain levels, two screw dislocation/ISF interaction modes (annihilation of the ISF and transmission of the dislocation across the ISF) and three screw dislocation/ESF interaction modes (transformation of the ESF into a three-layer twin, transformation of the ESF into an ISF, and transmission of the dislocation across the ESF) are identified. Here, our results show that CAC is capable of accurately predicting the dislocation/SF interaction modes with greatly reduced DOFs compared to fully-resolved atomistic simulations.« less

Strain-induced structure transformations on Si(111) and Ge(111) surfaces: a combined density-functional and scanning tunneling microscopy study.

PubMed

Zhachuk, R; Teys, S; Coutinho, J

2013-06-14

Si(111) and Ge(111) surface formation energies were calculated using density functional theory for various biaxial strain states ranging from -0.04 to 0.04, and for a wide set of experimentally observed surface reconstructions: 3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7 dimer-adatom-stacking fault reconstructions and c(2 × 8), 2 × 2, and √3×√3 adatoms based surfaces. The calculations are compared with scanning tunneling microscopy data obtained on stepped Si(111) surfaces and on Ge islands grown on a Si(111) substrate. It is shown that the surface structure transformations observed in these strained systems are accounted for by a phase diagram that relates the equilibrium surface structure to the applied strain. The calculated formation energy of the unstrained Si(111)-9 × 9 dimer-adatom-stacking fault surface is reported for the first time and it is higher than corresponding energies of Si(111)-5 × 5 and Si(111)-7 × 7 dimer-adatom-stacking fault surfaces as expected. We predict that the Si(111) surface should adopt a c(2 × 8) reconstruction when tensile strain is above 0.03.

AIC-based diffraction stacking for local earthquake locations at the Sumatran Fault (Indonesia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendriyana, Andri; Bauer, Klaus; Muksin, Umar; Weber, Michael

2018-05-01

We present a new workflow for the localization of seismic events which is based on a diffraction stacking approach. In order to address the effects from complex source radiation patterns, we suggest to compute diffraction stacking from a characteristic function (CF) instead of stacking the original waveform data. A new CF, which is called in the following mAIC (modified from Akaike Information Criterion) is proposed. We demonstrate that both P- and S-wave onsets can be detected accurately. To avoid cross-talk between P and S waves due to inaccurate velocity models, we separate the P and S waves from the mAIC function by making use of polarization attributes. Then, the final image function is represented by the largest eigenvalue as a result of the covariance analysis between P- and S-image functions. Results from synthetic experiments show that the proposed diffraction stacking provides reliable results. The workflow of the diffraction stacking method was finally applied to local earthquake data from Sumatra, Indonesia. Recordings from a temporary network of 42 stations deployed for nine months around the Tarutung pull-apart basin were analysed. The seismic event locations resulting from the diffraction stacking method align along a segment of the Sumatran Fault. A more complex distribution of seismicity is imaged within and around the Tarutung basin. Two lineaments striking N-S were found in the centre of the Tarutung basin which support independent results from structural geology.

TEM investigations on twin boundary structures of feathery crystals in aluminum alloys during Bridgman solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Luyan; Li, Shuangming; Fan, Kai; Li, Yang; Zhong, Hong; Fu, Hengzhi

2018-06-01

Feathery crystals are an ensemble of twinned dendrites, and are characterized by a unique twin boundary (TB) structure in the solidification pattern of aluminum alloys. In this work, the high-density twinned dendrites of Al-4.5 wt% Cu alloys, produced during the Bridgman solidification, have been studied using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The experimental results showed that, after systematically decreasing the growth rate from 3000 μm/s to 1 μm/s, the TBs remained stable, while the solute field around the TBs changed significantly. According to the HRTEM results, successive stacking faults were occurred near the TBs at 1 μm/s, while slight distortion was observed around the TBs at 3000 μm/s. The composition analysis revealed an obvious solute enrichment near the TBs. Furthermore, the solute gradient profile within the TBs became smoother with the decrease in the growth speed. This is due to the more sufficient solid-state back diffusion occurring perpendicular to the twin plane after the solidification.

A Reference Stack for PHM Architectures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-02

components, fault modes and prognostics such as that described by MIMOSA (2009) and ISO 13374-3:2012 (2012). Section 2.6 described a semantic...architecture, and the use of a SOA is further discussed in Section 3.3.2. MIMOSA is a stack-oriented data architecture. Figure 11 shows its stack of...format (US Army PEWG, 2011). The tagging in ABCD format respects the data layers that are found in the MIMOSA standard ( MIMOSA , 2009) and in ISO

Active faults and minor plates in NE Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozhurin, Andrey I.; Zelenin, Egor A.

2014-05-01

Stated nearly 40 yr ago the uncertainty with plate boundaries location in NE Asia (Chapman, Solomon, 1976) still remains unresolved. Based on the prepositions that a plate boundary must, first, reveal itself in linear sets of active structures, and, second, be continuous and closed, we have undertaken interpretation of medium-resolution KH-9 Hexagon satellite imageries, mostly in stereoscopic regime, for nearly the entire region of NE Asia. Main findings are as follows. There are two major active fault zones in the region north of the Bering Sea. One of them, the Khatyrka-Vyvenka zone, stretches NE to ENE skirting the Bering Sea from the Kamchatka isthmus to the Navarin Cape. Judging by the kinematics of the Olyutorsky 2006 earthquake fault, the fault zones move both right-laterally and reversely. The second active fault zone, the Lankovaya-Omolon zone, starts close to the NE margin of the Okhotsk Sea and extends NE up to nearly the margin of the Chukcha Sea. The fault zone is mostly right-lateral, with topographically expressed cumulative horizontal offsets amounting to 2.5-2.6 km. There may be a third NE-SW zone between the major two coinciding with the Penzhina Range as several active faults found in the southern termination of the Range indicate. The two active fault zones divide the NE Asia area into two large domains, which both could be parts of the Bering Sea plate internally broken and with uncertain western limit. Another variant implies the Khatyrka-Vyvenka zone as the Bering Sea plate northern limit, and the Lankovaya-Omolon zone as separating an additional minor plate from the North-American plate. The choice is actually not crucial, and more important is that both variants leave the question of where the Bering Sea plate boundary is in Alaska. The Lankovaya-Omolon zone stretches just across the proposed northern boundary of the Okhorsk Sea plate. NW of the zone, there is a prominent left-lateral Ulakhan fault, which is commonly interpreted to be a portion of the plate northern boundary. With this, we have discovered no active faults or fault zones of the Ulakhan fault strike, which could be the portion of the boundary between the Lankovaya-Omolon zone and either the western margin of the Komandor basin or the westernmost Aleutians. We conclude that there is a certain disagreement between active faulting pattern and plate models for NE Asia, relating to the extent of the plates and missing portions of the plate boundaries. The research was supported by grant # 110500136-a from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research.

Dynamical Instability Produces Transform Faults at Mid-Ocean Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerya, Taras

2010-08-01

Transform faults at mid-ocean ridges—one of the most striking, yet enigmatic features of terrestrial plate tectonics—are considered to be the inherited product of preexisting fault structures. Ridge offsets along these faults therefore should remain constant with time. Here, numerical models suggest that transform faults are actively developing and result from dynamical instability of constructive plate boundaries, irrespective of previous structure. Boundary instability from asymmetric plate growth can spontaneously start in alternate directions along successive ridge sections; the resultant curved ridges become transform faults within a few million years. Fracture-related rheological weakening stabilizes ridge-parallel detachment faults. Offsets along the transform faults change continuously with time by asymmetric plate growth and discontinuously by ridge jumps.

Stacking faults density driven collapse of magnetic energy in hcp-cobalt nano-magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nong, H. T. T.; Mrad, K.; Schoenstein, F.; Piquemal, J.-Y.; Jouini, N.; Leridon, B.; Mercone, S.

2017-06-01

Cobalt nanowires with different shape parameters were synthesized via the polyol process. By calculating the magnetic energy product (BH max) both for dried nano-powder and for nanowires in their synthesis solution, we observed unexpected independent BH max values from the nanowires shape. A good alignment of the nanowires leads to a higher BH max value. Our results show that the key parameter driving the magnetic energy product of the cobalt nanowires is the stacking fault density. An exponential collapse of the magnetic energy is observed at very low percentage of structural faults. Cobalt nanowires with almost perfect hcp crystalline structures should present high magnetic energy, which is promising for application in rare earth-free permanent magnets. Oral talk at 8th International Workshop on Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology (IWAMSN2016), 8-12 November 2016, Ha Long City, Vietnam.

A bottom-driven mechanism for distributed faulting in the Gulf of California rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persaud, Patricia; Tan, Eh; Contreras, Juan; Lavier, Luc

2017-11-01

Observations of active faulting in the continent-ocean transition of the Northern Gulf of California show multiple oblique-slip faults distributed in a 200 × 70 km2 area developed some time after a westward relocation of the plate boundary at 2 Ma. In contrast, north and south of this broad pull-apart structure, major transform faults accommodate Pacific-North America plate motion. Here we propose that the mechanism for distributed brittle deformation results from the boundary conditions present in the Northern Gulf, where basal shear is distributed between the Cerro Prieto strike-slip fault (southernmost fault of the San Andreas fault system) and the Ballenas Transform Fault. We hypothesize that in oblique-extensional settings whether deformation is partitioned in a few dip-slip and strike-slip faults, or in numerous oblique-slip faults may depend on (1) bottom-driven, distributed extension and shear deformation of the lower crust or upper mantle, and (2) the rift obliquity. To test this idea, we explore the effects of bottom-driven shear on the deformation of a brittle elastic-plastic layer with the help of pseudo-three dimensional numerical models that include side forces. Strain localization results when the basal shear abruptly increases in a step-function manner while oblique-slip on numerous faults dominates when basal shear is distributed. We further explore how the style of faulting varies with obliquity and demonstrate that the style of delocalized faulting observed in the Northern Gulf of California is reproduced in models with an obliquity of 0.7 and distributed basal shear boundary conditions, consistent with the interpreted obliquity and boundary conditions of the study area.

Ultrathin Au-Alloy Nanowires at the Liquid-Liquid Interface.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Dipanwita; Shetty, Shwetha; Müller-Caspary, Knut; Grieb, Tim; Krause, Florian F; Schowalter, Marco; Rosenauer, Andreas; Ravishankar, Narayanan

2018-03-14

Ultrathin bimetallic nanowires are of importance and interest for applications in electronic devices such as sensors and heterogeneous catalysts. In this work, we have designed a new, highly reproducible and generalized wet chemical method to synthesize uniform and monodispersed Au-based alloy (AuCu, AuPd, and AuPt) nanowires with tunable composition using microwave-assisted reduction at the liquid-liquid interface. These ultrathin alloy nanowires are below 4 nm in diameter and about 2 μm long. Detailed microstructural characterization shows that the wires have an face centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure, and they have low-energy twin-boundary and stacking-fault defects along the growth direction. The wires exhibit remarkable thermal and mechanical stability that is critical for important applications. The alloy wires exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation in an alkaline medium.

Low-Temperature epitaxial growth of InGaAs films on InP(100) and InP(411) A substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galiev, G. B.; Klimova, E. A.; Pushkarev, S. S.; Klochkov, A. N.; Trunkin, I. N.; Vasiliev, A. L.; Maltsev, P. P.

2017-07-01

The structural and electrical characteristics of In0.53Ga0.47As epitaxial films, grown in the low-temperature mode on InP substrates with (100) and (411) A crystallographic orientations at flow ratios of As4 molecules and In and Ga atoms of γ = 29 and 90, have been comprehensively studied. The use of InP(411) A substrates is shown to increase the probability of forming two-dimensional defects (twins, stacking faults, dislocations, and grain boundaries), thus reducing the mobility of free electrons, and AsGa point defects, which act as donors and increase the free-electron concentration. An increase in γ from 29 to 90 leads to transformation of single-crystal InGaAs films grown on (100) and (411) A substrates into polycrystalline ones.

Embedded atom method potential for studying mechanical properties of binary Cu–Au alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gola, Adrien; Pastewka, Lars

2018-07-01

We present an embedded atom method (EAM) potential for the binary Cu–Au system. The unary phases are described by two well-tested unary EAM potentials for Cu and Au. We fitted the interaction between Cu and Au to experimental properties of the binary intermetallic phases Cu3Au, CuAu and CuAu3. Particular attention has been paid to reproducing stacking fault energies in order to obtain a potential suitable for studying deformation in this binary system. The resulting energies, lattice constant, elastic properties and melting points are in good agreement with available experimental data. We use nested sampling to show that our potential reproduces the phase boundaries between intermetallic phases and the disordered face-centered cubic solid solution. We benchmark our potential against four popular Cu–Au EAM parameterizations and density-functional theory calculations.

Controlled growth of 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC films on low-tilt-angle vicinal (0001) 6H-SiC wafers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, J. A.; Petit, J. B.; Edgar, J. H.; Jenkins, I. G.; Matus, L. G.

1991-01-01

It has been found that, with proper pregrowth surface treatment, 6H-SiC single-crystal films can be grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 1450 C on vicinal (0001) 6H-SiC with tilt angles as small as 0.1 deg. Previously, tilt angles of greater than 1.5 deg were required to achieve 6H on 6H at this growth temperature. In addition, 3C-SiC could be induced to grow within selected regions on the 6H substrate. the 3C regions contained few (or zero) double-positioning boundaries and a low density of stacking faults. A new growth model is proposed to explain the control of SiC polytype in this epitaxial film growth process.

Extrusional Tectonics over Plate Corner: an Example in Northern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Chia-Yu; Lee, Jian-Cheng; Li, Zhinuo; Lee, Ching-An; Yeh, Chia-Hung

2016-04-01

In northern Taiwan, contraction, transcurrent shearing, block rotation and extension are four essential tectonic deformation mechanisms involved in the progressive deformation of this arcuate collision mountain belt. The neotectonic evolution of the Taiwan mountain belt is mainly controlled not only by the oblique convergence between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine Sea plate but also the corner shape of the plate boundary. Based on field observations and analyses, and taking geophysical data (mostly GPS) and experimental modelling into account, we interpret the curved belt of northern Taiwan as a result of of contractional deformation (with compression, thrust-sheet stacking & folding, back thrust duplex & back folding) that induced vertical extrusion, combined with increasing transcurrent & rotational deformation (with transcurrent faulting, bookshelf-type strike-slip faulting and block rotation) that induced transcurrent/rotational extrusion and extension deformation which in turn induced extensional extrusion. As a consequence, a special type of extrusional folds was formed in association with contractional, transcurrent & rotational and extensional extrusions subsequently. The extrusional tectonics in northern Taiwan reflect a single, albeit complicated, regional pattern of deformation. The crescent-shaped mountain belt of Northeastern Taiwan develops in response to oblique indentation by an asymmetric wedge indenter, retreat of Ryukyu trench and opening of the Okinawa trough.

Extrusional Tectonics at Plate Corner: an Example in Northern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, C. Y.; Lee, J. C.; Li, Z.; Yeh, C. H.; Lee, C. A.

2015-12-01

In northern Taiwan, contraction, transcurrent shearing, block rotation and extension are four essential tectonic deformation mechanisms involved in the progressive deformation of this arcuate collision mountain belt. The neotectonic evolution of the Taiwan mountain belt is mainly controlled not only by the oblique convergence between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine Sea plate but also the corner shape of the plate boundary. Based on field observations and analyses, and taking geophysical data (mostly GPS) and experimental modelling into account, we interpret the curved belt of northern Taiwan as a result of of contractional deformation (with compression, thrust-sheet stacking & folding, back thrust duplex & back folding) that induced vertical extrusion, combined with increasing transcurrent & rotational deformation (with transcurrent faulting, bookshelf-type strike-slip faulting and block rotation) that induced transcurrent/rotational extrusion and extension deformation which in turn induced extensional extrusion. As a consequence, a special type of extrusional folds was formed in association with contractional, transcurrent & rotational and extensional extrusions subsequently. The extrusional tectonics in northern Taiwan reflect a single, albeit complicated, regional pattern of deformation. The crescent-shaped mountain belt of Northeastern Taiwan develops in response to oblique indentation by an asymmetric wedge indenter and opening of the Okinawa trough at plate corner.

Prediction and characterization of an Mg-Al intermetallic compound with potentially improved ductility via orbital-free and Kohn-Sham density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Houlong L.; Chen, Mohan; Carter, Emily A.

2017-10-01

Magnesium-aluminum (Mg-Al) intermetallic compounds that form as precipitates can significantly influence the mechanical properties of Mg-Al alloys. A computational evaluation of known and unknown Mg-Al intermetallic compounds could help design new Mg-Al alloy microstructures with optimal properties. Here, we employ the cluster-expansion method with energies efficiently calculated with orbital-free density functional theory (OFDFT) and predict a new, metastable intermetallic compound Mg3Al with a D019 hexagonal structure that is slightly more stable than an alternative L12 cubic structure. We apply Kohn-Sham DFT (KSDFT) to accurately evaluate various metastability criteria for D019 and L12 Mg3Al, including Born’s criterion and phonon dispersion. We show that both Mg3Al crystalline phases satisfy the metastability criteria and hence should be at least metastable. We further compare ductility metrics for D019 and L12 Mg3Al to that of hexagonal-close-packed Mg by computing Pugh’s ratio and generalized stacking fault energies. The ductility is predicted to follow the order: D019 Mg3Al > L12 Mg3Al > Mg, based on the highest Pugh’s ratio and the lowest unstable stacking and twinning fault energies of D019 Mg3Al compared to that of Mg. We also predict a very low antiphase boundary energy for Mg3Al and therefore expect D019 Mg3Al to be beneficial for improving the ductility of Mg-rich Mg-Al alloys. A computational design of Mg-Al alloy microstructures may become possible by combining the strengths of both OFDFT and KSDFT, i.e., the efficiency of the former and the accuracy of the latter, as demonstrated here.

Neogene sequence stratigraphy, Nam Con Son Basin, offshore Vietnam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMillen, K.J.; Do Van Luu; Lee, E.K.

1996-12-31

An integrated well log, biostratigraphic, and seismic stratigraphic study of Miocene to Recent deltaic sediments deposited in the Nam Con Son Basin offshore from southern Vietnam shows the influence of eustacy and tectonics on sequence development. Sediments consist of Oligocene non-marine rift-basin fill (Cau Formation), early to middle Miocene tide-dominated delta plain to delta front sediments (TB 1.5 to TB 2.5, Due and Thong Formations), and late Miocene to Recent marine shelf sediments (TB. 2.6 to TB 3.1 0, Mang Cau, Nam Con Son, and Bien Dong Formations). Eustacy controlled the timing of key surfaces and sand distribution in themore » tectonically-quiet early Miocene. Tectonic effects on middle to late Miocene sequence development consist of thick transgressive systems tracts due to basin-wide subsidence and transgression, sand distribution in the basin center, and carbonate sedimentation on isolated fault blocks within the basin. Third-order sequence boundaries (SB) are identified by spore peaks, sand stacking patterns, and channel incision. In the basin center, widespread shale beds with coal occur above sequence boundaries followed by transgressive sandstone units. These TST sandstones merge toward the basin margin where they lie on older HST sandstones. Maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) have abundant marine microfossils and mangrove pollen, a change in sand stacking pattern, and often a strong seismic reflection with downlap. Fourth-order genetic-type sequences are also interpreted. The MFS is the easiest marker to identify and correlate on well logs. Fourth-order SB occur within these genetic units but are harder to identify and correlate.« less

Neogene sequence stratigraphy, Nam Con Son Basin, offshore Vietnam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMillen, K.J.; Do Van Luu; Lee, E.K.

1996-01-01

An integrated well log, biostratigraphic, and seismic stratigraphic study of Miocene to Recent deltaic sediments deposited in the Nam Con Son Basin offshore from southern Vietnam shows the influence of eustacy and tectonics on sequence development. Sediments consist of Oligocene non-marine rift-basin fill (Cau Formation), early to middle Miocene tide-dominated delta plain to delta front sediments (TB 1.5 to TB 2.5, Due and Thong Formations), and late Miocene to Recent marine shelf sediments (TB. 2.6 to TB 3.1 0, Mang Cau, Nam Con Son, and Bien Dong Formations). Eustacy controlled the timing of key surfaces and sand distribution in themore » tectonically-quiet early Miocene. Tectonic effects on middle to late Miocene sequence development consist of thick transgressive systems tracts due to basin-wide subsidence and transgression, sand distribution in the basin center, and carbonate sedimentation on isolated fault blocks within the basin. Third-order sequence boundaries (SB) are identified by spore peaks, sand stacking patterns, and channel incision. In the basin center, widespread shale beds with coal occur above sequence boundaries followed by transgressive sandstone units. These TST sandstones merge toward the basin margin where they lie on older HST sandstones. Maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) have abundant marine microfossils and mangrove pollen, a change in sand stacking pattern, and often a strong seismic reflection with downlap. Fourth-order genetic-type sequences are also interpreted. The MFS is the easiest marker to identify and correlate on well logs. Fourth-order SB occur within these genetic units but are harder to identify and correlate.« less

Partial Section Through Stack, Water Tank, and Privy; Plan ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Partial Section Through Stack, Water Tank, and Privy; Plan - Stack, Privies, & Changing Rooms; Elevation - Central of Georgia Railway, Savannah Repair Shops & Terminal Facilities, Bounded by West Broad, Jones, West Boundary & Hull Streets, Savannah, Chatham County, GA

Cenozoic stratigraphy and structure of the Chesapeake Bay region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Powars, David S.; Edwards, Lucy E.; Kidwell, Susan M.; Schindler, J. Stephen

2015-01-01

The Salisbury embayment is a broad tectonic downwarp that is filled by generally seaward-thickening, wedge-shaped deposits of the central Atlantic Coastal Plain. Our two-day field trip will take us to the western side of this embayment from the Fall Zone in Washington, D.C., to some of the bluffs along Aquia Creek and the Potomac River in Virginia, and then to the Calvert Cliffs on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. We will see fluvial-deltaic Cretaceous deposits of the Potomac Formation. We will then focus on Cenozoic marine deposits. Transgressive and highstand deposits are stacked upon each other with unconformities separating them; rarely are regressive or lowstand deposits preserved. The Paleocene and Eocene shallow shelf deposits consist of glauconitic, silty sands that contain varying amounts of marine shells. The Miocene shallow shelf deposits consist of diatomaceous silts and silty and shelly sands. The lithology, thickness, dip, preservation, and distribution of the succession of coastal plain sediments that were deposited in our field-trip area are, to a great extent, structurally controlled. Surficial and subsurface mapping using numerous continuous cores, auger holes, water-well data, and seismic surveys has documented some folds and numerous high-angle reverse and normal faults that offset Cretaceous and Cenozoic deposits. Many of these structures are rooted in early Mesozoic and/or Paleozoic NE-trending regional tectonic fault systems that underlie the Atlantic Coastal Plain. On Day 1, we will focus on two fault systems (stops 1–2; Stafford fault system and the Skinkers Neck–Brandywine fault system and their constituent fault zones and faults). We will then see (stops 3–5) a few of the remaining exposures of largely unlithified marine Paleocene and Eocene strata along the Virginia side of the Potomac River including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum boundary clay. These exposures are capped by fluvial-estuarine Pleistocene terrace deposits. On Day 2, we will see (stops 6–9) the classic Miocene section along the ~25 miles (~40 km) of Calvert Cliffs in Maryland, including a possible fault and structural warping. Cores from nearby test holes will also be shown to supplement outcrops.

Overview of the Kinematics of the Salton Trough and Northern Gulf of California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, J. M.

2016-12-01

In the Salton Trough and Northern Gulf of California, transtensional rifting is leading to full continental plate breakup, as a major continental block is being transferred to an oceanic plate. Since at least 6 Ma this region has taken up most of the plate boundary slip between the Pacific and North America plates at this latitude. We review the structural history of plate separation, as constrained by many recent studies of present and past fault configurations, seismicity, and basin development as seen from geology and geophysics. Modern activity in the USA is dominated by NW-striking strike-slip faults (San Andreas, San Jacinto, Elsinore), and subsidiary NE-striking faults. There is an equally broad zone in Mexico (faults from the Mexicali Valley to the Colorado River Delta and bounding the Laguna Salada basin), including active low-angle detachment faults. In both areas, shifts in fault activity are indicated by buried faults and exhumed or buried earlier basin strata. Seismicity defines 3 basin segments in the N Gulf: Consag-Wagner, Upper Delfin, and Lower Delfin, but localization is incomplete. These basins occupy a broad zone of modern deformation, lacking single transform faults, although major strike-slip faults formed in the surrounding continental area. The off-boundary deformation on the western side of the plate boundary has changed with time, as seen by Holocene and Quaternary faults controlling modern basins in the Gulf Extensional Province of NE Baja California, and stranded Pliocene continental and marine basin strata in subaerial fault blocks. The eastern side of the plate boundary, in the shallow northeastern Gulf, contains major NW-striking faults that may have dominated the earlier (latest Miocene-early Pliocene) kinematics. The Sonoran coastal plain likely buries additional older faults and basin sequences; further studies here are needed to refine models of the earlier structural development of this sector. Despite > 250 km of plate separation, and production of new crustal area in these segments of the plate boundary, the deformation is not considered to be fully localized because some occurs outside the region of new crustal formation. Similar scenarios may need to be considered when evaluating continent-ocean transitions in other rift systems.

Characterization of double Shockley-type stacking faults formed in lightly doped 4H-SiC epitaxial films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, T.; Hayashi, S.; Naijo, T.; Momose, K.; Osawa, H.; Senzaki, J.; Kojima, K.; Kato, T.; Okumura, H.

2018-05-01

Double Shockley-type stacking faults (2SSFs) formed in 4H-SiC epitaxial films with a dopant concentration of 1.0 × 1016 cm-3 were characterized using grazing incident X-ray topography and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The origins of 2SSFs were investigated, and it was found that 2SSFs in the epitaxial layer originated from narrow SFs with a double Shockley structure in the substrate. Partial dislocations formed between 4H-type and 2SSF were also characterized. The shapes of 2SSFs are related with Burgers vectors and core types of the two Shockley partial dislocations.

The south San Fernando Valley fault, Los Angeles California: Myth or reality

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Slosson, J.E.; Phipps, M.B.; Werner, S.L.

1993-04-01

Based on related geomorphic and hydrogeologic evidence, the authors have identified the probable existence of a fault system and related Riedel faults along the southerly side of the San Fernando Valley (SFV), Los Angeles, CA. This fault system, which appears to be aligned along a series of pressure ridges, artesian springs and warm water wells, is termed the South SFV Fault for the purpose of this study. The trace of this fault is believed to roughly follow the southern extent of the SFV near the northern base of the east-west trending Santa Monica Mountains. The SFV is a fault-affected synclinalmore » structure bounded on the north, east, and west by well-recognized and documented fault systems. The southern boundary of the SFV is defined by the complexly faulted anticlinal structure of the bordering Santa Monica Mountains. This presentation will suggest that the southern boundary of the SFV (syncline) is controlled by faulting similar to the fault-controlled north, east, and west boundaries. The authors believe that the trace of the fault system in the southeastern portion of the SFV has been somewhat modified and concealed by the erosion and deposition of coarse grained sediments derived from the vast granitic-metamorphic complex of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the major watershed, and in part by sediment derived from similar rock type to the east and southeast. The western half of the SFV has been largely filled with fine grained sediments derived from erosion of the surrounding sedimentary uplands. Further modification has occurred due to urbanization of the area. With reference to the fault-affected boundaries on the west, north, and east sides of the SFV, these structures are all considered youthfall and capable of producing earthquakes as the SFF did in 1971. The south-bounding fault may fall within a similar category. Accordingly, the authors believe that the proposed South SFV Fault has been a tectonic feature since the Pliocene epoch.« less

Rupture Dynamics Simulation for Non-Planar fault by a Curved Grid Finite Difference Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Zhu, G.; Chen, X.

2011-12-01

We first implement the non-staggered finite difference method to solve the dynamic rupture problem, with split-node, for non-planar fault. Split-node method for dynamic simulation has been used widely, because of that it's more precise to represent the fault plane than other methods, for example, thick fault, stress glut and so on. The finite difference method is also a popular numeric method to solve kinematic and dynamic problem in seismology. However, previous works focus most of theirs eyes on the staggered-grid method, because of its simplicity and computational efficiency. However this method has its own disadvantage comparing to non-staggered finite difference method at some fact for example describing the boundary condition, especially the irregular boundary, or non-planar fault. Zhang and Chen (2006) proposed the MacCormack high order non-staggered finite difference method based on curved grids to precisely solve irregular boundary problem. Based upon on this non-staggered grid method, we make success of simulating the spontaneous rupture problem. The fault plane is a kind of boundary condition, which could be irregular of course. So it's convinced that we could simulate rupture process in the case of any kind of bending fault plane. We will prove this method is valid in the case of Cartesian coordinate first. In the case of bending fault, the curvilinear grids will be used.

Mechanics of slip and fracture along small faults and simple strike-slip fault zones in granitic rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martel, Stephen J.; Pollard, David D.

1989-07-01

We exploit quasi-static fracture mechanics models for slip along pre-existing faults to account for the fracture structure observed along small exhumed faults and small segmented fault zones in the Mount Abbot quadrangle of California and to estimate stress drop and shear fracture energy from geological field measurements. Along small strike-slip faults, cracks that splay from the faults are common only near fault ends. In contrast, many cracks splay from the boundary faults at the edges of a simple fault zone. Except near segment ends, the cracks preferentially splay into a zone. We infer that shear displacement discontinuities (slip patches) along a small fault propagated to near the fault ends and caused fracturing there. Based on elastic stress analyses, we suggest that slip on one boundary fault triggered slip on the adjacent boundary fault, and that the subsequent interaction of the slip patches preferentially led to the generation of fractures that splayed into the zones away from segment ends and out of the zones near segment ends. We estimate the average stress drops for slip events along the fault zones as ˜1 MPa and the shear fracture energy release rate during slip as 5 × 102 - 2 × 104 J/m2. This estimate is similar to those obtained from shear fracture of laboratory samples, but orders of magnitude less than those for large fault zones. These results suggest that the shear fracture energy release rate increases as the structural complexity of fault zones increases.

Effect of dislocation pile-up on size-dependent yield strength in finite single-crystal micro-samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Bo; Shibutani, Yoji, E-mail: sibutani@mech.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Zhang, Xu

2015-07-07

Recent research has explained that the steeply increasing yield strength in metals depends on decreasing sample size. In this work, we derive a statistical physical model of the yield strength of finite single-crystal micro-pillars that depends on single-ended dislocation pile-up inside the micro-pillars. We show that this size effect can be explained almost completely by considering the stochastic lengths of the dislocation source and the dislocation pile-up length in the single-crystal micro-pillars. The Hall–Petch-type relation holds even in a microscale single-crystal, which is characterized by its dislocation source lengths. Our quantitative conclusions suggest that the number of dislocation sources andmore » pile-ups are significant factors for the size effect. They also indicate that starvation of dislocation sources is another reason for the size effect. Moreover, we investigated the explicit relationship between the stacking fault energy and the dislocation “pile-up” effect inside the sample: materials with low stacking fault energy exhibit an obvious dislocation pile-up effect. Our proposed physical model predicts a sample strength that agrees well with experimental data, and our model can give a more precise prediction than the current single arm source model, especially for materials with low stacking fault energy.« less

Dose dependence of helium bubble formation in nano-engineered SiC at 700 °C

DOE PAGES

Chen, Chien -Hung; Zhang, Yanwen; Wang, Yongqiang; ...

2016-02-03

Knowledge of radiation-induced helium bubble nucleation and growth in SiC is essential for applications in fusion and fission environments. Here we report the evolution of microstructure in nano-engineered (NE) 3C SiC, pre-implanted with helium, under heavy ion irradiation at 700 °C up to doses of 30 displacements per atom (dpa). Elastic recoil detection analysis confirms that the as-implanted helium depth profile does not change under irradiation to 30 dpa at 700 °C. While the helium bubble size distribution becomes narrower with increasing dose, the average size of bubbles remains unchanged and the density of bubbles increases somewhat with dose. Thesemore » results are consistent with a long helium bubble incubation process under continued irradiation at 700 °C up to 30 dpa, similar to that reported under dual and triple beam irradiation at much higher temperatures. The formation of bubbles at this low temperature is enhanced by the nano-layered stacking fault structure in the NE SiC, which enhances point defect mobility parallel to the stacking faults. Here, this stacking fault structure is stable at 700 °C up to 30 dpa and suppresses the formation of dislocation loops normally observed under these irradiation conditions.« less

Structure and energetics of extended defects in ice Ih

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva Junior, Domingos L.; de Koning, Maurice

2012-01-01

We consider the molecular structure and energetics of extended defects in proton-disordered hexagonal ice Ih. Using plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we compute the energetics of stacking faults and determine the structure of the 30∘ and 90∘ partial dislocations on the basal plane. Consistent with experimental data, the formation energies of all fully reconstructed stacking faults are found to be very low. This is consistent with the idea that basal-plane glide dislocations in ice Ih are dissociated into partial dislocations separated by an area of stacking fault. For both types of partial dislocation we find a strong tendency toward core reconstruction through pairwise hydrogen-bond reformation. In the case of the 30∘ dislocation, the pairwise hydrogen-bond formation leads to a period-doubling core structure equivalent to that seen in zinc-blende semiconductor crystals. For the 90∘ partial we consider two possible core reconstructions, one in which the periodicity of the structure along the core remains unaltered and another in which it is doubled. The latter is preferred, although the energy difference between both is rather small, so that a coexistence of both reconstructions appears plausible. Our results imply that a mobility theory for dislocations on the basal plane in ice Ih should be based on the idea of reconstructed partial dislocations.

Structural and dynamic characteristics in monolayer square ice.

PubMed

Zhu, YinBo; Wang, FengChao; Wu, HengAn

2017-07-28

When water is constrained between two sheets of graphene, it becomes an intriguing monolayer solid with a square pattern due to the ultrahigh van der Waals pressure. However, the square ice phase has become a matter of debate due to the insufficient experimental interpretation and the slightly rhomboidal feature in simulated monolayer square-like structures. Here, we performed classical molecular dynamics simulations to reveal monolayer square ice in graphene nanocapillaries from the perspective of structure and dynamic characteristics. Monolayer square-like ice (instantaneous snapshot), assembled square-rhombic units with stacking faults, is a long-range ordered structure, in which the square and rhombic units are assembled in an order of alternative distribution, and the other rhombic unit forms stacking faults (polarized water chains). Spontaneous flipping of water molecules in monolayer square-like ice is intrinsic and induces transformations among different elementary units, resulting in the structural evolution of monolayer square ice in dynamics. The existence of stacking faults should be attributed to the spontaneous flipping behavior of water molecules under ambient temperature. Statistical averaging results (thermal average positions) demonstrate the inherent square characteristic of monolayer square ice. The simulated data and insight obtained here might be significant for understanding the topological structure and dynamic behavior of monolayer square ice.

Actively dewatering fluid-rich zones along the Costa Rica plate boundary fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bangs, N. L.; McIntosh, K. D.; Silver, E. A.; Kluesner, J. W.; Ranero, C. R.; von Huene, R.

2012-12-01

New 3D seismic reflection data reveal distinct evidence for active dewatering above a 12 km wide segment of the plate boundary fault within the Costa Rica subduction zone NW of the Osa Peninsula. In the spring of 2011 we acquired a 11 x 55 km 3D seismic reflection data set on the R/V Langseth using four 6,000 m streamers and two 3,300 in3 airgun arrays to examine the structure of the Costa Rica margin from the trench into the seismogenic zone. We can trace the plate-boundary interface from the trench across our entire survey to where the plate-boundary thrust lies > 10 km beneath the margin shelf. Approximately 20 km landward of the trench beneath the mid slope and at the updip edge of the seismogenic zone, a 12 km wide zone of the plate-boundary interface has a distinctly higher-amplitude seismic reflection than deeper or shallower segments of the fault. Directly above and potentially directly connected with this zone are high-amplitude, reversed-polarity fault-plane reflections that extend through the margin wedge and into overlying slope sediment cover. Within the slope cover, high-amplitude reversed-polarity reflections are common within the network of closely-spaced nearly vertical normal faults and several broadly spaced, more gently dipping thrust faults. These faults appear to be directing fluids vertically toward the seafloor, where numerous seafloor fluid flow indicators, such as pockmarks, mounds and ridges, and slope failure features, are distinct in multibeam and backscatter images. There are distinctly fewer seafloor and subsurface fluid flow indicators both updip and downdip of this zone. We believe these fluids come from a 12 km wide fluid-rich segment of the plate-boundary interface that is likely overpressured and has relatively low shear stress.

Numerical Elasto-Plastic Models on the Faulting development in Southwest Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, F. Y.; Tan, E.; Chang, E. T. Y.

2016-12-01

We use 3D numerical elasto-plastic model to simulate the development of faults and the surface deformation in Southwest Taiwan, which is under oblique collision between Eurasian plate and Philippine Sea plate. The study area is bounded by the Central Range and the Peikang basement high, comprising the southernmost part of the fold-and-thrust belt joint with the coastal plain (mainly the Pingtung Plain). Our goal is to model the deformation mechanism under oblique collision of plates in and around the Taiwan Island. The Cenozoic sediment isopach is taken to form our experimental domain. The Chaochou fault locates at the eastern boundary, serving as a bulldozer moving westward in a velocity of 5 cm/yr. The Peikang high is the backstop at western boundary with material in various friction angle attached to supply friction. The northern boundary striking in E-W direction is at the northern end of the Chaochou fault as a frictional boundary. The southern boundary is in the offshore area of the Pingtung Plain with an open boundary, which allows material free to flow out. A thin layer with variable frictions is at the bottom. Our results show a significant correlation with the tectonic structures observed in the SW Taiwan. The motion velocity increases from north to south, which is similar to the GPS observation. Additionally, two longitudinal thrusts are generated at east. They correspond to the Chaochou fault and Koaping fault, the latter of which is reported as a thrust with sinistral motion. Furthermore, several sinistral strike-slip faults are emergent in the southeast in our experiment. In fact, the bathymetry in the SW offshore Taiwan reveals a lateral motion within the strata in the accretionary prism.

Clustering of GPS velocities in the Mojave Block, southeastern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savage, James C.; Simpson, Robert W.

2013-01-01

We find subdivisions within the Mojave Block using cluster analysis to identify groupings in the velocities observed at GPS stations there. The clusters are represented on a fault map by symbols located at the positions of the GPS stations, each symbol representing the cluster to which the velocity of that GPS station belongs. Fault systems that separate the clusters are readily identified on such a map. The most significant representation as judged by the gap test involves 4 clusters within the Mojave Block. The fault systems bounding the clusters from east to west are 1) the faults defining the eastern boundary of the Northeast Mojave Domain extended southward to connect to the Hector Mine rupture, 2) the Calico-Paradise fault system, 3) the Landers-Blackwater fault system, and 4) the Helendale-Lockhart fault system. This division of the Mojave Block is very similar to that proposed by Meade and Hager. However, no cluster boundary coincides with the Garlock Fault, the northern boundary of the Mojave Block. Rather, the clusters appear to continue without interruption from the Mojave Block north into the southern Walker Lane Belt, similar to the continuity across the Garlock Fault of the shear zone along the Blackwater-Little Lake fault system observed by Peltzer et al. Mapped traces of individual faults in the Mojave Block terminate within the block and do not continue across the Garlock Fault [Dokka and Travis, ].

Gravity and magnetic survey of the Oaxaca city region: Cenozoic horst-and-graben structure superimposed on the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary, southern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos-Enríquez, J. O.; Belmonte-Jiménez, S. I.; Keppie, J. D.; Ortega-Gutiérrez, F.; Arzate, J. A.; Martínez-Silva, J.; Martínez-Serrano, R. G.

2010-04-01

A geophysical survey of the Oaxaca Fault along the north-trending Etla and Zaachila valleys area, southern Mexico, shows a series of NNW-SSE Bouguer and magnetic anomalies with steeper gradients towards the east. The Oaxaca Fault represents Tertiary extensional reactivation of the Juarez shear zone that constitutes the boundary between the Oaxaca and Juárez terranes. Cooperative interpretation of six combined gravity and magnetic NE-SW profiles perpendicular to the valleys indicates the presence of a composite depression comprising three N-S sub-basins: the northern Etla and southern Zaachila sub-basins separated by the Atzompa sub-basin. The Etla sub-basin is bounded by the moderately E-dipping, Etla Fault and the more steeply W-dipping Oaxaca Fault, which together constitute a graben that continues southwards into the Atzompa graben. The deeper Zaachila sub-basin, south of Oaxaca city, is a wide V-shaped graben with a horst in the middle. The new geophysical data suggest that the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary is displaced sinistrally ca. 20 km along the E-W Donají Fault, which defines the northern boundary of the Zaachila sub-basin. On the other hand, the Oaxaca Fault may either continue unbroken southwards along the western margin of the horst in the Zaachila sub-basin or be offset along with the terrane boundary. The sinistral movement may have taken place either during the Late Mesozoic-Early Cenozoic, Laramide Orogeny as a lateral ramp in the thrust plane or under Miocene-Pliocene, NE-SW extension. The former suggests that the Donají Fault is a transcurrent fault, whereas the latter implies that it is a transfer fault. The models imply that originally the suture was continuous south of the Donaji Fault and provide a constraint for the accretion of the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes.

Subduction Zone Dewatering at the Southern End of New Zealand's Hikurangi Margin - Insights from 2D Seismic Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crutchley, G. J.; Klaeschen, D.

2016-12-01

The southern end of New Zealand's Hikurangi subduction margin is characterised by highly-oblique convergence as it makes a southward transition into a right-lateral transform plate boundary. Long-offset seismic data that cross part of the offshore portion of this transition zone give new insight into the nature of the margin. We have carried out two-dimensional pre-stack depth migrations with an iterative reflection tomography to update the velocity field on two seismic lines in this area. The depth-migrated sections show much-improved imaging of faulting within the wedge, and the seismic velocities themselves give clues about the distribution of gas and/or overpressured regions at the plate boundary and within the overlying wedge. A fascinating observation is a major splay fault that has been (or continues to be) a preferred dewatering pathway through the wedge, evidenced by a thermal anomaly that has left its mark on the overlying gas hydrate layer. Another interesting observation is a thick and laterally extensive low velocity zone beneath the subduction interface, which might have important implications for the long-term mechanical stability of the interface. Our on-going work on these data is focused on amplitude versus offset analysis in an attempt to better understand the nature of the subduction interface and also the shallower gas hydrate system. This study is an example of how distinct disturbances of the gas hydrate system can provide insight into subduction zone fluid flow processes that are important for understanding wedge stability and ultimately earthquake hazard.

Atomistically determined phase-field modeling of dislocation dissociation, stacking fault formation, dislocation slip, and reactions in fcc systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei Mianroodi, Jaber; Svendsen, Bob

2015-04-01

The purpose of the current work is the development of a phase field model for dislocation dissociation, slip and stacking fault formation in single crystals amenable to determination via atomistic or ab initio methods in the spirit of computational material design. The current approach is based in particular on periodic microelasticity (Wang and Jin, 2001; Bulatov and Cai, 2006; Wang and Li, 2010) to model the strongly non-local elastic interaction of dislocation lines via their (residual) strain fields. These strain fields depend in turn on phase fields which are used to parameterize the energy stored in dislocation lines and stacking faults. This energy storage is modeled here with the help of the "interface" energy concept and model of Cahn and Hilliard (1958) (see also Allen and Cahn, 1979; Wang and Li, 2010). In particular, the "homogeneous" part of this energy is related to the "rigid" (i.e., purely translational) part of the displacement of atoms across the slip plane, while the "gradient" part accounts for energy storage in those regions near the slip plane where atomic displacements deviate from being rigid, e.g., in the dislocation core. Via the attendant global energy scaling, the interface energy model facilitates an atomistic determination of the entire phase field energy as an optimal approximation of the (exact) atomistic energy; no adjustable parameters remain. For simplicity, an interatomic potential and molecular statics are employed for this purpose here; alternatively, ab initio (i.e., DFT-based) methods can be used. To illustrate the current approach, it is applied to determine the phase field free energy for fcc aluminum and copper. The identified models are then applied to modeling of dislocation dissociation, stacking fault formation, glide and dislocation reactions in these materials. As well, the tensile loading of a dislocation loop is considered. In the process, the current thermodynamic picture is compared with the classical mechanical one as based on the Peach-Köhler force.

Effects of alloying element and temperature on the stacking fault energies of dilute Ni-base superalloys.

PubMed

Shang, S L; Zacherl, C L; Fang, H Z; Wang, Y; Du, Y; Liu, Z K

2012-12-19

A systematic study of stacking fault energy (γ(SF)) resulting from induced alias shear deformation has been performed by means of first-principles calculations for dilute Ni-base superalloys (Ni(23)X and Ni(71)X) for various alloying elements (X) as a function of temperature. Twenty-six alloying elements are considered, i.e., Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, Ir, Mn, Mo, Nb, Os, Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, Sc, Si, Ta, Tc, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn, and Zr. The temperature dependence of γ(SF) is computed using the proposed quasistatic approach based on a predicted γ(SF)-volume-temperature relationship. Besides γ(SF), equilibrium volume and the normalized stacking fault energy (Γ(SF) = γ(SF)/Gb, with G the shear modulus and b the Burgers vector) are also studied as a function of temperature for the 26 alloying elements. The following conclusions are obtained: all alloying elements X studied herein decrease the γ(SF) of fcc Ni, approximately the further the alloying element X is from Ni on the periodic table, the larger the decrease of γ(SF) for the dilute Ni-X alloy, and roughly the γ(SF) of Ni-X decreases with increasing equilibrium volume. In addition, the values of γ(SF) for all Ni-X systems decrease with increasing temperature (except for Ni-Cr at higher Cr content), and the largest decrease is observed for pure Ni. Similar to the case of the shear modulus, the variation of γ(SF) for Ni-X systems due to various alloying elements is traceable from the distribution of (magnetization) charge density: the spherical distribution of charge density around a Ni atom, especially a smaller sphere, results in a lower value of γ(SF) due to the facility of redistribution of charges. Computed stacking fault energies and the related properties are in favorable accord with available experimental and theoretical data.

A novel micro-Raman technique to detect and characterize 4H-SiC stacking faults

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Piluso, N., E-mail: nicolo.piluso@imm.cnr.it; Camarda, M.; La Via, F.

A novel Micro-Raman technique was designed and used to detect extended defects in 4H-SiC homoepitaxy. The technique uses above band-gap high-power laser densities to induce a local increase of free carriers in undoped epitaxies (n < 10{sup 16} at/cm{sup −3}), creating an electronic plasma that couples with the longitudinal optical (LO) Raman mode. The Raman shift of the LO phonon-plasmon-coupled mode (LOPC) increases as the free carrier density increases. Crystallographic defects lead to scattering or recombination of the free carriers which results in a loss of coupling with the LOPC, and in a reduction of the Raman shift. Given that the LOmore » phonon-plasmon coupling is obtained thanks to the free carriers generated by the high injection level induced by the laser, we named this technique induced-LOPC (i-LOPC). This technique allows the simultaneous determination of both the carrier lifetime and carrier mobility. Taking advantage of the modifications on the carrier lifetime induced by extended defects, we were able to determine the spatial morphology of stacking faults; the obtained morphologies were found to be in excellent agreement with those provided by standard photoluminescence techniques. The results show that the detection of defects via i-LOPC spectroscopy is totally independent from the stacking fault photoluminescence signals that cover a large energy range up to 0.7 eV, thus allowing for a single-scan simultaneous determination of any kind of stacking fault. Combining the i-LOPC method with the analysis of the transverse optical mode, the micro-Raman characterization can determine the most important properties of unintentionally doped film, including the stress status of the wafer, lattice impurities (point defects, polytype inclusions) and a detailed analysis of crystallographic defects, with a high spectral and spatial resolution.« less

Clustering on Magnesium Surfaces - Formation and Diffusion Energies.

PubMed

Chu, Haijian; Huang, Hanchen; Wang, Jian

2017-07-12

The formation and diffusion energies of atomic clusters on Mg surfaces determine the surface roughness and formation of faulted structure, which in turn affect the mechanical deformation of Mg. This paper reports first principles density function theory (DFT) based quantum mechanics calculation results of atomic clustering on the low energy surfaces {0001} and [Formula: see text]. In parallel, molecular statics calculations serve to test the validity of two interatomic potentials and to extend the scope of the DFT studies. On a {0001} surface, a compact cluster consisting of few than three atoms energetically prefers a face-centered-cubic stacking, to serve as a nucleus of stacking fault. On a [Formula: see text], clusters of any size always prefer hexagonal-close-packed stacking. Adatom diffusion on surface [Formula: see text] is high anisotropic while isotropic on surface (0001). Three-dimensional Ehrlich-Schwoebel barriers converge as the step height is three atomic layers or thicker. Adatom diffusion along steps is via hopping mechanism, and that down steps is via exchange mechanism.

An approach for automated fault diagnosis based on a fuzzy decision tree and boundary analysis of a reconstructed phase space.

PubMed

Aydin, Ilhan; Karakose, Mehmet; Akin, Erhan

2014-03-01

Although reconstructed phase space is one of the most powerful methods for analyzing a time series, it can fail in fault diagnosis of an induction motor when the appropriate pre-processing is not performed. Therefore, boundary analysis based a new feature extraction method in phase space is proposed for diagnosis of induction motor faults. The proposed approach requires the measurement of one phase current signal to construct the phase space representation. Each phase space is converted into an image, and the boundary of each image is extracted by a boundary detection algorithm. A fuzzy decision tree has been designed to detect broken rotor bars and broken connector faults. The results indicate that the proposed approach has a higher recognition rate than other methods on the same dataset. © 2013 ISA Published by ISA All rights reserved.

Geological process of the slow earthquakes -A hypothesis from an ancient plate boundary fault rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitamura, Y.; Kimura, G.; Kawabata, K.

2012-12-01

We present an integrated model of the deformation along the subduction plate boundary from the trench to the seismogenic zone. Over years of field based research in the Shimanto Belt accretionary complex, southwest Japan, yielded breaking-through discoveries on plate boundary processes, for example, the first finding of pseudotachylyte in the accretionary prism (Ikesawa et al., 2003). Our aim here is to unveil the geological aspects of slow earthquakes and the related plate boundary processes. Studied tectonic mélanges in the Shimanto Belt are regarded as fossils of plate boundary fault zone in subduction zone. We traced material from different depths along subduction channel using samples from on-land outcrops and ocean drilling cores. As a result, a series of progressive deformation down to the down-dip limit of the seismogenic zone was revealed. Detailed geological survey and structural analyses enabled us to separate superimposed deformation events during subduction. Material involved in the plate boundary deformation is mainly an alternation of sand and mud. As they have different competency and are suffered by simple shear stress field, sandstones break apart in flowing mudstones. We distinguished several stages of these deformations in sandstones and recognized progress in the intensity of deformation with increment of underthrusting. It is also known that the studied Mugi mélange bears pseudotachylyte in its upper bounding fault. Our conclusion illustrates that the subduction channel around the depth of the seismogenic zone forms a thick plate boundary fault zone, where there is a clear segregation in deformation style: a fast and episodic slip at the upper boundary fault and a slow and continuous deformation within the zone. The former fast deformation corresponds to the plate boundary earthquakes and the latter to the slow earthquakes. We further examined numerically whether this plate boundary fault rock is capable of releasing seismic moment enough to fit the observed slow earthquakes. The shallow very low frequent earthquakes (VLFs) are chosen to be modeled and our estimation satisfies the natural data. We emphasize that the plate boundary is not a plane but a zone. Geological setting is a clue for differentiating slow and normal earthquakes. We propose to focus on the three-dimensional fault zone comprising numbers of microfaults as the source of slow earthquakes instead of planar plate boundary. Our results also make an impact on the study of seismic energy balance because we show a possibility to give an absolute value of them from geological approach, which could not have been achieved with seismology.

Seismic Reflectivity of the Crust in the Northern Salton Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, K.; Fuis, G. S.; Goldman, M.; Persaud, P.; Ryberg, T.; Langenheim, V. E.; Scheirer, D. S.; Rymer, M. J.; Hole, J. A.; Stock, J. M.; Catchings, R.

2015-12-01

The Salton Trough in southern California is a tectonically active pull-apart basin that was formed by migrating step-overs between strike-slip faults, of which the San Andreas Fault (SAF) and the Imperial Fault are the current, northernmost examples. The Salton Seismic Imaging Project (SSIP) was undertaken to improve our knowledge of fault geometry and seismic velocities within the sedimentary basins and underlying crystalline crust around the SAF. Such data are useful as input for modeling scenarios of strong ground shaking in the surrounding high-population areas. We used pre-stack depth migration of line segments from shot gathers in several seismic profiles that were acquired in the northern part of the SSIP study area (Lines 4 - 7). Our migration approach can be considered as an infinite-frequency approximation of the Fresnel volume pre-stack depth migration method. We use line segments instead of the original waveform data. We demonstrate the method using synthetic data and analyze real data from Lines 4 - 7 to illustrate the relationship between distinct phases in the time domain and their resulting image at depth. We show both normal-moveout reflections from sub-horizontal interfaces and reverse-moveout reflections from steep interfaces, such as faults. Migrated images of dipping faults, such as the SAF and the Pinto Mountain Fault, are presented in this way. The SAF is imaged along Line 4, through the Mecca Hills, as a number of steeply dipping fault segments that collectively form a flower structure, above 5 km depth, that sole into a moderately NE-dipping fault below that depth. The individual migrated reflection packages correlate with mapped surface fault traces in the Mecca Hills. A similar geometry is seen on Line 6, from Palm Springs through Yucca Valley, where fault splays sole or project into a moderately dipping SAF below 10-km depth. We also show and discuss the reflectivity pattern of the middle and lower crust for Lines 4 - 7.

Structure and lithology of the Japan Trench subduction plate boundary fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirkpatrick, James D.; Rowe, Christie D.; Ujiie, Kohtaro; Moore, J. Casey; Regalla, Christine; Remitti, Francesca; Toy, Virginia; Wolfson-Schwehr, Monica; Kameda, Jun; Bose, Santanu; Chester, Frederick M.

2015-01-01

The 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake ruptured to the trench with maximum coseismic slip located on the shallow portion of the plate boundary fault. To investigate the conditions and physical processes that promoted slip to the trench, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 343/343T sailed 1 year after the earthquake and drilled into the plate boundary ˜7 km landward of the trench, in the region of maximum slip. Core analyses show that the plate boundary décollement is localized onto an interval of smectite-rich, pelagic clay. Subsidiary structures are present in both the upper and lower plates, which define a fault zone ˜5-15m thick. Fault rocks recovered from within the clay-rich interval contain a pervasive scaly fabric defined by anastomosing, polished, and lineated surfaces with two predominant orientations. The scaly fabric is crosscut in several places by discrete contacts across which the scaly fabric is truncated and rotated, or different rocks are juxtaposed. These contacts are inferred to be faults. The plate boundary décollement therefore contains structures resulting from both distributed and localized deformation. We infer that the formation of both of these types of structures is controlled by the frictional properties of the clay: the distributed scaly fabric formed at low strain rates associated with velocity-strengthening frictional behavior, and the localized faults formed at high strain rates characterized by velocity-weakening behavior. The presence of multiple discrete faults resulting from seismic slip within the décollement suggests that rupture to the trench may be characteristic of this margin.

Rifting and subduction in the papuan peninsula, papua new guinea: The significance of the trobriand tough, the nubara strike-slip fault, and the woodlark rift to the present configuration of papua new guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cameron, Milo Louis

The calculated extension (~111 km) across the Woodlark rift is incompatible with the > 130 km needed to exhume the Metamorphic Core Complexes on shallow angle faults (< 30°) using N-S extension in the Woodlark Basin. High resolution bathymetry, seismicity, and seismic reflection data indicate that the Nubara Fault continues west of the Trobriand Trough, intersects the Woodlark spreading center, and forms the northern boundary of the Woodlark plate and the southern boundary of the Trobriand plate. The newly defined Trobriand plate, to the north of this boundary, has moved SW-NE along the right lateral Nubara Fault, creating SW-NE extension in the region bounded by the MCC's of the D'Entrecasteaux Islands and Moresby Seamount. Gravity and bathymetry data extracted along four transect lines were used to model the gravity and flexure across the Nubara Fault boundary. Differences exist in the elastic thickness between the northern and southern parts of the lines at the Metamorphic Core Complexes of Goodenough Island (Te_south = 5.7 x 103 m; Te_north = 6.1 x 103 m) and Fergusson Island (Te_south = 1.2 x 103 m; Te_north = 5.5 x 103 m). Differences in the elastic strength of the lithosphere also exist at Moresby Seamount (Te_south = 4.2 x 103 m; Te_north = 4.7 x 103 m) and Egum Atoll (Te_south =7.5 x 103 m; Te_north = 1.3 x 104 m). The differences between the northern and southern parts of each transect line imply an east-west boundary that is interpreted to be the Nubara Fault. The opening of the Woodlark Basin resulted in the rotation of the Papuan Peninsula and the Woodlark Rise, strike slip motion between the Solomon Sea and the Woodlark Basin at the Nubara Fault, and the formation of the PAC-SOL-WLK; SOL-WLK-TRB triple junctions. The intersection of the Woodlark Spreading Center with the Nubara Fault added the AUS-WLK-TRB triple junction and established the Nubara Fault as the northern boundary of the Woodlark plate.

Atomistic structures of nano-engineered SiC and radiation-induced amorphization resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imada, Kenta; Ishimaru, Manabu; Sato, Kazuhisa; Xue, Haizhou; Zhang, Yanwen; Shannon, Steven; Weber, William J.

2015-10-01

Nano-engineered 3C-SiC thin films, which possess columnar structures with high-density stacking faults and twins, were irradiated with 2 MeV Si ions at cryogenic and room temperatures. From cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations in combination with Monte Carlo simulations based on the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter code, it was found that their amorphization resistance is six times greater than bulk crystalline SiC at room temperature. High-angle bright-field images taken by spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the distortion of atomic configurations is localized near the stacking faults. The resultant strain field probably contributes to the enhancement of radiation tolerance of this material.

Stacking fault related luminescence in GaN nanorods.

PubMed

Forsberg, M; Serban, A; Poenaru, I; Hsiao, C-L; Junaid, M; Birch, J; Pozina, G

2015-09-04

Optical and structural properties are presented for GaN nanorods (NRs) grown in the [0001] direction on Si(111) substrates by direct-current reactive magnetron sputter epitaxy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals clusters of dense stacking faults (SFs) regularly distributed along the c-axis. A strong emission line at ∼3.42 eV associated with the basal-plane SFs has been observed in luminescence spectra. The optical signature of SFs is stable up to room temperatures with the activation energy of ∼20 meV. Temperature-dependent time-resolved photoluminescence properties suggest that the recombination mechanism of the 3.42 eV emission can be understood in terms of multiple quantum wells self-organized along the growth axis of NRs.

Identification of Lembang fault, West-Java Indonesia by using controlled source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanny, Teuku A.

2017-07-01

The objective of this study is to determine boundary and how to know surrounding area between Lembang Fault and Cimandiri fault. For the detailed study we used three methodologies: (1). Surface deformation modeling by using Boundary Element method and (2) Controlled Source Audiomagneto Telluric (CSAMT). Based on the study by using surface deformation by using Boundary Element Methods (BEM), the direction Lembang fault has a dominant displacement in east direction. The eastward displacement at the nothern fault block is smaller than the eastward displacement at the southern fault block which indicates that each fault block move in left direction relative to each other. From this study we know that Lembang fault in this area has left lateral strike slip component. The western part of the Lembang fault move in west direction different from the eastern part that moves in east direction. Stress distribution map of Lembang fault shows difference between the eastern and western segments of Lembang fault. Displacement distribution map along x-direction and y-direction of Lembang fault shows a linement oriented in northeast-southwest direction right on Tangkuban Perahu Mountain. Displacement pattern of Cimandiri fault indicates that the Cimandiri fault is devided into two segment. Eastern segment has left lateral strike slip component while the western segment has right lateral strike slip component. Based on the displacement distribution map along y-direction, a linement oriented in northwest-southeast direction is observed at the western segment of the Cimandiri fault. The displacement along x-direction and y-direction between the Lembang and Cimandiri fault is nearly equal to zero indicating that the Lembang fault and Cimandiri Fault are not connected to each others. Based on refraction seismic tomography that we know the characteristic of Cimandiri fault as normal fault. Based on CSAMT method th e lembang fault is normal fault that different of dip which formed as graben structure.

A bottom-driven mechanism for distributed faulting: Insights from the Gulf of California Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persaud, P.; Tan, E.; Choi, E.; Contreras, J.; Lavier, L. L.

2017-12-01

The Gulf of California is a young oblique rift that displays a variation in rifting style along strike. Despite the rapid localization of strain in the Gulf at 6 Ma, the northern rift segment has the characteristics of a wide rift, with broadly distributed extensional strain and small gradients in topography and crustal thinning. Observations of active faulting in the continent-ocean transition of the Northern Gulf show multiple oblique-slip faults distributed in a 200 x 70 km2area developed some time after a westward relocation of the plate boundary at 2 Ma. In contrast, north and south of this broad pull-apart structure, major transform faults accommodate Pacific-North America plate motion. Here we propose that the mechanism for distributed brittle deformation results from the boundary conditions present in the Northern Gulf, where basal shear is distributed between the Cerro Prieto strike-slip fault (southernmost fault of the San Andreas fault system) and the Ballenas Transform fault. We hypothesize that in oblique-extensional settings whether deformation is partitioned in a few dip-slip and strike-slip faults, or in numerous oblique-slip faults may depend on (1) bottom-driven, distributed extension and shear deformation of the lower crust or upper mantle, and (2) the rift obliquity. To test this idea, we explore the effects of bottom-driven shear on the deformation of a brittle elastic-plastic layer with pseudo-three dimensional numerical models that include side forces. Strain localization results when the basal shear is a step-function while oblique-slip on numerous faults dominates when basal shear is distributed. We further investigate how the style of faulting varies with obliquity and demonstrate that the style of faulting observed in the Northern Gulf of California is reproduced in models with an obliquity of 0.7 and distributed basal shear boundary conditions, consistent with the interpreted obliquity and boundary conditions of the study area. Our findings motivate a suite of 3D models of the early plate boundary evolution in the Gulf, and highlight the importance of local stress field perturbations as a mechanism for broadening the deformation zone in other regions such as the Basin and Range, Rio Grande Rift and Malawi Rift.

Clustering of GPS velocities in the Mojave Block, southeastern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, J. C.; Simpson, R. W.

2013-04-01

find subdivisions within the Mojave Block using cluster analysis to identify groupings in the velocities observed at GPS stations there. The clusters are represented on a fault map by symbols located at the positions of the GPS stations, each symbol representing the cluster to which the velocity of that GPS station belongs. Fault systems that separate the clusters are readily identified on such a map. The most significant representation as judged by the gap test involves 4 clusters within the Mojave Block. The fault systems bounding the clusters from east to west are 1) the faults defining the eastern boundary of the Northeast Mojave Domain extended southward to connect to the Hector Mine rupture, 2) the Calico-Paradise fault system, 3) the Landers-Blackwater fault system, and 4) the Helendale-Lockhart fault system. This division of the Mojave Block is very similar to that proposed by Meade and Hager []. However, no cluster boundary coincides with the Garlock Fault, the northern boundary of the Mojave Block. Rather, the clusters appear to continue without interruption from the Mojave Block north into the southern Walker Lane Belt, similar to the continuity across the Garlock Fault of the shear zone along the Blackwater-Little Lake fault system observed by Peltzer et al. []. Mapped traces of individual faults in the Mojave Block terminate within the block and do not continue across the Garlock Fault [Dokka and Travis, ].

Crystal-Phase Quantum Wires: One-Dimensional Heterostructures with Atomically Flat Interfaces.

PubMed

Corfdir, Pierre; Li, Hong; Marquardt, Oliver; Gao, Guanhui; Molas, Maciej R; Zettler, Johannes K; van Treeck, David; Flissikowski, Timur; Potemski, Marek; Draxl, Claudia; Trampert, Achim; Fernández-Garrido, Sergio; Grahn, Holger T; Brandt, Oliver

2018-01-10

In semiconductor quantum-wire heterostructures, interface roughness leads to exciton localization and to a radiative decay rate much smaller than that expected for structures with flat interfaces. Here, we uncover the electronic and optical properties of the one-dimensional extended defects that form at the intersection between stacking faults and inversion domain boundaries in GaN nanowires. We show that they act as crystal-phase quantum wires, a novel one-dimensional quantum system with atomically flat interfaces. These quantum wires efficiently capture excitons whose radiative decay gives rise to an optical doublet at 3.36 eV at 4.2 K. The binding energy of excitons confined in crystal-phase quantum wires is measured to be more than twice larger than that of the bulk. As a result of their unprecedented interface quality, these crystal-phase quantum wires constitute a model system for the study of one-dimensional excitons.

Nature of the Active Sites for CO Reduction on Copper Nanoparticles; Suggestions for Optimizing Performance.

PubMed

Cheng, Tao; Xiao, Hai; Goddard, William A

2017-08-30

Recent experiments show that the grain boundaries (GBs) of copper nanoparticles (NPs) lead to an outstanding performance in reducing CO 2 and CO to alcohol products. We report here multiscale simulations that simulate experimental synthesis conditions to predict the structure of a 10 nm Cu NP (158 555 atoms). To identify active sites, we first predict the CO binding at a large number of sites and select four exhibiting CO binding stronger than the (211) step surface. Then, we predict the formation energy of the *OCCOH intermediate as a descriptor for C-C coupling, identifying two active sites, both of which have an under-coordinated surface square site adjacent to a subsurface stacking fault. We then propose a periodic Cu surface (4 by 4 supercell) with a similar site that substantially decreases the formation energy of *OCCOH, by 0.14 eV.

Origin of tension-compression asymmetry in ultrafine-grained fcc metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuru, T.

2017-08-01

A mechanism of anomalous tension-compression (T-C) asymmetry in ultrafine-grained (UFG) metals is proposed using large-scale atomistic simulations and dislocation theory. Unlike coarse-grained metals, UFG Al exhibits remarkable T-C asymmetry of the yield stress. The atomistic simulations reveal that the yield event is not related to intragranular dislocations but caused by dislocation nucleation from the grain boundaries (GBs). The dislocation core structure associated with the stacking fault energy in Al is strongly affected by the external stress compared with Cu; specifically, high tensile stress stabilizes the dissociation into partial dislocations. These dislocations are more likely to be nucleated from GBs and form deformation twins from an energetic viewpoint. The mechanism, which is different from well-known mechanisms for nanocrystalline and amorphous metals, is unique to high-strength UFG metals and can explain the difference in T-C asymmetry between UFG Cu and Al.

Damage-tolerant nanotwinned metals with nanovoids under radiation environments

PubMed Central

Chen, Y.; Yu, K Y.; Liu, Y.; Shao, S.; Wang, H.; Kirk, M. A.; Wang, J.; Zhang, X.

2015-01-01

Material performance in extreme radiation environments is central to the design of future nuclear reactors. Radiation induces significant damage in the form of dislocation loops and voids in irradiated materials, and continuous radiation often leads to void growth and subsequent void swelling in metals with low stacking fault energy. Here we show that by using in situ heavy ion irradiation in a transmission electron microscope, pre-introduced nanovoids in nanotwinned Cu efficiently absorb radiation-induced defects accompanied by gradual elimination of nanovoids, enhancing radiation tolerance of Cu. In situ studies and atomistic simulations reveal that such remarkable self-healing capability stems from high density of coherent and incoherent twin boundaries that rapidly capture and transport point defects and dislocation loops to nanovoids, which act as storage bins for interstitial loops. This study describes a counterintuitive yet significant concept: deliberate introduction of nanovoids in conjunction with nanotwins enables unprecedented damage tolerance in metallic materials. PMID:25906997

Damage-tolerant nanotwinned metals with nanovoids under radiation environments.

PubMed

Chen, Y; Yu, K Y; Liu, Y; Shao, S; Wang, H; Kirk, M A; Wang, J; Zhang, X

2015-04-24

Material performance in extreme radiation environments is central to the design of future nuclear reactors. Radiation induces significant damage in the form of dislocation loops and voids in irradiated materials, and continuous radiation often leads to void growth and subsequent void swelling in metals with low stacking fault energy. Here we show that by using in situ heavy ion irradiation in a transmission electron microscope, pre-introduced nanovoids in nanotwinned Cu efficiently absorb radiation-induced defects accompanied by gradual elimination of nanovoids, enhancing radiation tolerance of Cu. In situ studies and atomistic simulations reveal that such remarkable self-healing capability stems from high density of coherent and incoherent twin boundaries that rapidly capture and transport point defects and dislocation loops to nanovoids, which act as storage bins for interstitial loops. This study describes a counterintuitive yet significant concept: deliberate introduction of nanovoids in conjunction with nanotwins enables unprecedented damage tolerance in metallic materials.

Crystallization in supercooled liquid Cu: Homogeneous nucleation and growth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

E, J. C.; Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031; Wang, L.

2015-02-14

Homogeneous nucleation and growth during crystallization of supercooled liquid Cu are investigated with molecular dynamics simulations, and the microstructure is characterized with one- and two-dimensional x-ray diffraction. The resulting solids are single-crystal or nanocrystalline, containing various defects such as stacking faults, twins, fivefold twins, and grain boundaries; the microstructure is subject to thermal fluctuations and extent of supercooling. Fivefold twins form via sequential twinning from the solid-liquid interfaces. Critical nucleus size and nucleation rate at 31% supercooling are obtained from statistical runs with the mean first-passage time and survival probability methods, and are about 14 atoms and 10{sup 32} m{supmore » −3}s{sup −1}, respectively. The bulk growth dynamics are analyzed with the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami law and manifest three stages; the Avrami exponent varies in the range of 1–19, which also depends on thermal fluctuations and supercooling.« less

Solute-defect interactions in Al-Mg alloys from diffusive variational Gaussian calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dontsova, E.; Rottler, J.; Sinclair, C. W.

2014-11-01

Resolving atomic-scale defect topologies and energetics with accurate atomistic interaction models provides access to the nonlinear phenomena inherent at atomic length and time scales. Coarse graining the dynamics of such simulations to look at the migration of, e.g., solute atoms, while retaining the rich atomic-scale detail required to properly describe defects, is a particular challenge. In this paper, we present an adaptation of the recently developed "diffusive molecular dynamics" model to describe the energetics and kinetics of binary alloys on diffusive time scales. The potential of the technique is illustrated by applying it to the classic problems of solute segregation to a planar boundary (stacking fault) and edge dislocation in the Al-Mg system. Our approach provides fully dynamical solutions in situations with an evolving energy landscape in a computationally efficient way, where atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are difficult or impractical to perform.

Damage-tolerant nanotwinned metals with nanovoids under radiation environments

DOE PAGES

Chen, Y.; Yu, K. Y.; Liu, Y.; ...

2015-04-24

Material performance in extreme radiation environments is central to the design of future nuclear reactors. Radiation induces significant damage in the form of dislocation loops and voids in irradiated materials, and continuous radiation often leads to void growth and subsequent void swelling in metals with low stacking fault energy. Here we show that by using in situ heavy ion irradiation in a transmission electron microscope, pre-introduced nanovoids in nanotwinned Cu efficiently absorb radiation-induced defects accompanied by gradual elimination of nanovoids, enhancing radiation tolerance of Cu. In situ studies and atomistic simulations reveal that such remarkable self-healing capability stems from highmore » density of coherent and incoherent twin boundaries that rapidly capture and transport point defects and dislocation loops to nanovoids, which act as storage bins for interstitial loops. This study describes a counterintuitive yet significant concept: deliberate introduction of nanovoids in conjunction with nanotwins enables unprecedented damage tolerance in metallic materials.« less

Atomic electron tomography: 3D structures without crystals

DOE PAGES

Miao, Jianwei; Ercius, Peter; Billinge, S. J. L.

2016-09-23

Crystallography has been fundamental to the development of many fields of science over the last century. However, much of our modern science and technology relies on materials with defects and disorders, and their three-dimensional (3D) atomic structures are not accessible to crystallography. One method capable of addressing this major challenge is atomic electron tomography. By combining advanced electron microscopes and detectors with powerful data analysis and tomographic reconstruction algorithms, it is now possible to determine the 3D atomic structure of crystal defects such as grain boundaries, stacking faults, dislocations, and point defects, as well as to precisely localize the 3Dmore » coordinates of individual atoms in materials without assuming crystallinity. In this work, we review the recent advances and the interdisciplinary science enabled by this methodology. We also outline further research needed for atomic electron tomography to address long-standing unresolved problems in the physical sciences.« less

Strain relaxation in epitaxial GaAs/Si (0 0 1) nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozak, Roksolana; Prieto, Ivan; Arroyo Rojas Dasilva, Yadira; Erni, Rolf; Skibitzki, Oliver; Capellini, Giovanni; Schroeder, Thomas; von Känel, Hans; Rossell, Marta D.

2017-11-01

Crystal defects, present in 100 nm GaAs nanocrystals grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy on top of (0 0 1)-oriented Si nanotips (with a tip opening 50-90 nm), have been studied by means of high-resolution aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The role of 60° perfect, 30° and 90° Shockley partial misfit dislocations (MDs) in the plastic strain relaxation of GaAs on Si is discussed. Formation conditions of stair-rod dislocations and coherent twin boundaries in the GaAs nanocrystals are explained. Also, although stacking faults are commonly observed, we show here that synthesis of GaAs nanocrystals with a minimum number of these defects is possible. On the other hand, from the number of MDs, we have to conclude that the GaAs nanoparticles are fully relaxed plastically, such that for the present tip sizes no substrate compliance can be observed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miao, Jianwei; Ercius, Peter; Billinge, S. J. L.

Crystallography has been fundamental to the development of many fields of science over the last century. However, much of our modern science and technology relies on materials with defects and disorders, and their three-dimensional (3D) atomic structures are not accessible to crystallography. One method capable of addressing this major challenge is atomic electron tomography. By combining advanced electron microscopes and detectors with powerful data analysis and tomographic reconstruction algorithms, it is now possible to determine the 3D atomic structure of crystal defects such as grain boundaries, stacking faults, dislocations, and point defects, as well as to precisely localize the 3Dmore » coordinates of individual atoms in materials without assuming crystallinity. In this work, we review the recent advances and the interdisciplinary science enabled by this methodology. We also outline further research needed for atomic electron tomography to address long-standing unresolved problems in the physical sciences.« less

Defect structure in electrodeposited nanocrystalline Ni layers with different Mo concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapoor, Garima; Péter, László; Fekete, Éva; Gubicza, Jenő

2018-05-01

The effect of molybdenum (Mo) alloying on the lattice defect structure in electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel (Ni) films was studied. The electrodeposited layers were prepared on copper substrate at room temperature, with a constant current density and pH value. The chemical composition of these layers was determined by EDS. In addition, X-ray diffraction line profile analysis was carried out to study the microstructural parameters such as the crystallite size, the dislocation density and the stacking fault probability. It was found that the higher Mo content yielded more than one order of magnitude larger dislocation density while the crystallite size was only slightly smaller. In addition, the twin boundary formation activity during deposition increased with increasing Mo concentration. The results obtained on electrodeposited layers were compared with previous research carried out on bulk nanocrystalline Ni-Mo materials with similar compositions but processed by severe plastic deformation.

Armenia-To Trans-Boundary Fault: AN Example of International Cooperation in the Caucasus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karakhanyan, A.; Avagyan, A.; Avanesyan, M.; Elashvili, M.; Godoladze, T.; Javakishvili, Z.; Korzhenkov, A.; Philip, S.; Vergino, E. S.

2012-12-01

Studies of a trans-boundary active fault that cuts through the border of Armenia to Georgia in the area of the Javakheti volcanic highland have been conducted since 2007. The studies have been implemented based on the ISTC 1418 and NATO SfP 983284 Projects. The Javakheti Fault is oriented to the north-northwest and consists of individual segments displaying clear left-stepping trend. Fault mechanism is represented by right-lateral strike-slip with normal-fault component. The fault formed distinct scarps, deforming young volcanic and glacial sediments. The maximum-size displacements are recorded in the central part of the fault and range up to 150-200 m by normal fault and 700-900 m by right-lateral strike-slip fault. On both flanks, fault scarps have younger appearance, and displacement size there decreases to tens of meters. Fault length is 80 km, suggesting that maximum fault magnitude is estimated at 7.3 according to the Wells and Coppersmith (1994) relation. Many minor earthquakes and a few stronger events (1088, Mw=6.4, 1899 Mw=6.4, 1912, Mw=6.4 and 1925, Mw=5.6) are associated with the fault. In 2011/2012, we conducted paleoseismological and archeoseismological studies of the fault. By two paleoseismological trenches were excavated in the central part of the fault, and on its northern and southern flanks. The trenches enabled recording at least three strong ancient earthquakes. Presently, results of radiocarbon age estimations of those events are expected. The Javakheti Fault may pose considerable seismic hazard for trans-boundary areas of Armenia and Georgia as its northern flank is located at the distance of 15 km from the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.

Stacking fault energy of face-centered cubic metals: thermodynamic and ab initio approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ruihuan; Lu, Song; Kim, Dongyoo; Schönecker, Stephan; Zhao, Jijun; Kwon, Se Kyun; Vitos, Levente

2016-10-01

The formation energy of the interface between face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close packed (hcp) structures is a key parameter in determining the stacking fault energy (SFE) of fcc metals and alloys using thermodynamic calculations. It is often assumed that the contribution of the planar fault energy to the SFE has the same order of magnitude as the bulk part, and thus the lack of precise information about it can become the limiting factor in thermodynamic predictions. Here, we differentiate between the interfacial energy for the coherent fcc(1 1 1)/hcp(0 0 0 1) interface and the ‘pseudo-interfacial energy’ that enters the thermodynamic expression for the SFE. Using first-principles calculations, we determine the coherent and pseudo-interfacial energies for six elemental metals (Al, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt, and Au) and three paramagnetic Fe-Cr-Ni alloys. Our results show that the two interfacial energies significantly differ from each other. We observe a strong chemistry dependence for both interfacial energies. The calculated pseudo-interfacial energies for the Fe-Cr-Ni steels agree well with the available literature data. We discuss the effects of strain on the description of planar faults via thermodynamic and ab initio approaches.

Stacking fault energy of face-centered cubic metals: thermodynamic and ab initio approaches.

PubMed

Li, Ruihuan; Lu, Song; Kim, Dongyoo; Schönecker, Stephan; Zhao, Jijun; Kwon, Se Kyun; Vitos, Levente

2016-10-05

The formation energy of the interface between face-centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close packed (hcp) structures is a key parameter in determining the stacking fault energy (SFE) of fcc metals and alloys using thermodynamic calculations. It is often assumed that the contribution of the planar fault energy to the SFE has the same order of magnitude as the bulk part, and thus the lack of precise information about it can become the limiting factor in thermodynamic predictions. Here, we differentiate between the interfacial energy for the coherent fcc(1 1 1)/hcp(0 0 0 1) interface and the 'pseudo-interfacial energy' that enters the thermodynamic expression for the SFE. Using first-principles calculations, we determine the coherent and pseudo-interfacial energies for six elemental metals (Al, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt, and Au) and three paramagnetic Fe-Cr-Ni alloys. Our results show that the two interfacial energies significantly differ from each other. We observe a strong chemistry dependence for both interfacial energies. The calculated pseudo-interfacial energies for the Fe-Cr-Ni steels agree well with the available literature data. We discuss the effects of strain on the description of planar faults via thermodynamic and ab initio approaches.

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of the effects of stacking faults on the radiation response of 3C-SiC

PubMed Central

Jiang, M.; Peng, S. M.; Zhang, H. B.; Xu, C. H.; Xiao, H. Y.; Zhao, F. A.; Liu, Z. J.; Zu, X. T.

2016-01-01

In this study, an ab initio molecular dynamics method is employed to investigate how the existence of stacking faults (SFs) influences the response of SiC to low energy irradiation. It reveals that the C and Si atoms around the SFs are generally more difficult to be displaced than those in unfaulted SiC, and the corresponding threshold displacement energies for them are generally larger, indicative of enhanced radiation tolerance caused by the introduction of SFs, which agrees well with the recent experiment. As compared with the unfaulted state, more localized point defects are generated in faulted SiC. Also, the efficiency of damage production for Si recoils is generally higher than that of C recoils. The calculated potential energy increases for defect generation in SiC with intrinsic and extrinsic SFs are found to be higher than those in unfaulted SiC, due to the stronger screen-Coulomb interaction between the PKA and its neighbors. The presented results provide a fundamental insight into the underlying mechanism of displacement events in faulted SiC and will help to advance the understanding of the radiation response of SiC with and without SFs. PMID:26880027

Late Cenozoic strike-slip faulting in the NE Mojave Block: Deformation at the southwest boundary of the Walker Lane belt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schermer, E.R.

1993-04-01

New structural and stratigraphy data from the NE Mojave Block (NEMB) establish the timing and style of Cenozoic deformation south of the Garlock fault and west of the Avawatz Mts. Unlike adjacent areas, most of the NEMB did not undergo early-mid Miocene extension. Major fault zones strike EW; offset markers and small-scale shear criteria indicate left-lateral strike slip with a small reverse component. Lateral offsets average ca. 1--6 km and vertical offset is locally >200m. Pre-Tertiary markers indicate minimum cumulative sinistral shear of ca. 15 km in the area between the Garlock and Coyote Lake faults. Tertiary strata are deformedmore » together with the older rocks. Along the Ft. Irwin fault, alluvial fan deposits interpreted to be <11Ma appear to be displaced as much as Mesozoic igneous rocks. EW sinistral faults S. of the Garlock fault cut unconsolidated Quaternary deposits; geomorphologic features and trench exposures along segments of the McLean Lake fault and the Tiefort Mt. fault suggest Late Quaternary activity. The EW faults do not cut modern drainages and are not seismically active. NW-striking faults are largely absent within the NEMB; the largest faults bound the domain of EW-striking faults. Offset of Cretaceous and Miocene rocks suggests the W boundary (Goldstone Lake fault) has <2km right separation. Along the E boundary (Soda-Avawatz fault zone), the presence of distinctive clasts in mid-late Miocene conglomerates west of the Avawatz Mts. supports the suggestion of Brady (1984) of ca. 20 km dextral displacement. Other NW-striking faults are cut by EW faults, have unknown or minor dextral displacement (Desert King Spring Fault, Garlic Spring fault) or are low- to moderate-angle left-oblique thrust faults (Red Pass Lake fault zone).« less

Owen Fracture Zone: The Arabia-India plate boundary unveiled

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, M.; Chamot-Rooke, N.; Rodriguez, M.; Huchon, P.; Petit, C.; Beslier, M. O.; Zaragosi, S.

2011-02-01

We surveyed the Owen Fracture Zone at the boundary between the Arabia and India plates in the NW Indian Ocean using a high-resolution multibeam echo-sounder (Owen cruise, 2009) for search of active faults. Bathymetric data reveal a previously unrecognized submarine fault scarp system running for over 800 km between the Sheba Ridge in the Gulf of Aden and the Makran subduction zone. The primary plate boundary structure is not the bathymetrically high Owen Ridge, but is instead a series of clearly delineated strike-slip fault segments separated by several releasing and restraining bends. Despite an abundant sedimentary supply by the Indus River flowing from the Himalaya, fault scarps are not obscured by recent deposits and can be followed over hundreds of kilometres, pointing to very active tectonics. The total strike-slip displacement of the fault system is 10-12 km, indicating that it has been active for the past ~ 3 to 6 Ma if its current rate of motion of 3 ± 1 mm yr- 1 has remained stable. We describe the geometry of this recent fault system, including a major pull-apart basin at the latitude 20°N, and we show that it closely follows an arc of small circle centred on the Arabia-India pole of rotation, as expected for a transform plate boundary.

Continuation, south of Oaxaca City (southern Mexico) of the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary and of the Oaxaca Fault. Based in MT, gravity and magnetic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos-Enriquez, J. O.; Corbo, F.; Arzate-Flores, J.; Belmonte-Jimenez, S.; Arango-Galván, C.

2010-12-01

The Oaxaca Fault represents Tertiary extensional reactivation of the Juarez shear zone constituting the boundary-suture between the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes (southern Mexico). South of Oaxaca City, the fault trace disappears and there are not clear evidences for its southward continuation at depth. The crust in southern México has been studied through seismic refraction, and seismological and magnetotelluric (MT) studies. The refraction studies did not image the Oaxaca Fault. However, previous regional MT studies suggest that the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary lies to the east of the Zaachila and Mitla sub-basins, which implies sinistral displacement along the Donaji Fault. Campos-Enriquez et al. (2009) established the shallow structure of the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary based in detailed gravity and magnetic studies. This study enabled: 1) to establish the shallow structure of the composite depression comprising three N-S sub-basins: the northern Etla and southern Zaachila sub-basins separated by the Atzompa sub-basin. According to the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary is displaced sinistrally ca. 20 km along the E-W Donají Fault, which defines the northern boundary of the Zaachila sub-basin. At the same time,, the Oaxaca Fault may either continue unbroken southwards along the western margin of a horst in the Zaachila sub-basin or be offset along with the terrane boundary. This model implies that originally the suture was continuous south of the Donaji Fault. A constraint for the accreation of the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes. Thirty MT soundings were done in the area of the Central Valleys, Oaxaca City (southern Mexico). In particular we wanted to image the possible southward continuation of the Oaxaca Fault. 22 Mt sounding are located along two NE-SW profiles to the northern and to the south of the City of Oaxaca. To the north of Oaxaca City, the electrical resistivity distribution obtained show a clear discontinuity across the superficial trace of the Oaxaca Fault that can be associated to the contact between the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes. The most conspicuous conductive feature is associated with the Juarez terrane, while the resistivity high observed to the SW of the northern profile is associated with the Oaxaca terrane. South of Oaxaca City (on the southern profile), the Oaxaca Fault is still observed but here it does not reach deep crustal levels. But contrastingly, a conspicuous resistivity low is observed dipping to the east and affecting crust at deep levels, that is being interpreted as the suture of the above mentioned terranes. Also the suture between the Oaxaca and Acatlan complexes (i.e., between the Oaxaca and Mixteco terranes) are also observed on the MT images. As a main result we have that the Oaxacan Complex continues eastward across the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary

Size effect on the deformation mechanisms of nanocrystalline platinum thin films.

PubMed

Shu, Xinyu; Kong, Deli; Lu, Yan; Long, Haibo; Sun, Shiduo; Sha, Xuechao; Zhou, Hao; Chen, Yanhui; Mao, Shengcheng; Liu, Yinong

2017-10-16

This paper reports a study of time-resolved deformation process at the atomic scale of a nanocrystalline Pt thin film captured in situ under a transmission electron microscope. The main mechanism of plastic deformation was found to evolve from full dislocation activity-enabled plasticity in large grains (with grain size d > 10 nm), to partial dislocation plasticity in smaller grains (with grain size 10 nm < d < 6 nm), and grain boundary-mediated plasticity in the matrix with grain sizes d < 6 nm. The critical grain size for the transition from full dislocation activity to partial dislocation activity was estimated based on consideration of stacking fault energy. For grain boundary-mediated plasticity, the possible contributions to strain rate of grain creep, grain sliding and grain rotation to plastic deformation were estimated using established models. The contribution of grain creep is found to be negligible, the contribution of grain rotation is effective but limited in magnitude, and grain sliding is suggested to be the dominant deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline Pt thin films. This study provided the direct evidence of these deformation processes at the atomic scale.

Boundary element analysis of active mountain building and stress heterogeneity proximal to the 2015 Nepal earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, T. B.; Meade, B. J.

2015-12-01

The Himalayas are the tallest mountains on Earth with ten peaks exceeding 8000 meters, including Mt. Everest. The geometrically complex fault system at the Himalayan Range Front produces both great relief and great earthquakes, like the recent Mw=7.8 Nepal rupture. Here, we develop geometrically accurate elastic boundary element models of the fault system at the Himalayan Range Front including the Main Central Thrust, South Tibetan Detachment, Main Frontal Thrust, Main Boundary Thrust, the basal detachment, and surface topography. Using these models, we constrain the tectonic driving forces and frictional fault strength required to explain Quaternary fault slip rate estimates. These models provide a characterization of the heterogeneity of internal stress in the region surrounding the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Improvement of optical quality of semipolar (11 2 ¯ 2 ) GaN on m-plane sapphire by in-situ epitaxial lateral overgrowth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monavarian, Morteza; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Müller, Marcus; Metzner, Sebastian; Veit, Peter; Can, Nuri; Das, Saikat; Özgür, Ümit; Bertram, Frank; Christen, Jürgen; Morkoç, Hadis; Avrutin, Vitaliy

2016-04-01

Among the major obstacles for development of non-polar and semipolar GaN structures on foreign substrates are stacking faults which deteriorate the structural and optical quality of the material. In this work, an in-situ SiNx nano-network has been employed to achieve high quality heteroepitaxial semipolar (11 2 ¯ 2 ) GaN on m-plane sapphire with reduced stacking fault density. This approach involves in-situ deposition of a porous SiNx interlayer on GaN that serves as a nano-mask for the subsequent growth, which starts in the nanometer-sized pores (window regions) and then progresses laterally as well, as in the case of conventional epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO). The inserted SiNx nano-mask effectively prevents the propagation of defects, such as dislocations and stacking faults, in the growth direction and thus reduces their density in the overgrown layers. The resulting semipolar (11 2 ¯ 2 ) GaN layers exhibit relatively smooth surface morphology and improved optical properties (PL intensity enhanced by a factor of 5 and carrier lifetimes by 35% to 85% compared to the reference semipolar (11 2 ¯ 2 ) GaN layer) which approach to those of the c-plane in-situ nano-ELO GaN reference and, therefore, holds promise for light emitting and detecting devices.

Microstructures and rheology of a calcite-shale thrust fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wells, Rachel K.; Newman, Julie; Wojtal, Steven

2014-08-01

A thin (˜2 cm) layer of extensively sheared fault rock decorates the ˜15 km displacement Copper Creek thrust at an exposure near Knoxville, TN (USA). In these ultrafine-grained (<0.3 μm) fault rocks, interpenetrating calcite grains form an interconnected network around shale clasts. One cm below the fault rock layer, sedimentary laminations in non-penetratively deformed footwall shale are cut by calcite veins, small faults, and stylolites. A 350 μm thick calcite vein separates the fault rocks and footwall shale. The vein is composed of layers of (1) coarse calcite grains (>5 μm) that exhibit a lattice preferred orientation (LPO) with pores at twin-twin and twin-grain boundary intersections, and (2) ultrafine-grained (0.3 μm) calcite that exhibits interpenetrating grain boundaries, four-grain junctions and lacks a LPO. Coarse calcite layers crosscut ultrafine-grained layers indicating intermittent vein formation during shearing. Calcite in the fault rock layer is derived from vein calcite and grain-size reduction of calcite took place by plasticity-induced fracture. The ultrafine-grained calcite deformed primarily by diffusion-accommodated grain boundary sliding and formed an interconnected network around shale clasts within the shear zone. The interconnected network of ultrafine-grained calcite indicates that calcite, not shale, was the weak phase in this fault zone.

Systematic Underestimation of Earthquake Magnitudes from Large Intracontinental Reverse Faults: Historical Ruptures Break Across Segment Boundaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubin, C. M.

1996-01-01

Because most large-magnitude earthquakes along reverse faults have such irregular and complicated rupture patterns, reverse-fault segments defined on the basis of geometry alone may not be very useful for estimating sizes of future seismic sources. Most modern large ruptures of historical earthquakes generated by intracontinental reverse faults have involved geometrically complex rupture patterns. Ruptures across surficial discontinuities and complexities such as stepovers and cross-faults are common. Specifically, segment boundaries defined on the basis of discontinuities in surficial fault traces, pronounced changes in the geomorphology along strike, or the intersection of active faults commonly have not proven to be major impediments to rupture. Assuming that the seismic rupture will initiate and terminate at adjacent major geometric irregularities will commonly lead to underestimation of magnitudes of future large earthquakes.

Atomic configurations at InAs partial dislocation cores associated with Z-shape faulted dipoles.

PubMed

Li, Luying; Gan, Zhaofeng; McCartney, Martha R; Liang, Hanshuang; Yu, Hongbin; Gao, Yihua; Wang, Jianbo; Smith, David J

2013-11-15

The atomic arrangements of two types of InAs dislocation cores associated by a Z-shape faulted dipole are observed directly by aberration-corrected high-angle annular-dark-field imaging. Single unpaired columns of different atoms in a matrix of dumbbells are clearly resolved, with observable variations of bonding lengths due to excess Coulomb force from bare ions at the dislocation core. The corresponding geometric phase analysis provides confirmation that the dislocation cores serve as origins of strain field inversion while stacking faults maintain the existing strain status.

Diffraction Seismic Imaging of the Chalk Group Reservoir Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montazeri, M.; Fomel, S.; Nielsen, L.

2016-12-01

In this study we investigate seismic diffracted waves instead of seismic reflected waves, which are usually much stronger and carry most of the information regarding subsurface structures. The goal of this study is to improve imaging of small subsurface features such as faults and fractures. Moreover, we focus on the Chalk Group, which contains important groundwater resources onshore and oil and gas reservoirs in the Danish sector of the North Sea. Finding optimum seismic velocity models for the Chalk Group and estimating high-quality stacked sections with conventional processing methods are challenging tasks. Here, we try to filter out as much as possible of undesired arrivals before stacking the seismic data. Further, a plane-wave destruction method is applied on the seismic stack in order to dampen the reflection events and thereby enhance the visibility of the diffraction events. After this initial processing, we estimate the optimum migration velocity using diffraction events in order to obtain a better resolution stack. The results from this study demonstrate how diffraction imaging can be used as an additional tool for improving the images of small-scale features in the Chalk Group reservoir, in particular faults and fractures. Moreover, we discuss the potential of applying this approach in future studies focused on such reservoirs.

Subsurface structures of the active reverse fault zones in Japan inferred from gravity anomalies.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, N.; Sawada, A.; Hiramatsu, Y.; Okada, S.; Tanaka, T.; Honda, R.

2016-12-01

The object of our study is to examine subsurface features such as continuity, segmentation and faulting type, of the active reverse fault zones. We use the gravity data published by the Gravity Research Group in Southwest Japan (2001), the Geographical Survey Institute (2006), Yamamoto et al. (2011), Honda et al. (2012), and the Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (2013) in this study. We obtained the Bouguer anomalies through terrain corrections with 10 m DEM (Sawada et al. 2015) under the assumed density of 2670 kg/m3, a band-pass filtering, and removal of linear trend. Several derivatives and structural parameters calculated from a gravity gradient tensor are applied to highlight the features, such as a first horizontal derivatives (HD), a first vertical derivatives (VD), a normalized total horizontal derivative (TDX), a dip angle (β), and a dimensionality index (Di). We analyzed 43 reverse fault zones in northeast Japan and the northern part of southwest Japan among major active fault zones selected by Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion. As the results, the subsurface structural boundaries clearly appear along the faults at 21 faults zones. The weak correlations appear at 13 fault zones, and no correlations are recognized at 9 fault zones. For example, in the Itoigawa-Shizuoka tectonic line, the subsurface structure boundary seems to extend further north than the surface trace. Also, a left stepping structure of the fault around Hakuba is more clearly observed with HD. The subsurface structures, which detected as the higher values of HD, are distributed on the east side of the surface rupture in the north segments and on the west side in the south segments, indicating a change of the dip direction, the east dipping to the west dipping, from north to south. In the Yokote basin fault zone, the subsurface structural boundary are clearly detected with HD, VD and TDX along the fault zone in the north segment, but less clearly in the south segment. Also, Di implies the existence of 3D-like structure with E-W trend around the segment boundary. The distribution of dip angle β along the fault zone implies a reverse faulting, corresponding to the faulting type of this fault zone reported by previous studies.

Structural modifications due to interface chemistry at metal-nitride interfaces

DOE PAGES

Yadav, S. K.; Shao, S.; Wang, J.; ...

2015-11-27

Based on accurate first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an unusual phenomenon of interfacial structural modifications, due to the interface chemistry influence is identified at two metal-nitride interfaces with strong metal-nitrogen affinity, Al/TiN {111} and Al/VN {111} interfaces. It is shown that at such interfaces, a faulted stacking structure is energetically preferred on the Al side of the interface. And both intrinsic and extrinsic stacking fault energies in the vicinity Al layers are negligibly small. However, such phenomenon does not occur in Pt/TiN and Pt/VN interfaces because of the weak Pt-N affinity. As a result, corresponding to structural energiesmore » of metal-nitride interfaces, the linear elasticity analysis predicts characteristics of interfacial misfit dislocations at metal-nitride interfaces.« less

Structural modifications due to interface chemistry at metal-nitride interfaces

PubMed Central

Yadav, S. K.; Shao, S.; Wang, J.; Liu, X.-Y.

2015-01-01

Based on accurate first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an unusual phenomenon of interfacial structural modifications, due to the interface chemistry influence is identified at two metal-nitride interfaces with strong metal-nitrogen affinity, Al/TiN {111} and Al/VN {111} interfaces. It is shown that at such interfaces, a faulted stacking structure is energetically preferred on the Al side of the interface. And both intrinsic and extrinsic stacking fault energies in the vicinity Al layers are negligibly small. However, such phenomenon does not occur in Pt/TiN and Pt/VN interfaces because of the weak Pt-N affinity. Corresponding to structural energies of metal-nitride interfaces, the linear elasticity analysis predicts characteristics of interfacial misfit dislocations at metal-nitride interfaces. PMID:26611639

Atomistic structures of nano-engineered SiC and radiation-induced amorphization resistance

DOE PAGES

Imada, Kenta; Ishimaru, Manabu; Sato, Kazuhisa; ...

2015-06-18

In this paper, nano-engineered 3C–SiC thin films, which possess columnar structures with high-density stacking faults and twins, were irradiated with 2 MeV Si ions at cryogenic and room temperatures. From cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations in combination with Monte Carlo simulations based on the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter code, it was found that their amorphization resistance is six times greater than bulk crystalline SiC at room temperature. High-angle bright-field images taken by spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the distortion of atomic configurations is localized near the stacking faults. Finally, the resultant strain fieldmore » probably contributes to the enhancement of radiation tolerance of this material.« less

Wurtzite/zinc-blende electronic-band alignment in basal-plane stacking faults in semi-polar GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monavarian, Morteza; Hafiz, Shopan; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Das, Saikat; Özgür, Ümit; Morkoç, Hadis; Avrutin, Vitaliy

2016-02-01

Heteroepitaxial semipolar and nonpolar GaN layers often suffer from high densities of extended defects including basal plane stacking faults (BSFs). BSFs which are considered as inclusions of cubic zinc-blende phase in wurtzite matrix act as quantum wells strongly affecting device performance. Band alignment in BSFs has been discussed as type of band alignment at the wurtzite/zinc blende interface governs the response in differential transmission; fast decay after the pulse followed by slow recovery due to spatial splitting of electrons and heavy holes for type- II band alignment in contrast to decay with no recovery in case of type I band alignment. Based on the results, band alignment is demonstrated to be of type II in zinc-blende segments in wurtzite matrix as in BSFs.

Using Paleoseismic Trenching and LiDAR Analysis to Evaluate Rupture Propagation Through Segment Boundaries of the Central Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, S. E. K.; DuRoss, C. B.; Reitman, N. G.; Devore, J. R.; Hiscock, A.; Gold, R. D.; Briggs, R. W.; Personius, S. F.

2014-12-01

Paleoseismic data near fault segment boundaries constrain the extent of past surface ruptures and the persistence of rupture termination at segment boundaries. Paleoseismic evidence for large (M≥7.0) earthquakes on the central Holocene-active fault segments of the 350-km-long Wasatch fault zone (WFZ) generally supports single-segment ruptures but also permits multi-segment rupture scenarios. The extent and frequency of ruptures that span segment boundaries remains poorly known, adding uncertainty to seismic hazard models for this populated region of Utah. To address these uncertainties we conducted four paleoseismic investigations near the Salt Lake City-Provo and Provo-Nephi segment boundaries of the WFZ. We examined an exposure of the WFZ at Maple Canyon (Woodland Hills, UT) and excavated the Flat Canyon trench (Salem, UT), 7 and 11 km, respectively, from the southern tip of the Provo segment. We document evidence for at least five earthquakes at Maple Canyon and four to seven earthquakes that post-date mid-Holocene fan deposits at Flat Canyon. These earthquake chronologies will be compared to seven earthquakes observed in previous trenches on the northern Nephi segment to assess rupture correlation across the Provo-Nephi segment boundary. To assess rupture correlation across the Salt Lake City-Provo segment boundary we excavated the Alpine trench (Alpine, UT), 1 km from the northern tip of the Provo segment, and the Corner Canyon trench (Draper, UT) 1 km from the southern tip of the Salt Lake City segment. We document evidence for six earthquakes at both sites. Ongoing geochronologic analysis (14C, optically stimulated luminescence) will constrain earthquake chronologies and help identify through-going ruptures across these segment boundaries. Analysis of new high-resolution (0.5m) airborne LiDAR along the entire WFZ will quantify latest Quaternary displacements and slip rates and document spatial and temporal slip patterns near fault segment boundaries.

Structure and composition of the plate-boundary slip zone for the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake.

PubMed

Chester, Frederick M; Rowe, Christie; Ujiie, Kohtaro; Kirkpatrick, James; Regalla, Christine; Remitti, Francesca; Moore, J Casey; Toy, Virginia; Wolfson-Schwehr, Monica; Bose, Santanu; Kameda, Jun; Mori, James J; Brodsky, Emily E; Eguchi, Nobuhisa; Toczko, Sean

2013-12-06

The mechanics of great subduction earthquakes are influenced by the frictional properties, structure, and composition of the plate-boundary fault. We present observations of the structure and composition of the shallow source fault of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake and tsunami from boreholes drilled by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 343 and 343T. Logging-while-drilling and core-sample observations show a single major plate-boundary fault accommodated the large slip of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake rupture, as well as nearly all the cumulative interplate motion at the drill site. The localization of deformation onto a limited thickness (less than 5 meters) of pelagic clay is the defining characteristic of the shallow earthquake fault, suggesting that the pelagic clay may be a regionally important control on tsunamigenic earthquakes.

The Design of a Fault-Tolerant COTS-Based Bus Architecture for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chau, Savio N.; Alkalai, Leon; Tai, Ann T.

2000-01-01

The high-performance, scalability and miniaturization requirements together with the power, mass and cost constraints mandate the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and standards in the X2000 avionics system architecture for deep-space missions. In this paper, we report our experiences and findings on the design of an IEEE 1394 compliant fault-tolerant COTS-based bus architecture. While the COTS standard IEEE 1394 adequately supports power management, high performance and scalability, its topological criteria impose restrictions on fault tolerance realization. To circumvent the difficulties, we derive a "stack-tree" topology that not only complies with the IEEE 1394 standard but also facilitates fault tolerance realization in a spaceborne system with limited dedicated resource redundancies. Moreover, by exploiting pertinent standard features of the 1394 interface which are not purposely designed for fault tolerance, we devise a comprehensive set of fault detection mechanisms to support the fault-tolerant bus architecture.

Precise tremor source locations and amplitude variations along the lower-crustal central San Andreas Fault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shelly, David R.; Hardebeck, Jeanne L.

2010-01-01

We precisely locate 88 tremor families along the central San Andreas Fault using a 3D velocity model and numerous P and S wave arrival times estimated from seismogram stacks of up to 400 events per tremor family. Maximum tremor amplitudes vary along the fault by at least a factor of 7, with by far the strongest sources along a 25 km section of the fault southeast of Parkfield. We also identify many weaker tremor families, which have largely escaped prior detection. Together, these sources extend 150 km along the fault, beneath creeping, transitional, and locked sections of the upper crustal fault. Depths are mostly between 18 and 28 km, in the lower crust. Epicenters are concentrated within 3 km of the surface trace, implying a nearly vertical fault. A prominent gap in detectible activity is located directly beneath the region of maximum slip in the 2004 magnitude 6.0 Parkfield earthquake.

Clustering on Magnesium Surfaces – Formation and Diffusion Energies

DOE PAGES

Chu, Haijian; Huang, Hanchen; Wang, Jian

2017-07-12

The formation and diffusion energies of atomic clusters on Mg surfaces determine the surface roughness and formation of faulted structure, which in turn affect the mechanical deformation of Mg. This paper reports first principles density function theory (DFT) based quantum mechanics calculation results of atomic clustering on the low energy surfaces {0001} and {more » $$\\bar{1}$$011} . In parallel, molecular statics calculations serve to test the validity of two interatomic potentials and to extend the scope of the DFT studies. On a {0001} surface, a compact cluster consisting of few than three atoms energetically prefers a face-centered-cubic stacking, to serve as a nucleus of stacking fault. On a {$$\\bar{1}$$011} , clusters of any size always prefer hexagonal-close-packed stacking. Adatom diffusion on surface {$$\\bar{1}$$011} is high anisotropic while isotropic on surface (0001). Three-dimensional Ehrlich–Schwoebel barriers converge as the step height is three atomic layers or thicker. FInally, adatom diffusion along steps is via hopping mechanism, and that down steps is via exchange mechanism.« less

Clustering on Magnesium Surfaces – Formation and Diffusion Energies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chu, Haijian; Huang, Hanchen; Wang, Jian

The formation and diffusion energies of atomic clusters on Mg surfaces determine the surface roughness and formation of faulted structure, which in turn affect the mechanical deformation of Mg. This paper reports first principles density function theory (DFT) based quantum mechanics calculation results of atomic clustering on the low energy surfaces {0001} and {more » $$\\bar{1}$$011} . In parallel, molecular statics calculations serve to test the validity of two interatomic potentials and to extend the scope of the DFT studies. On a {0001} surface, a compact cluster consisting of few than three atoms energetically prefers a face-centered-cubic stacking, to serve as a nucleus of stacking fault. On a {$$\\bar{1}$$011} , clusters of any size always prefer hexagonal-close-packed stacking. Adatom diffusion on surface {$$\\bar{1}$$011} is high anisotropic while isotropic on surface (0001). Three-dimensional Ehrlich–Schwoebel barriers converge as the step height is three atomic layers or thicker. FInally, adatom diffusion along steps is via hopping mechanism, and that down steps is via exchange mechanism.« less

Structure analysis of Si(111)-7 × 7 reconstructed surface by transmission electron diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayanagi, Kunio; Tanishiro, Yasumasa; Takahashi, Shigeki; Takahashi, Masaetsu

1985-12-01

The atomic structure of the 7 × 7 reconstructed Si(111) surface has been analysed by ultra-high vacuum (UHV) transmission electron diffraction (TED). A possible projected structure of the surface is deduced from the intensity distribution in TED patterns of normal electron incidence and from Patterson and Fourier syntheses of the intensities. A new three-dimensional structure model, the DAS model, is proposed: The model consists of 12 adatoms arranged locally in the 2 × 2 structure, a stacking fault layer and a layer with a vacancy at the corner and 9 dimers on the sides of each of the two triangular subcells of the 7 × 7 unit cell. The silicon layers in one subcell are stacked with the normal sequence, CcAaB + adatoms, while those in the other subcell are stacked with a faulted sequence, CcAa/C + adatoms. The model has only 19 dangling bonds, the smallest number among models so far proposed. Previously proposed models are tested quantitatively by the TED intensity. Advantages and limits of the TED analysis are discussed.

Misinterpretation of lateral acoustic variations on high-resolution seismic reflection profiles as fault offsets of Holocene bay mud beneath the southern part of San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marlow, M. S.; Hart, P.E.; Carlson, P.R.; Childs, J. R.; Mann, D. M.; Anima, R.J.; Kayen, R.E.

1996-01-01

We collected high-resolution seismic reflection profiles in the southern part of San Francisco Bay in 1992 and 1993 to investigate possible Holocene faulting along postulated transbay bedrock fault zones. The initial analog records show apparent offsets of reflection packages along sharp vertical boundaries. These records were originally interpreted as showing a complex series of faults along closely spaced, sharp vertical boundaries in the upper 10 m (0.013 s two-way travel time) of Holocene bay mud. A subsequent survey in 1994 was run with a different seismic reflection system, which utilized a higher power source. This second system generated records with deeper penetration (max. 20 m, 0.026 s two-way travel time) and demonstrated that the reflections originally interpreted as fault offsets by faulting were actually laterally continuous reflection horizons. The pitfall in the original interpretations was caused by lateral variations in the amplitude brightness of reflection events, coupled with a long (greater than 15 ms) source signature of the low-power system. These effects combined to show apparent offsets of reflection packages along sharp vertical boundaries. These boundaries, as shown by the second system, in fact occur where the reflection amplitude diminishes abruptly on laterally continuous reflection events. This striking lateral variation in reflection amplitude is attributable to the localized presence of biogenic(?) gas.

On boundary-element models of elastic fault interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, T. W.; Schott, B.

2002-12-01

We present the freely available, modular, and UNIX command-line based boundary-element program interact. It is yet another implementation of Crouch and Starfield's (1983) 2-D and Okada's (1992) half-space solutions for constant slip on planar fault segments in an elastic medium. Using unconstrained or non-negative, standard-package matrix routines, the code can solve for slip distributions on faults given stress boundary conditions, or vice versa, both in a local or global reference frame. Based on examples of complex fault geometries from structural geology, we discuss the effects of different stress boundary conditions on the predicted slip distributions of interacting fault systems. Such one-step calculations can be useful to estimate the moment-release efficiency of alternative fault geometries, and so to evaluate the likelihood which system may be realized in nature. A further application of the program is the simulation of cyclic fault rupture based on simple static-kinetic friction laws. We comment on two issues: First, that of the appropriate rupture algorithm. Cellular models of seismicity often employ an exhaustive rupture scheme: fault cells fail if some critical stress is reached, then cells slip once-only by a given amount, and subsequently the redistributed stress is used to check for triggered activations on other cells. We show that this procedure can lead to artificial complexity in seismicity if time-to-failure is not calculated carefully because of numerical noise. Second, we address the question if foreshocks can be viewed as direct expressions of a simple statistical distribution of frictional strength on individual faults. Repetitive failure models based on a random distribution of frictional coefficients initially show irregular seismicity. By repeatedly selecting weaker patches, the fault then evolves into a quasi-periodic cycle. Each time, the pre-mainshock events build up the cumulative moment release in a non-linear fashion. These temporal seismicity patterns roughly resemble the accelerated moment-release features which are sometimes observed in nature.

The emergence of asymmetric normal fault systems under symmetric boundary conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schöpfer, Martin P. J.; Childs, Conrad; Manzocchi, Tom; Walsh, John J.; Nicol, Andrew; Grasemann, Bernhard

2017-11-01

Many normal fault systems and, on a smaller scale, fracture boudinage often exhibit asymmetry with one fault dip direction dominating. It is a common belief that the formation of domino and shear band boudinage with a monoclinic symmetry requires a component of layer parallel shearing. Moreover, domains of parallel faults are frequently used to infer the presence of a décollement. Using Distinct Element Method (DEM) modelling we show, that asymmetric fault systems can emerge under symmetric boundary conditions. A statistical analysis of DEM models suggests that the fault dip directions and system polarities can be explained using a random process if the strength contrast between the brittle layer and the surrounding material is high. The models indicate that domino and shear band boudinage are unreliable shear-sense indicators. Moreover, the presence of a décollement should not be inferred on the basis of a domain of parallel faults alone.

The western limits of the Seattle fault zone and its interaction with the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

A.P. Lamb,; L.M. Liberty,; Blakely, Richard J.; Pratt, Thomas L.; Sherrod, B.L.; Van Wijk, K.

2012-01-01

We present evidence that the Seattle fault zone of Washington State extends to the west edge of the Puget Lowland and is kinemati-cally linked to active faults that border the Olympic Massif, including the Saddle Moun-tain deformation zone. Newly acquired high-resolution seismic reflection and marine magnetic data suggest that the Seattle fault zone extends west beyond the Seattle Basin to form a >100-km-long active fault zone. We provide evidence for a strain transfer zone, expressed as a broad set of faults and folds connecting the Seattle and Saddle Mountain deformation zones near Hood Canal. This connection provides an explanation for the apparent synchroneity of M7 earthquakes on the two fault systems ~1100 yr ago. We redefi ne the boundary of the Tacoma Basin to include the previously termed Dewatto basin and show that the Tacoma fault, the southern part of which is a backthrust of the Seattle fault zone, links with a previously unidentifi ed fault along the western margin of the Seattle uplift. We model this north-south fault, termed the Dewatto fault, along the western margin of the Seattle uplift as a low-angle thrust that initiated with exhu-mation of the Olympic Massif and today accommodates north-directed motion. The Tacoma and Dewatto faults likely control both the southern and western boundaries of the Seattle uplift. The inferred strain trans-fer zone linking the Seattle fault zone and Saddle Mountain deformation zone defi nes the northern margin of the Tacoma Basin, and the Saddle Mountain deformation zone forms the northwestern boundary of the Tacoma Basin. Our observations and model suggest that the western portions of the Seattle fault zone and Tacoma fault are com-plex, require temporal variations in principal strain directions, and cannot be modeled as a simple thrust and/or backthrust system.

Exhumation History of an Oblique Plate Boundary: Investigating Kaikoura Mountain-building within the Marlborough Fault System, NE South Island New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collett, C.; Duvall, A. R.; Flowers, R. M.; Tucker, G. E.

2015-12-01

The Kaikoura Mountains stand high as topographic anomalies in the oblique Pacific-Australian plate boundary zone known as the Marlborough Fault System (MFS), NE South Island New Zealand. The base of both the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges are bound on the SE by major, steeply NW-dipping, right lateral, active strike-slips (Clarence and Hope faults of the MFS, respectively). Previous geologic mapping, observations of predominantly horizontal fault slip at the surface from GPS and offset Quaternary deposits, and uplift of marine terraces, provide evidence for shortening and mountain-building via distributed deformation off of the main MFS strike-slip faults. However, quantitative estimates of the magnitude and spatial patterns of exhumation and of the timing of mountain-building in the Kaikouras are needed to understand more fully the nature of oblique deformation in the MFS. We present new apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He ages from opposite sides of the Hope and Clarence faults, spanning over 2 km of relief within the Kaikoura Mountains to identify spatial and temporal changes in exhumation rates in relation to the adjacent faults. Young (~3 Ma) apatite He ages and rapid (potentially > 1 mm/yr) exhumation rates from opposite sides of the faults are consistent with previously mentioned evidence of recent, regional, distributed deformation off of the main MFS faults. Moreover, early Miocene zircon He ages imply that parts of this region experienced an earlier phase of fault-related exhumation. Large changes in zircon He ages across the faults from ~20 Ma to > 100 Ma support hypotheses that portions of the Marlborough Faults may be re-activated, early Miocene thrusts. The zircon data are also consistent with the hypothesis of an early Miocene initiation of the oblique Pacific-Australian plate boundary in this region. Evidence for this comes from a change in sedimentation during this time from fine marine sediments to coarse, terrigenous conglomerates. Observing more than one phase of deformation in this active, oblique tectonic setting provides a new quantitative assessment of the evolution of the Pacific-Australian plate boundary in this region and how the accommodation of deformation may change over time.

New Evidence for Quaternary Strain Partitioning Along the Queen Charlotte Fault System, Southeastern Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, M. A. L.; Miller, N. C.; Brothers, D. S.; Kluesner, J.; Haeussler, P. J.; Conrad, J. E.; Andrews, B. D.; Ten Brink, U. S.

2017-12-01

The Queen Charlotte Fault (QCF) is a fast-moving ( 53 mm/yr) transform plate boundary fault separating the Pacific Plate from the North American Plate along western Canada and southeastern Alaska. New high-resolution bathymetric data along the fault show that the QCF main trace accommodates nearly all strike-slip plate motion along a single narrow deformation zone, though questions remain about how and where smaller amounts of oblique convergence are accommodated along-strike. Obliquity and convergence rates are highest in the south, where the 2012 Haida Gwaii, British Columbia MW 7.8 thrust earthquake was likely caused by Pacific underthrusting. In the north, where obliquity is lower, aftershocks from the 2013 Craig, Alaska MW 7.5 strike-slip earthquake also indicate active convergent deformation on the Pacific (west) side of the plate boundary. Off-fault structures previously mapped in legacy crustal-scale seismic profiles may therefore be accommodating part of the lesser amounts of Quaternary convergence north of Haida Gwaii. Between 2015 and 2017, the USGS acquired more than 8,000 line-km of offshore high-resolution multichannel seismic (MCS) data along the QCF to better understand plate boundary deformation. The new MCS data show evidence for Quaternary deformation associated with a series of elongate ridges located within 30 km of the QCF main trace on the Pacific side. These ridges are anticlinal structures flanked by growth faults, with recent deformation and active fluid flow characterized by seafloor scarps and seabed gas seeps at ridge crests. Structural and morphological evidence for contractional deformation decreases northward along the fault, consistent with a decrease in Pacific-North America obliquity along the plate boundary. Preliminary interpretations suggest that plate boundary transpression may be partitioned into distinctive structural domains, in which convergent stress is accommodated by margin-parallel thrust faulting, folding, and ridge formation within the Pacific Plate, with strike-slip faulting localized to the primary trace of the QCF. Contractional structures may be occupying zones of pre-existing crustal weakness and/or re-activated fabrics in the oceanic crust, possibly explaining strain partitioning behavior in areas with a low convergence angle (<15°).

Dynamic earthquake rupture simulation on nonplanar faults embedded in 3D geometrically complex, heterogeneous Earth models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duru, K.; Dunham, E. M.; Bydlon, S. A.; Radhakrishnan, H.

2014-12-01

Dynamic propagation of shear ruptures on a frictional interface is a useful idealization of a natural earthquake.The conditions relating slip rate and fault shear strength are often expressed as nonlinear friction laws.The corresponding initial boundary value problems are both numerically and computationally challenging.In addition, seismic waves generated by earthquake ruptures must be propagated, far away from fault zones, to seismic stations and remote areas.Therefore, reliable and efficient numerical simulations require both provably stable and high order accurate numerical methods.We present a numerical method for:a) enforcing nonlinear friction laws, in a consistent and provably stable manner, suitable for efficient explicit time integration;b) dynamic propagation of earthquake ruptures along rough faults; c) accurate propagation of seismic waves in heterogeneous media with free surface topography.We solve the first order form of the 3D elastic wave equation on a boundary-conforming curvilinear mesh, in terms of particle velocities and stresses that are collocated in space and time, using summation-by-parts finite differences in space. The finite difference stencils are 6th order accurate in the interior and 3rd order accurate close to the boundaries. Boundary and interface conditions are imposed weakly using penalties. By deriving semi-discrete energy estimates analogous to the continuous energy estimates we prove numerical stability. Time stepping is performed with a 4th order accurate explicit low storage Runge-Kutta scheme. We have performed extensive numerical experiments using a slip-weakening friction law on non-planar faults, including recent SCEC benchmark problems. We also show simulations on fractal faults revealing the complexity of rupture dynamics on rough faults. We are presently extending our method to rate-and-state friction laws and off-fault plasticity.

On-line experimental validation of a model-based diagnostic algorithm dedicated to a solid oxide fuel cell system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polverino, Pierpaolo; Esposito, Angelo; Pianese, Cesare; Ludwig, Bastian; Iwanschitz, Boris; Mai, Andreas

2016-02-01

In the current energetic scenario, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) exhibit appealing features which make them suitable for environmental-friendly power production, especially for stationary applications. An example is represented by micro-combined heat and power (μ-CHP) generation units based on SOFC stacks, which are able to produce electric and thermal power with high efficiency and low pollutant and greenhouse gases emissions. However, the main limitations to their diffusion into the mass market consist in high maintenance and production costs and short lifetime. To improve these aspects, the current research activity focuses on the development of robust and generalizable diagnostic techniques, aimed at detecting and isolating faults within the entire system (i.e. SOFC stack and balance of plant). Coupled with appropriate recovery strategies, diagnosis can prevent undesired system shutdowns during faulty conditions, with consequent lifetime increase and maintenance costs reduction. This paper deals with the on-line experimental validation of a model-based diagnostic algorithm applied to a pre-commercial SOFC system. The proposed algorithm exploits a Fault Signature Matrix based on a Fault Tree Analysis and improved through fault simulations. The algorithm is characterized on the considered system and it is validated by means of experimental induction of faulty states in controlled conditions.

Reversible loss of Bernal stacking during the deformation of few-layer graphene in nanocomposites.

PubMed

Gong, Lei; Young, Robert J; Kinloch, Ian A; Haigh, Sarah J; Warner, Jamie H; Hinks, Jonathan A; Xu, Ziwei; Li, Li; Ding, Feng; Riaz, Ibtsam; Jalil, Rashid; Novoselov, Kostya S

2013-08-27

The deformation of nanocomposites containing graphene flakes with different numbers of layers has been investigated with the use of Raman spectroscopy. It has been found that there is a shift of the 2D band to lower wavenumber and that the rate of band shift per unit strain tends to decrease as the number of graphene layers increases. It has been demonstrated that band broadening takes place during tensile deformation for mono- and bilayer graphene but that band narrowing occurs when the number of graphene layers is more than two. It is also found that the characteristic asymmetric shape of the 2D Raman band for the graphene with three or more layers changes to a symmetrical shape above about 0.4% strain and that it reverts to an asymmetric shape on unloading. This change in Raman band shape and width has been interpreted as being due to a reversible loss of Bernal stacking in the few-layer graphene during deformation. It has been shown that the elastic strain energy released from the unloading of the inner graphene layers in the few-layer material (~0.2 meV/atom) is similar to the accepted value of the stacking fault energies of graphite and few layer graphene. It is further shown that this loss of Bernal stacking can be accommodated by the formation of arrays of partial dislocations and stacking faults on the basal plane. The effect of the reversible loss of Bernal stacking upon the electronic structure of few-layer graphene and the possibility of using it to modify the electronic structure of few-layer graphene are discussed.

Reversible Loss of Bernal Stacking during the Deformation of Few-Layer Graphene in Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The deformation of nanocomposites containing graphene flakes with different numbers of layers has been investigated with the use of Raman spectroscopy. It has been found that there is a shift of the 2D band to lower wavenumber and that the rate of band shift per unit strain tends to decrease as the number of graphene layers increases. It has been demonstrated that band broadening takes place during tensile deformation for mono- and bilayer graphene but that band narrowing occurs when the number of graphene layers is more than two. It is also found that the characteristic asymmetric shape of the 2D Raman band for the graphene with three or more layers changes to a symmetrical shape above about 0.4% strain and that it reverts to an asymmetric shape on unloading. This change in Raman band shape and width has been interpreted as being due to a reversible loss of Bernal stacking in the few-layer graphene during deformation. It has been shown that the elastic strain energy released from the unloading of the inner graphene layers in the few-layer material (∼0.2 meV/atom) is similar to the accepted value of the stacking fault energies of graphite and few layer graphene. It is further shown that this loss of Bernal stacking can be accommodated by the formation of arrays of partial dislocations and stacking faults on the basal plane. The effect of the reversible loss of Bernal stacking upon the electronic structure of few-layer graphene and the possibility of using it to modify the electronic structure of few-layer graphene are discussed. PMID:23899378

Fault Activity in the Terrebonne Trough, Southeastern Louisiana: A Continuation of Salt-Withdrawal Fault Activity from the Miocene into the late Quaternary and Implication for Subsidence Hot-Spots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akintomide, A. O.; Dawers, N. H.

2017-12-01

The observed displacement along faults in southeastern Louisiana has raised questions about the kinematic history of faults during the Quaternary. The Terrebonne Trough, a Miocene salt withdrawal basin, is bounded by the Golden Meadow fault zone on its northern boundary; north dipping, so-called counter-regional faults, together with a subsurface salt ridge, define its southern boundary. To date, there are relatively few published studies on fault architecture and kinematics in the onshore area of southeastern Louisiana. The only publically accessible studies, based on 2d seismic reflection profiles, interpreted faults as mainly striking east-west. Our interpretation of a 3-D seismic reflection volume, located in the northwestern Terrebonne Trough, as well as industry well log correlations define a more complex and highly-segmented fault architecture. The northwest striking Lake Boudreaux fault bounds a marsh on the upthrown block from Lake Boudreaux on the downthrown block. To the east, east-west striking faults are located at the Montegut marsh break and north of Isle de Jean Charles. Portions of the Lake Boudreaux and Isle de Jean Charles faults serve as the northern boundary of the Madison Bay subsidence hot-spot. All three major faults extend to the top of the 3d seismic volume, which is inferred to image latest Pleistocene stratigraphy. Well log correlation using 11+ shallow markers across these faults and kinematic techniques such as stratigraphic expansion indices indicate that all three faults were active in the middle(?) and late Pleistocene. Based on expansion indices, both the Montegut and Isle de Jean Charles faults were active simultaneously at various times, but with different slip rates. There are also time intervals when the Lake Boudreaux fault was slipping at a faster rate compared to the east-west striking faults. Smaller faults near the margins of the 3d volume appear to relate to nearby salt stocks, Bully Camp and Lake Barre. Our work to date suggests both salt and fault activity continued at least into the latest Pleistocene.

Advancements in understanding the aeromagnetic expressions of basin-margin faults—An example from San Luis Basin, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grauch, V. J.; Bedrosian, Paul A.; Drenth, Benjamin J.

2013-01-01

Herein, we summarize and expand on an investigation of the sources of aeromagnetic anomalies related to faults along the eastern margin of the San Luis Basin, northern Rio Grande Rift, Colorado (Grauch et al., 2010). Similar to the faults examined in the central Rio Grande Rift, magnetic sources can be completely explained by tectonic juxtaposition and produce multiple, vertically stacked magnetic contrasts at individual faults. However, the geologic sources are different. They arise from both the sedimentary cover and the underlying bedrock rather than from stratified sediments. In addition, geologic evidence for secondary growth or destruction of magnetic minerals at the fault zone is lacking.

Prehistoric earthquakes on the Caribbean-South American plate boundary, central Range Fault, Trinidad

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prentice, Carol S.; Crosby, Christopher J.; Weber, John C.; Ragona, Daniel

2010-01-01

Recent geodetic studies suggest that the Central Range fault is the principal plate-boundary structure accommodating strike-slip motion between the Caribbean and South American plates. Our study shows that the fault forms a topographically prominent lineament in central Trinidad. Results from a paleoseismic investigation at a site where Holocene sediments have been deposited across the Central Range fault indicate that it ruptured the ground surface most recently between 2710 and 550 yr B.P. If the geodetic slip rate of 9–15 mm/yr is representative of Holocene slip rates, our paleoseismic data suggest that at least 4.9 m of potential slip may have accumulated on the fault and could be released during a future large earthquake (M > 7).

Lonsdaleite has been used as an indicator of shock from cratering events, but does it exist?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemeth, P.; Garvie, L. A.; Buseck, P. R.

2013-12-01

In 1967 a new diamond polymorph was described from the Canyon Diablo iron meteorite [1] and called lonsdaleite (also referred to as hexagonal diamond. It was identified from reflections (e.g., at 0.218, 0.193, and 0.150 nm), additional to those in diamond, that were indexed in terms of a hexagonal cell [1]. Lonsdaleite was attributed to shock-induced transformation of graphite within the iron meteorite upon impact [1, 2] and has subsequently been used as an indicator of shock and meteorite impact [3, 4, 5]. Given the importance of lonsdaleite, we reinvestigated the structure of the shock-formed diamond and lonsdaleite from the Canyon Diablo meteorite with an aberration-corrected ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), with the view of providing further insights into the shock-forming mechanism. The STEM images allowed direct structural interpretation at 0.1-nm resolution and showed that the samples consist of single-crystal and twinned diamond, as well as graphite intimately associated at the nanoscale. A characteristic feature of the STEM images is stacking faults and twins (111, 200, 113) that interrupt the regularity of the crystal structure. Uncommon, subnanometer-sized regions occur with two- and four-layer hexagonal symmetry, though these regions merge into diamond with stacking faults. Although we did not find lonsdaleite, the defects can give rise to extra reflections like those attributed to lonsdaleite. For example, the (113) diamond twin results in a 0.216-nm spacing that matches that of the broad 0.218-nm lonsdaleite peak. Our observations from Canyon Diablo provide a new understanding of shocked diamond structures and question the existence of lonsdaleite and its inferred geologic implication, although the abundance of diamond twinning and stacking faults may be indicative of shock metamorphism. [1] Frondel, C. & Marvin, U.B. (1967) Lonsdaleite, a hexagonal polymorph of diamond. Nature 217, 587-589. [2] Lipschutz, M. & Anders, E. (1961) The record in the meteorites-IV: Origin of diamonds in iron meteorites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 24, 83-105. [3] Kennet, D. J., Kennet, J. P., West, A., Mercer, C., Que Hee, S. S., Bement, L., Bunch, T. E., Sellers, M., & Wolbach, W. S. (2009) Nanodiamonds in the Younger Dryas boundary sediment layers. Science 323, 94. [4] Le Guillou, C., Rouzaud, J.N., Remusat, L., Jambon, A., & Bourot-Denise, M. (2010) Structures, origin and evolution of various carbon phases in the ureilite Northwest Africa 4742 compared with laboratory-shocked graphite. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta 74(14), 4167-4185. [5] Hough, R.M., Gilmour, I., Pillinger, C.T., Arden, J.W., Gilkes, K.W.R., Yuan, J. & Milledge, H.J. (1995) Diamond and silicon carbide in an impact melt rock from the Ries impact crater. Nature 378, 41-44.

Frequency domain analysis of errors in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin; Ben-Zion, Yehuda; Zigone, Dimitri

2016-12-01

We analyse random errors (variances) in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise in the frequency domain, which differ from previous time domain methods. Extending previous theoretical results on ensemble averaged cross-spectrum, we estimate confidence interval of stacked cross-spectrum of finite amount of data at each frequency using non-overlapping windows with fixed length. The extended theory also connects amplitude and phase variances with the variance of each complex spectrum value. Analysis of synthetic stationary ambient noise is used to estimate the confidence interval of stacked cross-spectrum obtained with different length of noise data corresponding to different number of evenly spaced windows of the same duration. This method allows estimating Signal/Noise Ratio (SNR) of noise cross-correlation in the frequency domain, without specifying filter bandwidth or signal/noise windows that are needed for time domain SNR estimations. Based on synthetic ambient noise data, we also compare the probability distributions, causal part amplitude and SNR of stacked cross-spectrum function using one-bit normalization or pre-whitening with those obtained without these pre-processing steps. Natural continuous noise records contain both ambient noise and small earthquakes that are inseparable from the noise with the existing pre-processing steps. Using probability distributions of random cross-spectrum values based on the theoretical results provides an effective way to exclude such small earthquakes, and additional data segments (outliers) contaminated by signals of different statistics (e.g. rain, cultural noise), from continuous noise waveforms. This technique is applied to constrain values and uncertainties of amplitude and phase velocity of stacked noise cross-spectrum at different frequencies, using data from southern California at both regional scale (˜35 km) and dense linear array (˜20 m) across the plate-boundary faults. A block bootstrap resampling method is used to account for temporal correlation of noise cross-spectrum at low frequencies (0.05-0.2 Hz) near the ocean microseismic peaks.

Introduction to the special issue on the 2012 Haida Gwaii and 2013 Craig earthquakes at the Pacific–North America plate boundary (British Columbia and Alaska)

USGS Publications Warehouse

James, Thomas S.; Cassidy, John F.; Rogers, Garry C.; Haeussler, Peter J.

2015-01-01

The 27 October 2012 Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii thrust earthquake and the 5 January 2013 Mw 7.5 Craig strike‐slip earthquake are the focus of this special issue. They occurred along the transform boundary between the Pacific and North American plates (Fig. 1). The most identifiable feature of the plate boundary, the strike‐slip Queen Charlotte fault, might be viewed as typical of continent–ocean transform faults because it separates the continental crust of the North American plate from oceanic crust of the Pacific plate for most of its length. However, the current relative plate motion of about 5  cm/yr is highly oblique to the Queen Charlotte fault, causing a transpressive plate boundary in the region.

Effect of post-irradiation annealing on the irradiated microstructure of neutron-irradiated 304L stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Z.; Hesterberg, J.; Was, G. S.

2018-03-01

Post-irradiation annealing was performed on a 304L SS that was irradiated to 5.9 dpa in the Barsebäck 1 BWR reactor. Evolution of dislocation loops, radiation-induced solute clusters and radiation-induced segregation at the grain boundary was investigated following thermal annealing at 500 °C and 550 °C up to 20 h. Dislocation loops, Ni-Si and Al-Cu clusters, and enrichment of Ni, Si and depletion of Cr at the grain boundary were observed in the as-irradiated condition. Dislocation loop size did not change significantly after annealing at 550 °C for 5 h but the loop number density decreased considerably and loops mostly disappeared after annealing at 550 °C for 20 h. The average size of Ni-Si and Al-Cu clusters increased while the number density decreased with annealing. The increase in cluster size was due to diffusion of solutes rather than cluster coarsening. Significant volume fractions of Ni-Si and Al-Cu clusters still remained after annealing at 550 °C for 20 h. Substantial recovery of Cr and Ni at the grain boundary was observed after annealing at 550 °C for 5 h but neither Cr nor Ni was fully recovered after 20 h. Annihilation of dislocation loops, driven by the thermal vacancy concentration gradient caused by the strain field and stacking fault associated with the loops appeared to be faster than annihilation of solute clusters and recovery of Ni and Si at the grain boundary, both of which are driven by the solute concentration gradients.

Polarization of stacking fault related luminescence in GaN nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozina, G.; Forsberg, M.; Serban, E. A.; Hsiao, C.-L.; Junaid, M.; Birch, J.; Kaliteevski, M. A.

2017-01-01

Linear polarization properties of light emission are presented for GaN nanorods (NRs) grown along [0001] direction on Si(111) substrates by direct-current magnetron sputter epitaxy. The near band gap photoluminescence (PL) measured at low temperature for a single NR demonstrated an excitonic line at ˜3.48 eV and the stacking faults (SFs) related transition at ˜3.43 eV. The SF related emission is linear polarized in direction perpendicular to the NR growth axis in contrast to a non-polarized excitonic PL. The results are explained in the frame of the model describing basal plane SFs as polymorphic heterostructure of type II, where anisotropy of chemical bonds at the interfaces between zinc blende and wurtzite GaN subjected to in-built electric field is responsible for linear polarization parallel to the interface planes.

Dependences of contraction/expansion of stacking faults on temperature and current density in 4H-SiC p–i–n diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, Aoi; Nishio, Johji; Iijima, Ryosuke; Ota, Chiharu; Goryu, Akihiro; Miyazato, Masaki; Ryo, Mina; Shinohe, Takashi; Miyajima, Masaaki; Kato, Tomohisa; Yonezawa, Yoshiyuki; Okumura, Hajime

2018-06-01

To investigate the mechanism of contraction/expansion behavior of Shockley stacking faults (SSFs) in 4H-SiC p–i–n diodes, the dependences of the SSF behavior on temperature and injection current density were investigated by electroluminescence image observation. We investigated the dependences of both triangle- and bar-shaped SSFs on the injection current density at four temperature levels. All SSFs in this study show similar temperature and injection current density dependences. We found that the expansion of SSFs at a high current density was converted to contraction at a certain value as the current decreased and that the value is temperature-dependent. It has been confirmed that SSF behavior, which was considered complex or peculiar, might be explained mainly by the energy change caused by SSFs.

First-principles study of the atomic and electronic properties of (1 0 0) stacking faults in BaSnO3 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yuanbin; Wang, Wenyuan; Guo, Yao

2018-02-01

We investigated the atomic and electronic properties of (1 0 0) stacking fault (SF) in undoped and La-doped BaSnO3 by first-principles calculations. It was found that 1/2[1 1 1] (1 0 0) SF is energetically favorable when Ba atoms occupy the interface while 1/2 (1 0 0) [1 0 1] SF becomes the most stable when the SF interface is occupied by Sn atoms. SF influences the distribution of La dopant and the electric properties of the system. In the presence of SF, electronic states near the Fermi level decrease and the bandgap expands by about 0.6 eV. Our results suggest that SF is one of the possible origins for the performance degradation.

Morphology of single Shockley-type stacking faults generated by recombination enhanced dislocation glide in 4H-SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuhata, Hirofumi; Sekiguchi, Takashi

2018-04-01

Morphology of single Shockley-type stacking faults (SFs) generated by recombination enhanced dislocation glide (REDG) in 4H-SiC are discussed and analysed. A complete set of the 12 different dissociated states of basal-plane dislocation loops is obtained using the crystallographic space group operations. From this set, six different double rhombic-shaped SFs are derived. These tables indicate the rules that connect shapes of SFs with the locations of partial dislocations having different core structures, the positions of slip planes in a unit cell, and the Burgers vectors of partial dislocations. We applied these tables for the analysis of SFs generated by the REDG effect reported in the past articles. Shapes, growing process of SFs and perfect dislocations for origins of SFs were well analysed systematically.

I2 basal stacking fault as a degradation mechanism in reverse gate-biased AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, A. C.; Hart, J. L.; Wen, J. G.; Miller, D. J.; Meyer, D. J.; Taheri, M. L.

2016-09-01

Here, we present the observation of a bias-induced, degradation-enhancing defect process in plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy grown reverse gate-biased AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), which is compatible with the current theoretical framework of HEMT degradation. Specifically, we utilize both conventional transmission electron microscopy and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy to analyze microstructural changes in not only high strained regions in degraded AlGaN/GaN HEMTs but also the extended gate-drain access region. We find a complex defect structure containing an I2 basal stacking fault and offer a potential mechanism for device degradation based on this defect structure. This work supports the reality of multiple failure mechanisms during device operation and identifies a defect potentially involved with device degradation.

Novel Cross-Slip Mechanism of Pyramidal Screw Dislocations in Magnesium.

PubMed

Itakura, Mitsuhiro; Kaburaki, Hideo; Yamaguchi, Masatake; Tsuru, Tomohito

2016-06-03

Compared to cubic metals, whose primary slip mode includes twelve equivalent systems, the lower crystalline symmetry of hexagonal close-packed metals results in a reduced number of equivalent primary slips and anisotropy in plasticity, leading to brittleness at the ambient temperature. At higher temperatures, the ductility of hexagonal close-packed metals improves owing to the activation of secondary ⟨c+a⟩ pyramidal slip systems. Thus, understanding the fundamental properties of corresponding dislocations is essential for the improvement of ductility at the ambient temperature. Here, we present the results of large-scale ab initio calculations for ⟨c+a⟩ pyramidal screw dislocations in magnesium and show that their slip behavior is a stark counterexample to the conventional wisdom that a slip plane is determined by the stacking fault plane of dislocations. A stacking fault between dissociated partial dislocations can assume a nonplanar shape with a negligible energy cost and can migrate normal to its plane by a local shuffling of atoms. Partial dislocations dissociated on a {21[over ¯]1[over ¯]2} plane "slither" in the {011[over ¯]1} plane, dragging the stacking fault with them in response to an applied shear stress. This finding resolves the apparent discrepancy that both {21[over ¯]1[over ¯]2} and {011[over ¯]1} slip traces are observed in experiments while ab initio calculations indicate that dislocations preferably dissociate in the {21[over ¯]1[over ¯]2} planes.

Investigation of Tectonic Boundaries in Taiwan Obtained with a Hierarchical Clustering of Dense GNSS Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, A.; Hashimoto, M.; Hu, J. C.; Fukahata, Y.

2017-12-01

Taiwan Island is composed of many geological structures. The main tectonic feature is the collision of the Luzon volcanic arc with the Eurasian continent, which propagates westward and generates complicated crustal deformation. One way to model crustal deformation is to divide Taiwan island into man rigid blocks that moves relatively each other along the boundaries (deformation zones) of the blocks. Since earthquakes tend to occur in the deformation zones, identification of such tectonic boundaries is important. So far, many tectonic boundaries have been proposed on the basis of geology, geomorphology, seismology and geodesy. However, which is the most significant boundary depends on disciplines and there is no way to objectively classify them. Here, we introduce an objective method to identify significant tectonic boundaries with a hierarchical representation proposed by Simpson et al. [2012].We apply a hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm to dense GNSS horizontal velocity data in Taiwan. One of the significant merits of the hierarchical representation of the clustering results is that we can consistently explore crustal structures from larger to smaller scales. This is because a higher hierarchy corresponds to a larger crustal structure, and a lower hierarchy corresponds to a smaller crustal structure. Relative motion between clusters can be obtained from this analysis.The first major boundary is identified along the eastern margin of the Longitudinal Valley, which corresponds to the separation of the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian continental margin. The second major boundary appears along the Chaochou fault and the Chishan fault in southwestern Taiwan. The third major boundary appears along the eastern margin of the coastal plane. The identified major clusters can be divided into several smaller blocks without losing consistency with geological boundaries. For example, the Fengshun fault, concealed beneath thick sediment layers, is identified. Furthermore, obtained relative motion between clusters demands a reverse fault or a left lateral fault in the off shore of the coastal range.Our clustering based block modeling is consistent with tectonics of Taiwan, implying that observed crustal deformation in Taiwan can be attributed to motion or deformation of shallow structures.

Fault segmentation: New concepts from the Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duross, Christopher; Personius, Stephen F.; Crone, Anthony J.; Olig, Susan S.; Hylland, Michael D.; Lund, William R.; Schwartz, David P.

2016-01-01

The question of whether structural segment boundaries along multisegment normal faults such as the Wasatch fault zone (WFZ) act as persistent barriers to rupture is critical to seismic hazard analyses. We synthesized late Holocene paleoseismic data from 20 trench sites along the central WFZ to evaluate earthquake rupture length and fault segmentation. For the youngest (<3 ka) and best-constrained earthquakes, differences in earthquake timing across prominent primary segment boundaries, especially for the most recent earthquakes on the north-central WFZ, are consistent with segment-controlled ruptures. However, broadly constrained earthquake times, dissimilar event times along the segments, the presence of smaller-scale (subsegment) boundaries, and areas of complex faulting permit partial-segment and multisegment (e.g., spillover) ruptures that are shorter (~20–40 km) or longer (~60–100 km) than the primary segment lengths (35–59 km). We report a segmented WFZ model that includes 24 earthquakes since ~7 ka and yields mean estimates of recurrence (1.1–1.3 kyr) and vertical slip rate (1.3–2.0 mm/yr) for the segments. However, additional rupture scenarios that include segment boundary spatial uncertainties, floating earthquakes, and multisegment ruptures are necessary to fully address epistemic uncertainties in rupture length. We compare the central WFZ to paleoseismic and historical surface ruptures in the Basin and Range Province and central Italian Apennines and conclude that displacement profiles have limited value for assessing the persistence of segment boundaries but can aid in interpreting prehistoric spillover ruptures. Our comparison also suggests that the probabilities of shorter and longer ruptures on the WFZ need to be investigated.

Two-Phase Exhumation of the Santa Rosa Mountains: Low- and High-Angle Normal Faulting During Initiation and Evolution of the Southern San Andreas Fault System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Cody C.; Spotila, James A.; Axen, Gary; Dorsey, Rebecca J.; Luther, Amy; Stockli, Daniel F.

2017-12-01

Low-angle detachment fault systems are important elements of oblique-divergent plate boundaries, yet the role detachment faulting plays in the development of such boundaries is poorly understood. The West Salton Detachment Fault (WSDF) is a major low-angle normal fault that formed coeval with localization of the Pacific-North America plate boundary in the northern Salton Trough, CA. Apatite U-Th/He thermochronometry (AHe; n = 29 samples) and thermal history modeling of samples from the Santa Rosa Mountains (SRM) reveal that initial exhumation along the WSDF began at circa 8 Ma, exhuming footwall material from depths of >2 to 3 km. An uplifted fossil (Miocene) helium partial retention zone is present in the eastern SRM, while a deeper crustal section has been exhumed along the Pleistocene high-angle Santa Rosa Fault (SFR) to much higher elevations in the southwest SRM. Detachment-related vertical exhumation rates in the SRM were 0.15-0.36 km/Myr, with maximum fault slip rates of 1.2-3.0 km/Myr. Miocene AHe isochrons across the SRM are consistent with northeast crustal tilting of the SRM block and suggest that the post-WSDF vertical exhumation rate along the SRF was 1.3 km/Myr. The timing of extension initiation in the Salton Trough suggests that clockwise rotation of relative plate motions that began at 8 Ma is associated with initiation of the southern San Andreas system. Pleistocene regional tectonic reorganization was contemporaneous with an abrupt transition from low- to high-angle faulting and indicates that local fault geometry may at times exert a fundamental control on rock uplift rates along strike-slip fault systems.

The Maurice field: New gas reserves from buried structure along the Oligocene trend of southwestern Louisiana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prescott, M.P.

1990-09-01

Significant new gas reserves have recently been discovered in the Marginulina texana sands along the Oligocene trend at the Maurice field. Detailed subsurface maps and seismic data are presented to exhibit the extent and nature of this local buried structure and to demonstrate future opportunities along the Oligocene trend. Since discovery in 1988, the MARG. TEX. RC has extended the Maurice field one-half mile south and has encountered over 170 ft of Marginulina texana pay Estimated reserves are in the order of 160 BCFG with limits of the reservoir still unknown. This reserve addition would increase the estimated ultimate ofmore » the Maurice field by over 70% from 220 BCFG to 380 BCFG. Cross sections across the field depict the new reservoir trap as a buried upthrown fault closure with an anticipated gas column of 700 ft. Interpretation of the origin of this local structure is that of a buried rotated fault block on an overall larger depositional structure. Detailed subsurface maps at the Marginulina texana and the overlying Miogypsinoides level are presented. These maps indicate that one common fault block is productive from two different levels. The deeper Marginulina texana sands are trapped on north dip upthrown to a southern boundary fault, Fault B. The overlying Miogypsinoides sands are trapped on south dip downthrown to a northern boundary fault, Fault A. The northern boundary fault, Fault A, was the Marginulina texana expansion fault and rotated that downthrown section to north dip. Because of the difference in dip between the two levels, the apex of the deeper Marginulina texana fault closure is juxtaposed by one mile south relative to the overlying Miogypsinoides fault closure. Analysis indicates that important structural growth occur-red during Marginulina texana deposition with a local unconformity covering the apex of the upthrown fault closure. State-of-the-art reconnaissance seismic data clearly exhibit this buried rotated fault block.« less

Interlayer interactions in graphites.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaobin; Tian, Fuyang; Persson, Clas; Duan, Wenhui; Chen, Nan-xian

2013-11-06

Based on ab initio calculations of both the ABC- and AB-stacked graphites, interlayer potentials (i.e., graphene-graphene interaction) are obtained as a function of the interlayer spacing using a modified Möbius inversion method, and are used to calculate basic physical properties of graphite. Excellent consistency is observed between the calculated and experimental phonon dispersions of AB-stacked graphite, showing the validity of the interlayer potentials. More importantly, layer-related properties for nonideal structures (e.g., the exfoliation energy, cleave energy, stacking fault energy, surface energy, etc.) can be easily predicted from the interlayer potentials, which promise to be extremely efficient and helpful in studying van der Waals structures.

Active Tectonics of Himalayan Faults/Thrusts System in Northern India on the basis of recent & Paleo earthquake Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, S.; Biswal, S.; Parija, M. P.

2016-12-01

The Himalaya overrides the Indian plate along a decollement fault, referred as the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). The 2400 km long Himalayan mountain arc in the northern boundary of the Indian sub-continent is one of the most seismically active regions of the world. The Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) is characterized by an abrupt physiographic and tectonic break between the Himalayan front and the Indo-Gangetic plain. The HFT represents the southern surface expression of the MHT on the Himalayan front. The tectonic zone between the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the HFT encompasses the Himalayan Frontal Fault System (HFFS). The zone indicates late Quaternary-Holocene active deformation. Late Quaternary intramontane basin of Dehradun flanked to the south by the Mohand anticline lies between the MBT and the HFT in Garhwal Sub Himalaya. Slip rate 13-15 mm/yr has been estimated on the HFT based on uplifted strath terrace on the Himalyan front (Wesnousky et al. 2006). An out of sequence active fault, Bhauwala Thrust (BT), is observed between the HFT and the MBT. The Himalayan Frontal Fault System includes MBT, BT, HFT and PF active fault structures (Thakur, 2013). The HFFS structures were developed analogous to proto-thrusts in subduction zone, suggesting that the plate boundary is not a single structure, but series of structures across strike. Seismicity recorded by WIHG shows a concentrated belt of seismic events located in the Main Central Thrust Zone and the physiographic transition zone between the Higher and Lesser Himalaya. However, there is quiescence in the Himalayan frontal zone where surface rupture and active faults are reported. GPS measurements indicate the segment between the southern extent of microseismicity zone and the HFT is locked. The great earthquake originating in the locked segment rupture the plate boundary fault and propagate to the Himalaya front and are registered as surface rupture reactivating the fault in the HFFS.

Focal mechanisms and inter-event times of low-frequency earthquakes reveal quasi-continuous deformation and triggered slow slip on the deep Alpine Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratin, Laura-May; Chamberlain, Calum J.; Townend, John; Savage, Martha K.

2018-02-01

Characterising the seismicity associated with slow deformation in the vicinity of the Alpine Fault may provide constraints on the stresses acting on a major transpressive margin prior to an anticipated great (≥M8) earthquake. Here, we use recently detected tremor and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) to examine how slow tectonic deformation is loading the Alpine Fault late in its typical ∼300-yr seismic cycle. We analyse a continuous seismic dataset recorded between 2009 and 2016 using a network of 10-13 short-period seismometers, the Southern Alps Microearthquake Borehole Array. Fourteen primary LFE templates are used in an iterative matched-filter and stacking routine, allowing the detection of similar signals corresponding to LFE families sharing common locations. This yields an 8-yr catalogue containing 10,000 LFEs that are combined for each of the 14 LFE families using phase-weighted stacking to produce signals with the highest possible signal-to-noise ratios. We show that LFEs occur almost continuously during the 8-yr study period and highlight two types of LFE distributions: (1) discrete behaviour with an inter-event time exceeding 2 min; (2) burst-like behaviour with an inter-event time below 2 min. We interpret the discrete events as small-scale frequent deformation on the deep extent of the Alpine Fault and LFE bursts (corresponding in most cases to known episodes of tremor or large regional earthquakes) as brief periods of increased slip activity indicative of slow slip. We compute improved non-linear earthquake locations using a 3-D velocity model. LFEs occur below the seismogenic zone at depths of 17-42 km, on or near the hypothesised deep extent of the Alpine Fault. The first estimates of LFE focal mechanisms associated with continental faulting, in conjunction with recurrence intervals, are consistent with quasi-continuous shear faulting on the deep extent of the Alpine Fault.

The Tanami deep seismic reflection experiment: An insight into gold mineralization and Paleoproterozoic collision in the North Australian Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goleby, Bruce R.; Huston, David L.; Lyons, Patrick; Vandenberg, Leon; Bagas, Leon; Davies, Brett M.; Jones, Leonie E. A.; Gebre-Mariam, Musie; Johnson, Wade; Smith, Tim; English, Luc

2009-07-01

Imaging of a major collision zone between the Tanami region and Aileron Province of the Arunta Orogen in Northern Australia, and recognition that several of the major gold deposits within the Tanami region are within near-surface antiformal stacks or uplifted and exhumed crustal sections associated with major crustal-penetrating shear zones, are fundamental results from the 2005 Tanami Seismic Collaborative Research Project. The suture, which is interpreted to have resulted from collision, separates the northwest-dipping structural grain of the Aileron Province crust in the south from the southeast-dipping structural grain of the Tanami crust in the northwest. The collision between the Tanami region and the Aileron Province is interpreted to have occurred prior to ca. 1840 Ma. The correlation between the surface extension of crustal-penetrating shear zones that extend to the Moho boundary and the locations of known gold-rich mineral fields is significant and has implications for minerals explorers within the Tanami region, and elsewhere. In the near-surface, where the crustal-penetrating structures cut relatively shallow upper crustal Tanami Group rocks, there is a significant increase in the degree of local deformation and results in through-going thrust faults, associated pop-up structures, ramp anticlines and antiformal stacking. All known ore deposits appear to be located within these more complexly deformed zones and therefore have a direct association with larger-scale structures.

The variation of crustal structure along the Song Ma Shear Zone, Northern Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Chien-Min; Wen, Strong; Tang, Chi-Chia; Yeh, Yu-Lien; Chen, Chau-Huei

2018-06-01

Northern Vietnam is divided into two regions by suture zone. The southwestern region belongs to the Indochina block, and the northeastern region is a portion of the South China block with distinct geological characteristics. From previous studies, the closing the Paleotethys led the collision between the Indochina and South China blocks, and this collision form the suture zone in the Middle Triassic. In the Tertiary, Indian and Eurasian plates started to collide, and this collision caused the extrusion of the Indochina block along the suture zone and a clockwise rotation. Metamorphic rocks associated with the subduction process have been found at the Song Ma Shear Zone (SMSZ) from geological surveys, which indicated that the SMSZ is a possible boundary between the South China and Indochina block. However, according to previous study, there is an argument of whether the SMSZ is a subduction zone of the South China and Indochina plates or not. In this study, we applied the H-κ and the common conversion point (CCP) stacking method using teleseismic converted waves recorded by a seismic broadband array to obtain the Moho depth, VP/VS ratio and the crustal structure along the SMSZ. The CCP results are further used to identify whether the fault extends through the entire crust or not. We have selected two profiles along the SMSZ and a profile across the SMSZ for imaging lateral variations of impedance from stacking. According to H-κ stacking results, crustal thickness vary from 26.0 to 29.3 km, and the average of VP/VS ratio is about 1.77. Finally, the CCP results also show the heterogeneity of crust among the SMSZ. These evidences might support that SMSZ is the suture zone between the South China and Indochina plates.

Plate boundary deformation at the latitude of the Salton Trough - northern Gulf of California (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, J. M.

2013-12-01

Along the Pacific-North America plate boundary zone, the segment including the southern San Andreas fault to Salton Trough and northern Gulf of California basins has been transtensional throughout its evolution, based on Pacific-North America displacement vectors calculated from the global plate circuit (900 × 20 km at N54°W since 20 Ma; 460 × 20 km at N48°W since 11 Ma). Nevertheless, active seismicity and focal mechanisms show a broad zone of plate boundary deformation within which the inferred stress regime varies locally (Yang & Hauksson 2013 GJI), and fault patterns in some regions suggest ongoing tectonic rotation. Similar behavior is inferred to have occurred in this zone over most of its history. Crustal structure in this region is constrained by surface geology, geophysical experiments (e.g., the 2011 Salton Seismic Imaging Project (SSIP), USGS Imperial Valley 1979, PACE), and interdisciplinary marine and onland studies in Mexico (e.g., NARS-Baja, Cortes, and surveys by PEMEX). Magnetic data (e.g., EMAG-2) aids in the recognition of large-scale crustal provinces and fault boundaries in regions lacking detailed geophysical surveys. Consideration of existing constraints on crustal thickness and architecture, and fault and basin evolution suggests that to reconcile geological deformation with plate motion history, the following additional factors need to be taken into account. 1) Plate boundary displacement via interacting systems of rotating blocks, coeval with slip on steep strike slip faults, and possibly related to slip on low angle extensional faults (e.g, Axen & Fletcher 1998 IGR) may be typical prior to the onset of seafloor spreading. This fault style may have accommodated up to 150 km of plate motion in the Mexican Continental Borderland and north of the Vizcaino Peninsula, likely between 12 and 15 Ma, as well as explaining younger rotations adjacent to the Gulf of California and current deformation southwest of the Salton Sea. 2) Geophysical characteristics suggest that the zone of strike-slip faults related to past plate boundary deformation extends eastward into SW Arizona and beneath the Sonoran coastal plain. 3) 'New' crust and mantle lithosphere at the plate boundary, in the Salton Trough and the non-oceanic part of the northern Gulf of California, varies in seismic velocity structure and dimensions, both within and across extensional segments. Details of within-segment variations imaged by SSIP (e.g., Ma et al., and Han et al., this meeting) are attributed to active fault patterns and small scale variations in hydrothermal activity and magmatism superposed on a more uniform sedimentation. Differences between the Imperial Valley rift segment and the north Gulf of California segments may be due to more involvement of low angle normal faults in the marine basins in the south (Martin et al., 2013, Tectonics), as well as differences in lower crustal or mantle lithospheric flow from the adjacent continental regions.

Gravity and Aeromagnetic Gradients within the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Black Mountain Tectonic Zone, Big Delta Quadrangle, east-central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Saltus, R.W.; Day, W.C.

2006-01-01

The Yukon-Tanana Upland is a complex composite assemblage of variably metamorphosed crystalline rocks with strong North American affinities. At the broadest scale, the Upland has a relatively neutral magnetic character. More detailed examination, however, reveals a fundamental northeast-southwest-trending magnetic gradient, representing a 20-nT step (as measured at a flight height of 300 m) with higher values to the northwest, that extends from the Denali fault to the Tintina fault and bisects the Upland. This newly recognized geophysical gradient is parallel to, but about 100 km east of, the Shaw Creek fault. The Shaw Creek fault is mapped as a major left-lateral, strike-slip fault, but does not coincide with a geophysical boundary. A gravity gradient coincides loosely with the southwestern half of the magnetic gradient. This gravity gradient is the eastern boundary of a 30-mGal residual gravity high that occupies much of the western and central portions of the Big Delta quadrangle. The adjacent lower gravity values to the east correlate, at least in part, with mapped post-metamorphic granitic rocks. Ground-based gravity and physical property measurements were made in the southeastern- most section of the Big Delta quadrangle in 2004 to investigate these geophysical features. Preliminary geophysical models suggest that the magnetic boundary is deeper and more fundamental than the gravity boundary. The two geophysical boundaries coincide in and around the Tibbs Creek region, an area of interest to mineral exploration. A newly mapped tectonic zone (the Black Mountain tectonic zone of O'Neill and others, 2005) correlates with the coincident geophysical boundaries.

Prehistoric earthquakes on the Caribbean-South American plate boundary, central range fault, Trinidad

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prentice, C.S.; Weber, J.C.; Crosby, C.J.; Ragona, D.

2010-01-01

Recent geodetic studies suggest that the Central Range fault is the principal plate-boundary structure accommodating strike-slip motion between the Caribbean and South American plates. Our study shows that the fault forms a topographically prominent lineament in central Trinidad. Results from a paleoseismic investigation at a site where Holocene sediments have been deposited across the Central Range fault indicate that it ruptured the ground surface most recently between 2710 and 550 yr B.P. If the geodetic slip rate of 9-15 mm/yr is representative of Holocene slip rates, our paleoseismic data suggest that at least 4.9 m of potential slip may have accumulated on the fault and could be released during a future large earthquake (M > 7). ?? 2010 Geological Society of America.

Characterizing a large shear-zone with seismic and magnetotelluric methods: The case of the Dead Sea Transform

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maercklin, N.; Bedrosian, P.A.; Haberland, C.; Ritter, O.; Ryberg, T.; Weber, M.; Weckmann, U.

2005-01-01

Seismic tomography, imaging of seismic scatterers, and magnetotelluric soundings reveal a sharp lithologic contrast along a ???10 km long segment of the Arava Fault (AF), a prominent fault of the southern Dead Sea Transform (DST) in the Middle East. Low seismic velocities and resistivities occur on its western side and higher values east of it, and the boundary between the two units coincides partly with a seismic scattering image. At 1-4 km depth the boundary is offset to the east of the AF surface trace, suggesting that at least two fault strands exist, and that slip occurred on multiple strands throughout the margin's history. A westward fault jump, possibly associated with straightening of a fault bend, explains both our observations and the narrow fault zone observed by others. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.

Monitoring tectonic uplift and paleoenvironmental reconstruction for marine terraces near Maǧaracik and Samandaǧ, Hatay Province, Turkey.

PubMed

Florentin, Jonathan A; Blackwell, Bonnie A B; Tüysüz, Okan; Tarı, Ufuk; Can Genç, Ş; İmren, Caner; Mo, Shirley; Huang, Yiwen E W; Blickstein, Joel I B; Skinner, Anne R; Kim, Maria

2014-06-01

Near Hatay, the Antakya-Samandağ-Cyprus Fault (ASCF), East Anatolian and Dead Sea Fault Zones, the large faults that form the edges of the African, Anatolian, Cyprus and Arabian Plates, all produce large earthquakes, which have decimated Hatay repeatedly. Near Samandağ, Hatay, differential vertical displacement on the ASCF has uplifted the southeastern side relative to northwestern side, producing large fault scarps that parallel the Asi (Orontes) River. Tectonic uplift coupled with Quaternary sealevel fluctuations has produced several stacked marine terraces stranded above current sealevel. This study dated 24 mollusc samples from 10 outcrops on six marine terraces near Samandağ electron spin resonance (ESR). Ages were calculated using time-averaged and volumetrically averaged external dose rates, modelled by assuming typical water depths for the individual species and sediment thicknesses estimated from geological criteria. Uplift rates were then calculated for each fault block. At all the Mağaracık terraces, the dates suggest that many shells were likely reworked. On the 30 m terrace at Mağaracık IV (UTM 766588-3999880), Lithophagus burrows with in situ shells cross the unconformity. One such shell dated to 62 ± 6 ka, setting the minimum possible age for the terrace. For all the Mağaracık terraces at ∼30 m above mean sealevel (amsl), the youngest ages for the reworked shells, which averaged 60 ± 3 ka for six separate analyses, sets the maximum possible age for this unit. Thus, the terrace must date to 60-62 ± 3 ka, at the MIS 3/4 boundary when temperatures and sealevels were fluctuating rapidly. Older units dating to MIS 7, 6, and 5 likely were being eroded to supply some fossils found in this terrace. At Mağaracık Dump (UTM 765391-4001048), ∼103 m amsl, Ostrea and other shells were found cemented in growth position to the limestone boulders outcropping there <2.0 m above a wave-eroded notch. If the oysters grew at the same time as the wave-cut notch and the related terrace, the date, 91 ± 13 ka, for the oysters, this fault block has been uplifted at 1.19 ± 0.15 m ky(-1), since MIS 5c. At Samandağ Kurt Stream at 38 m amsl, molluscs were deposited fine sandy gravel, which was likely formed in a large tidal channel. Four molluscs averaged 116 ± 5 ka. If these molluscs have not been reworked, this fault block has uplifted at 0.34 ± 0.05 m ky(-1) since the MIS 5d/5e boundary. The differences in these uplift rates suggests that at least one, and possibly two, hitherto undiscovered faults may separate the Mağaracık Dump site from the other Mağaracık sites and from the Samandağ Kurt Stream site. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Tectonic lineaments in the cenozoic volcanics of southern Guatemala: Evidence for a broad continental plate boundary zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baltuck, M.; Dixon, T. H.

1984-01-01

The northern Caribbean plate boundary has been undergoing left lateral strike slip motion since middle Tertiary time. The western part of the boundary occurs in a complex tectonic zone in the continental crust of Guatemala and southernmost Mexico, along the Chixoy-Polochic, Motogua and possibly Jocotan-Chamelecon faults. Prominent lineaments visible in radar imagery in the Neogene volcanic belt of southern Guatemala and western El Salvador were mapped and interpreted to suggest southwest extensions of this already broad plate boundary zone. Because these extensions can be traced beneath Quaternary volcanic cover, it is thought that this newly mapped fault zone is active and is accommodating some of the strain related to motion between the North American and Caribbean plates. Onshore exposures of the Motoqua-Polochic fault systems are characterized by abundant, tectonically emplaced ultramafic rocks. A similar mode of emplacement for these off shore ultramafics, is suggested.

Morphology and tectonics of the Andaman Forearc, northeastern Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cochran, James R.

2010-08-01

The Andaman Sea has developed as the result of highly oblique subduction at the western Sunda Trench, leading to partitioning of convergence into trench-perpendicular and trench-parallel components and the formation of a northward-moving sliver plate to accommodate the trench parallel motion. The Andaman forearc contains structures resulting from both components of motion. The main elements of the forearc are the accretionary prism and outerarc ridge, a series of forearc basins and major N-S faults. The accretionary prism is an imbricate stack of fault slices and folds consisting of ophiolites and sediments scrapped off the subducting Indian Plate. The western, outer slope of the accretionary prism is very steep, rising to depths of 1500-2000 m within a distance of 30 km. There is a difference in the short wavelength morphology between the western and eastern portions of the accretionary prism. The outer portion consists of a series of faulted anticlines and synclines with amplitudes of a few 100 to ~1000 m and widths of 5-15 km resulting from ongoing deformation of the sediments. The inner portion is smoother with lower slopes and forms a strong backstop. The width of the deforming portion of the accretionary prism narrows from 80 to 100 km in the south to about 40 km between 10°N and 11° 30'N. It remains at about 40 km to ~14°40'N. North of there, the inner trench wall becomes a single steep slope up to the Myanmar shelf. The eastern edge of the outerarc ridge is fault bounded and, north of the Nicobar Islands, a forearc basin is located immediately to the east. A deep gravity low with very steep gradients lies directly over the forearc basin. The West Andaman Fault (WAF) and/or the Seulimeum strand of the Sumatra Fault System form the boundary between the Burma and Sunda plates south of the Andaman spreading centre. The WAF is the most prominent morphologic feature of the Andaman Sea and divides the sea into a shallow forearc and a deeper backarc region. The Diligent Fault runs through the forearc basin east of Little Andaman Island. Although it has the general appearance of a normal fault, multichannel seismic data show that it is a compressional feature that probably resulted from deformation of the hanging wall of the Eastern Margin Fault. This could occur if the forearc basins were formed by subduction erosion of the underlying crust rather than by east-west extension.

Audio-frequency magnetotelluric imaging of the Hijima fault, Yamasaki fault system, southwest Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, S.; Ogawa, Y.; Fuji-Ta, K.; Ujihara, N.; Inokuchi, H.; Oshiman, N.

2010-04-01

An audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) survey was undertaken at ten sites along a transect across the Hijima fault, a major segment of the Yamasaki fault system, Japan. The data were subjected to dimensionality analysis, following which two-dimensional inversions for the TE and TM modes were carried out. This model is characterized by (1) a clear resistivity boundary that coincides with the downward projection of the surface trace of the Hijima fault, (2) a resistive zone (>500 Ω m) that corresponds to Mesozoic sediment, and (3) shallow and deep two highly conductive zones (30-40 Ω m) along the fault. The shallow conductive zone is a common feature of the Yamasaki fault system, whereas the deep conductor is a newly discovered feature at depths of 800-1,800 m to the southwest of the fault. The conductor is truncated by the Hijima fault to the northeast, and its upper boundary is the resistive zone. Both conductors are interpreted to represent a combination of clay minerals and a fluid network within a fault-related fracture zone. In terms of the development of the fluid networks, the fault core of the Hijima fault and the highly resistive zone may play important roles as barriers to fluid flow on the northeast and upper sides of the conductive zones, respectively.

Fault kinematics and localised inversion within the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex, SW Barents Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zervas, I.; Omosanya, K. O.; Lippard, S. J.; Johansen, S. E.

2018-04-01

The areas bounding the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex are affected by complex tectonic evolution. In this work, the history of fault growth, reactivation, and inversion of major faults in the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex and the Ringvassøy Loppa Fault Complex is interpreted from three-dimensional seismic data, structural maps and fault displacement plots. Our results reveal eight normal faults bounding rotated fault blocks in the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex. Both the throw-depth and displacement-distance plots show that the faults exhibit complex configurations of lateral and vertical segmentation with varied profiles. Some of the faults were reactivated by dip-linkages during the Late Jurassic and exhibit polycyclic fault growth, including radial, syn-sedimentary, and hybrid propagation. Localised positive inversion is the main mechanism of fault reactivation occurring at the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex. The observed structural styles include folds associated with extensional faults, folded growth wedges and inverted depocentres. Localised inversion was intermittent with rifting during the Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous at the boundaries of the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex to the Finnmark Platform. Additionally, tectonic inversion was more intense at the boundaries of the two fault complexes, affecting Middle Triassic to Early Cretaceous strata. Our study shows that localised folding is either a product of compressional forces or of lateral movements in the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex. Regional stresses due to the uplift in the Loppa High and halokinesis in the Tromsø Basin are likely additional causes of inversion in the Troms-Finnmark Fault Complex.

Interpretation of gravity profiles across the northern Oaxaca terrane, its boundaries and the Tehuacán Valley, southern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos-Enríquez, J. O.; Alatorre-Zamora, M. A.; Keppie, J. D.; Belmonte-Jiménez, S. I.; Ramón-Márquez, V. M.

2014-12-01

A gravity study was conducted across the northern Oaxaca terrane and its bounding faults: the Caltepec and Oaxaca Faults to the west and east, respectively. These faults juxtapose the Oaxaca terrane against the Mixteca and Juarez terranes, respectively. The Oaxaca Fault also forms the eastern boundary of the Cenozoic Tehuacán depression. On the west, at depth, the Tehuacán valley is limited by the normal buried Tehuacán Fault. This gravity study reveals that the Oaxaca Fault system gives rise to a series of east tilted basamental blocks (Oaxaca Complex). The tectonic depression is filled with Phanerozoic rocks and has a deeper depocenter to the west. The gravity data also indicate that on the west, the Oaxaca Complex, the Caltepec and Santa Lucia faults continue northwestwards beneath Phanerozoic rocks. A major E-W to NE-SW discontinuity is inferred to exist between profiles 1 and 2.

Kinematics at the Intersection of the Garlock and Death Valley Fault Zones, California: Integration of TM Data and Field Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verosub, Kenneth L.; Brady, Roland H., III; Abrams, Michael

1989-01-01

Kinematic relationships at the intersection of the southern Death Valley and Garlock fault zones were examined to identify and delineate the eastern structural boundary between the Mojave and the Basin and Range geologic terrains, and to construct a model for the evolution of this boundary through time. In order to accomplish this, satellite imagery was combined with field investigations to study six areas in the vicinity of the intersection, or possible extensions, of the fault zones. The information gathered from these areas allows the test of various hypotheses that were proposed to explain the interaction between the Death Valley and Garlock fault zones.

Tectonic stressing in California modeled from GPS observations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parsons, T.

2006-01-01

What happens in the crust as a result of geodetically observed secular motions? In this paper we find out by distorting a finite element model of California using GPS-derived displacements. A complex model was constructed using spatially varying crustal thickness, geothermal gradient, topography, and creeping faults. GPS velocity observations were interpolated and extrapolated across the model and boundary condition areas, and the model was loaded according to 5-year displacements. Results map highest differential stressing rates in a 200-km-wide band along the Pacific-North American plate boundary, coinciding with regions of greatest seismic energy release. Away from the plate boundary, GPS-derived crustal strain reduces modeled differential stress in some places, suggesting that some crustal motions are related to topographic collapse. Calculated stressing rates can be resolved onto fault planes: useful for addressing fault interactions and necessary for calculating earthquake advances or delays. As an example, I examine seismic quiescence on the Garlock fault despite a calculated minimum 0.1-0.4 MPa static stress increase from the 1857 M???7.8 Fort Tejon earthquake. Results from finite element modeling show very low to negative secular Coulomb stress growth on the Garlock fault, suggesting that the stress state may have been too low for large earthquake triggering. Thus the Garlock fault may only be stressed by San Andreas fault slip, a loading pattern that could explain its erratic rupture history.

Geophysical and isotopic mapping of preexisting crustal structures that influenced the location and development of the San Jacinto fault zone, southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Langenheim, V.E.; Jachens, R.C.; Morton, D.M.; Kistler, R.W.; Matti, J.C.

2004-01-01

We examine the role of preexisting crustal structure within the Peninsular Ranges batholith on determining the location of the San Jacinto fault zone by analysis of geophysical anomalies and initial strontium ratio data. A 1000-km-long boundary within the Peninsular Ranges batholith, separating relatively mafic, dense, and magnetic rocks of the western Peninsular Ranges batholith from the more felsic, less dense, and weakly magnetic rocks of the eastern Peninsular Ranges batholith, strikes north-northwest toward the San Jacinto fault zone. Modeling of the gravity and magnetic field anomalies caused by this boundary indicates that it extends to depths of at least 20 km. The anomalies do not cross the San Jacinto fault zone, but instead trend northwesterly and coincide with the fault zone. A 75-km-long gradient in initial strontium ratios (Sri) in the eastern Peninsular Ranges batholith coincides with the San Jacinto fault zone. Here rocks east of the fault are characterized by Sri greater than 0.706, indicating a source of largely continental crust, sedimentary materials, or different lithosphere. We argue that the physical property contrast produced by the Peninsular Ranges batholith boundary provided a mechanically favorable path for the San Jacinto fault zone, bypassing the San Gorgonio structural knot as slip was transferred from the San Andreas fault 1.0-1.5 Ma. Two historical M6.7 earthquakes may have nucleated along the Peninsular Ranges batholith discontinuity in San Jacinto Valley, suggesting that Peninsular Ranges batholith crustal structure may continue to affect how strain is accommodated along the San Jacinto fault zone. ?? 2004 Geological Society of America.

Crustal structure of the Churchill-Superior boundary zone between 80 and 98 deg W longitude from Magsat anomaly maps and stacked passes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, D. H.; Millar, T. W.; Noble, I. A.

1985-01-01

A modeling technique using spherical shell elements and equivalent dipole sources has been applied to Magsat signatures at the Churchill-Superior boundary in Manitoba, Ontario, and Ungava. A large satellite magnetic anomaly (12 nT amplitude) on POGO and Magsat maps near the Churchill-Superior boundary was found to be related to the Richmond Gulf aulacogen. The averaged crustal magnetization in the source region is 5.2 A/m. Stacking of the magnetic traces from Magsat passes reveals a magnetic signature (10 nT amplitude) at the Churchill-Superior boundary in an area studied between 80 deg W and 98 deg W. Modeling suggests a steplike thickening of the crust on the Churchill side of the boundary in a layer with a magnetization of 5 A/m. Signatures on aeromagnetic maps are also found in the source areas for both of these satellite anomalies.

Comments on the Parameters and Processes that Affect the Preservation Potential and Style of Oblique-Divergent Plate Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umhoefer, P. J.

2014-12-01

Oblique-divergent or transtensional zones present particular challenges in ancient belts because of the poor preservation potential of the thinned continental crust and young oceanic crust. Many oblique belts will preferentially preserve their boundary zones that lie within continents rather than the main plate boundary zone, which will be at a much lower elevation and composed of denser crust. Zones of tectonic escape or strike-slip overprinting of arcs or plateaus deform continental crust and may be better preserved. Here I highlight parameters and processes that have major effects on oblique divergent belts. Strain partitioning is common, but not ubiquitous, along and across oblique boundaries; the causes of partitioning are not always clear and make this especially vexing for work in ancient belts. Partitioning causes complexity in the patterns of structures at all scales. Inherited structures commonly determine the orientation and style of structures along oblique boundaries and can control the pattern of faults across transtensional belts. Regionally, inherited trends of arcs or other 1000-km-scale features can control boundary structures. Experiments and natural examples suggest that oblique boundary zones contain less of a record of strike-slip faulting and more extensional structures. The obliquity of divergence produces predictable families of structures that typify (i) strike-slip dominated zones (obliquity <~20°), (ii) mixed zones (~20° - ~35°), and (iii) extension dominated zones (>~35°). The combination of partitioning and mixed structures in oblique zones means that the boundaries of belts with large-magnitude strike-slip faulting will commonly preserve little of no record of that faulting history. Plate boundaries localize strain onto the main plate boundary structures from the broader plate boundary and therefore the boundary zones commonly preserve the earlier structures more than later structures, a major problem in interpreting ancient belts. Sediment input is critical in some oblique plate boundaries because these belts become more pronounced sediment sinks over time. The evolving topography of oblique boundaries means that they have great variability of sediment flux into differing parts of the system; large rivers enter these belts only in special circumstances.

Detailed Northern Anatolian Fault Zone crustal structure from receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornwell, D. G.; Kahraman, M.; Thompson, D. A.; Houseman, G. A.; Rost, S.; Turkelli, N.; Teoman, U.; Altuncu Poyraz, S.; Gülen, L.; Utkucu, M.

2013-12-01

We present high resolution images derived from receiver functions of the continental crust in Northern Turkey that is dissected by two fault strands of the Northern Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ). The NAFZ is a major continental strike-slip fault system that is comparable in length and slip rate to the San Andreas Fault Zone. Recent large earthquakes occurred towards the western end of the NAFZ in 1999 at Izmit (M7.5) and Düzce (M7.2). As part of the multi-disciplinary Faultlab project, we aim to develop a model of NAFZ crustal structure and locate deformation by constraining variations in seismic properties and anisotropy in the upper and lower crust. The crustal model will be an input to test deformation scenarios in order to match geodetic observations from different phases of the earthquake loading cycle. We calculated receiver functions from teleseismic earthquakes recorded by a rectangular seismometer array spanning the NAFZ with 66 stations at a nominal inter-station spacing of 7 km and 7 additional stations further afield. This Dense Array for North Anatolia (DANA) was deployed from May 2012 until September 2013 and we selected large events (Mw>5.5) from the high quality seismological dataset to analyze further. Receiver functions were calculated for different frequency bands then collected into regional stacks before being inverted for crustal S-wave velocity structure beneath the entire DANA array footprint. In addition, we applied common conversion point (CCP) migration using a regional velocity model to construct a migrated 3D volume of P-to-S converted and multiple energy in order to identify the major crustal features and layer boundaries. We also performed the CCP migration with transverse receiver functions in order to identify regions of anisotropy within the crustal layers. Our preliminary results show a heterogeneous crust above a flat Moho that is typically at a depth of 33 km. We do not observe a prominent step in the Moho beneath the surface locations at either of the NAFZ fault branches. We observe first-order differences in crustal structure between the crustal blocks that are separated by the faults. Each crustal block also contains regions of strong anisotropy at various depths that will be analyzed further with the full seismological dataset and compared to petrofabric analyses of exhumed fault segments. We will compare our results with other seismological imaging techniques to attempt to resolve the distribution of fault zone deformation with respect to depth. This information will be useful to other complementary Faultlab techniques that will add a detailed insight into the fault structure and dynamics of the NAFZ and contribute more broadly into ongoing research into major strike-slip fault zones.

Dislocation creation and void nucleation in FCC ductile metals under tensile loading: a general microscopic picture.

PubMed

Pang, Wei-Wei; Zhang, Ping; Zhang, Guang-Cai; Xu, Ai-Guo; Zhao, Xian-Geng

2014-11-10

Numerous theoretical and experimental efforts have been paid to describe and understand the dislocation and void nucleation processes that are fundamental for dynamic fracture modeling of strained metals. To date an essential physical picture on the self-organized atomic collective motions during dislocation creation, as well as the essential mechanisms for the void nucleation obscured by the extreme diversity in structural configurations around the void nucleation core, is still severely lacking in literature. Here, we depict the origin of dislocation creation and void nucleation during uniaxial high strain rate tensile processes in face-centered-cubic (FCC) ductile metals. We find that the dislocations are created through three distinguished stages: (i) Flattened octahedral structures (FOSs) are randomly activated by thermal fluctuations; (ii) The double-layer defect clusters are formed by self-organized stacking of FOSs on the close-packed plane; (iii) The stacking faults are formed and the Shockley partial dislocations are created from the double-layer defect clusters. Whereas, the void nucleation is shown to follow a two-stage description. We demonstrate that our findings on the origin of dislocation creation and void nucleation are universal for a variety of FCC ductile metals with low stacking fault energies.

Constraints on Early Mars Evolution and Dichotomy Origin from Relaxation Modeling of Dichotomy Boundary in the Ismenius Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guest, A.; Smrekar, S. E.

2004-01-01

The Martian dichotomy is a global feature separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The 3.5 - 4 Gyr old feature is manifested by a topographic difference of 2-6 km and crustal thickness difference of approx. 15 - 30 km between the two hemispheres. In the Ismenius region, sections of the boundary are characterized by a single scarp with a slope of approx. 20 deg. - 23 deg. and are believed to be among the most well preserved parts of the dichotomy boundary. The origin of the dichotomy is unknown. Endogenic hypotheses do not predict the steep slopes (scarps) of the dichotomy boundary. Exogenic models for forming the northern lowlands by impact cratering, associate the scarps along the dichotomy boundary with craters' rims, but are not globally consistent with the topography and gravity. In order to better understand the origin of the Martian dichotomy, it is necessary to know if the steep scarps along the boundary represent the original shape of the dichotomy. Smrekar et al. presented evidence showing that the boundary scarp in Ismenius is a fault along which the highland crust was down faulted. We test whether the relaxation process could produce faulting along the dichotomy boundary and examine the crustal and mantle conditions that would allow for faulting to occur within 1 Gyr and preserve the long wavelength topography over another 3 Gyr. We approach the problem by a combination of numerical and semi-analytical modeling. We test different viscosity profiles and crustal thicknesses by comparing our modeled magnitude, location and timing of plastic strain and displacements to detailed geologic observations in the Ismenius region.

Fluid-rock interaction controlling clay-mineral crystallization in quartz-rich rocks and its influence on the seismicity of the Carboneras fault area (SE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimenez-Espinosa, R.; Abad, I.; Jimenez-Millan, J.; Lorite-Herrera, M.

2009-04-01

The Carboneras Fault zone is one of the longest fault in the Betic Cordillera (SE Spain) and it would be a good candidate to generate large magnitude earthquakes (Gracia et al., 2006). Seismicity in the region is characterised by low to moderate magnitude events, although large destructive earthquakes have occurred, which reveals significant earthquake and tsunami hazards (Masana et al., 2004). Due to the internal architecture of the fault zone, shear lenses of post-orogenic sediments of Miocene and Pliocene age including marls and sandstones sequences are juxtaposed to the predominant slaty gouges of the Alpine basement. Microcataclasites and gouges of the quartz-rich post-orogenic sediments are also developed as cm- to m-scale bands, allowing the comparison between the deformed materials and their protoliths. Red, yellow and white sandstones and their respective cataclasites can be identified. This communication is concerned with the clay mineral crystallization events in these materials and its possible influence on the seismicity model of the region. The presence of phyllosilicates in fault zones as either neoformed or inherited clays is commonly related with fluid circulation and a mechanically weak fault behaviour (e.g., Wang, 1984). A critical factor for the understanding of the mechanical role of clays in fault rocks is to determine the timing of formation of mineral assemblages and microstructure of fault rocks and protolith. The effects of post-faulting alteration limit inferences about fault behaviour that can be made from exhumed rocks. The Carboneras fault zone provides good opportunities to study mineral processes enhanced by deformation, given that it is located in a region of arid climate and shows outcroppings of quartzitic rocks included in slaty rocks. Combined XRD, optical microscopy and SEM analyses reveal that deformed quartzitic rocks are enriched in phyllosilicates, increasing especially the amount of chlorite. The samples strongly damaged are characterised also by the presence of dolomite and gypsum. The deformation is highly localized, developing phyllosilicate-rich bands highly foliated due to the presence of fine-sized aligned clays (chlorite and mica). In some undeformed lenses of the cataclastic rocks, variable-sized patches of phyllosilicates containing random oriented stacks of chlorite and mica are developed. BSE images reveal that the stacks are made of two intergrown compositional types of chlorite. These results lead to conclude that limited clay growth during faulting occurred. The absence of significant compositional differences between undeformed and deformed phyllosilicates suggests that whereas fluids were present during strike-slip faulting, fluids were not preferentially focused along the quartz-rich rocks of the fault zone by phyllosilicates avoiding the development of the synkinematic clay alteration process. However, clays played an important role for the mechanical behaviour of the quartzitic rocks in the fault zone. Deformation is highly localized in chlorite-rich sandstones. These sandstones show substantial clay crystallization which texture can be related with a hydrothermal origin before strike-slip faulting, likely associated with the volcanic activity of the area leading to form of chlorite/mica patches. These data indicate that, although elevated fluid pressure confined by clay fabric cannot be appealed for the mechanical behaviour of the sandstones of the Carboneras fault, clay fabrics developed during deformation dominated the fault-weakening mechanism. We consider that lubricating properties of phyllosilicates in the quartzitic rocks were an important factor controlling movement mechanisms promoting the predominance of creep as regards seismic stick-slip (Bedrosian et al., 2004) reducing the possibility of larger seismogenic events that nucleate on localized fault planes developed within quartzitic rocks contained within the fault zone. Finally the crystallization of dolomite and gypsum in the highly damaged areas of the microcataclasites could be related with recent low-temperature and high-salinity water circulation episodes, suggesting that cataclasis may control pathways and focus circulation of the current aquifer systems. References Bedrosian, P.A., Unsworth, M.J., Egbert, G.D., Thuerber, C.H. (2004): Geophysical images of creeping segment of the San Andreas Fault: Implications for the role of crustal fluids in the earthquake process. Tectonophysics, 385, 137-158. Gracia, E., Palla, R., Soto, J.I., Comas, M., Moreno, X., Masana, E., Santanach, P., Diez, S., García, M., Dañobeitia, J. & HITS scientific party (2006): Active faulting offshore SE Spain (Alboran Sea): Implications for earthquake hazard assessment in the Southern Iberian Margin. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 241, 734-749. Masana E., Martínez-Díaz, J.J., Hernández-Enrile, J.L. & Santanach, P. (2004): The Alhama de Murcia fault (SE Spain), a seismogenic fault in a diffuse plate boundary: seismotectonic implications for the Ibero-Magrebian region. J. Geophys. Res., 109, 1-17. Wang, C.Y. (1984): On the constitution of the San Andreas fault zone in central California. J. Geophys. Res., 89, 5858-5866.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the plastic behavior anisotropy of shock-compressed monocrystal nickel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ya-Zhou; Zhou, Liu-Cheng; He, Wei-Feng; Sun, Yu; Li, Ying-Hong; Jiao, Yang; Luo, Si-Hai

2017-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the plastic behavior of monocrystalline nickel under shock compression along the [100] and [110] orientations. The shock Hugoniot relation, local stress curve, and process of microstructure development were determined. Results showed the apparent anisotropic behavior of monocrystalline nickel under shock compression. The separation of elastic and plastic waves was also obvious. Plastic deformation was more severely altered along the [110] direction than the [100] direction. The main microstructure phase transformed from face-centered cubic to body-centered cubic and generated a large-scale and low-density stacking fault along the family of { 111 } crystal planes under shock compression along the [100] direction. By contrast, the main mechanism of plastic deformation in the [110] direction was the nucleation of the hexagonal, close-packed phase, which generated a high density of stacking faults along the [110] and [1̅10] directions.

Studies of molecular-beam epitaxy growth of GaAs on porous Si substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mii, Y. J.; Kao, Y. C.; Wu, B. J.; Wang, K. L.; Lin, T. L.; Liu, J. K.

1988-01-01

GaAs has been grown on porous Si directly and on Si buffer layer-porous Si substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy. In the case of GaAs growth on porous Si, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the dominant defects in GaAs layers grown on porous Si are microtwins and stacking faults, which originate from the GaAs/porous Si interface. GaAs is found to penetrate into the porous Si layers. By using a thin Si buffer layer (50 nm), GaAs penetration diminishes and the density of microtwins and stacking faults is largely reduced and localized at the GaAs/Si buffer interface. However, there is a high density of threading dislocations remaining. Both Si (100) aligned and four degree tilted substrates have been examined in this study. TEM results show no observable effect of the tilted substrates on the quality of the GaAs epitaxial layer.

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy of hexagonal and rhombohedral molybdenum disulfide crystals.

PubMed

Isshiki, T; Nishio, K; Saijo, H; Shiojiri, M; Yabuuchi, Y; Takahashi, N

1993-07-01

Natural (molybdenite) and synthesized molybdenum disulfide crystals have been studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The image simulation demonstrates that the [0001] and [0110] HRTEM images of hexagonal and rhombohedral MoS2 crystals hardly disclose their stacking sequences, and that the [2110] images can distinguish the Mo and S columns along the incident electron beam and enable one to determine not only the crystal structure but also the fault structure. Observed [0001] images of cleaved molybdenite and synthesized MoS2 crystals, however, reveal the strain field around partial dislocations limiting an extended dislocation. A cross-sectional image of a single molecular (S-Mo-S) layer cleaved from molybdenite has been observed. Synthesized MoS2 flakes which were prepared by grinding have been found to be rhombohedral crystals containing many stacking faults caused by glides between S/S layers.

Charge optimized many-body potential for aluminum.

PubMed

Choudhary, Kamal; Liang, Tao; Chernatynskiy, Aleksandr; Lu, Zizhe; Goyal, Anuj; Phillpot, Simon R; Sinnott, Susan B

2015-01-14

An interatomic potential for Al is developed within the third generation of the charge optimized many-body (COMB3) formalism. The database used for the parameterization of the potential consists of experimental data and the results of first-principles and quantum chemical calculations. The potential exhibits reasonable agreement with cohesive energy, lattice parameters, elastic constants, bulk and shear modulus, surface energies, stacking fault energies, point defect formation energies, and the phase order of metallic Al from experiments and density functional theory. In addition, the predicted phonon dispersion is in good agreement with the experimental data and first-principles calculations. Importantly for the prediction of the mechanical behavior, the unstable stacking fault energetics along the [Formula: see text] direction on the (1 1 1) plane are similar to those obtained from first-principles calculations. The polycrsytal when strained shows responses that are physical and the overall behavior is consistent with experimental observations.

First principles pseudopotential calculation of electron energy loss near edge structures of lattice imperfections.

PubMed

Mizoguchi, Teruyasu; Matsunaga, Katsuyuki; Tochigi, Eita; Ikuhara, Yuichi

2012-01-01

Theoretical calculations of electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) of lattice imperfections, particularly a Ni(111)/ZrO₂(111) heterointerface and an Al₂O₃ stacking fault on the {1100} plane, are performed using a first principles pseudopotential method. The present calculation can qualitatively reproduce spectral features as well as chemical shifts in experiment by employing a special pseudopotential designed for the excited atom with a core-hole. From the calculation, spectral changes observed in O-K ELNES from a Ni/ZrO₂ interface can be attributable to interfacial oxygen-Ni interactions. In the O-K ELNES of Al₂O₃ stacking faults, theoretical calculation suggests that the spectral feature reflects coordination environment and chemical bonding. Powerful combinations of ELNES with a pseudopotential method used to investigate the atomic and electronic structures of lattice imperfections are demonstrated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atomistic Origin of Deformation Twinning in Biomineral Aragonite.

PubMed

Liu, Jialin; Huang, Zaiwang; Pan, Zhiliang; Wei, Qiuming; Li, Xiaodong; Qi, Yue

2017-03-10

Deformation twinning rarely occurs in mineral materials which typically show brittle fracture. Surprisingly, it has recently been observed in the biomineral aragonite phase in nacre under high rate impact loading. In this Letter, the twinning tendency and the competition between fracture and deformation twinning were revealed by first principles calculations. The ratio of the unstable stacking fault energy and the stacking fault energy in orthorhombic aragonite is hitherto the highest in a broad range of metallic and oxide materials. The underlining physics for this high ratio is the multineighbor shared ionic bonds and the unique relaxation process during sliding in the aragonite structure. Overall, the unique deformation twining along with other highly coordinated deformation mechanisms synergistically work in the hierarchical structure of nacre, leading to the remarkable strengthening and toughening of nacre upon dynamic loading, and thus protecting the mother-of-pearl from predatory attacks.

In situ monitoring of stacking fault formation and its carrier lifetime mediation in p-type 4H-SiC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Bin, E-mail: chenbinmse@gmail.com; Chen, Jun; Yao, Yuanzhao

Using the fine control of an electron beam (e-beam) in scanning electron microscopy with the capabilities of both electrical and optical imaging, the stacking fault (SF) formation together with its tuning of carrier lifetime was in situ monitored and investigated in p-type 4H-SiC homoepitaxial films. The SFs were formed through engineering basal plane dislocations with the energy supplied by the e-beam. The e-beam intensity required for the SF formation in the p-type films was ∼100 times higher than that in the n-type ones. The SFs reduced the minority-carrier lifetime in the p-type films, which was opposite to that observed inmore » the n-type case. The reason for the peculiar SF behavior in the p-type 4H-SiC is discussed with the cathodoluminescence results.« less

Stacking fault energies of face-centered cubic concentrated solid solution alloys

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Shijun; Stocks, G. Malcolm; Zhang, Yanwen

2017-06-22

We report the stacking fault energy (SFE) for a series of face-centered cubic (fcc) equiatomic concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) derived as subsystems from the NiCoFeCrMn and NiCoFeCrPd high entropy alloys based on ab initio calculations. At low temperatures, these CSAs display very low even negative SFEs, indicating that hexagonal close-pack ( hcp) is more energy favorable than fcc structure. The temperature dependence of SFE for some CSAs is studied. With increasing temperature, a hcp-to- fcc transition is revealed for those CSAs with negative SFEs, which can be attributed to the role of intrinsic vibrational entropy. The analysis of themore » vibrational modes suggests that the vibrational entropy arises from the high frequency states in the hcp structure that originate from local vibrational mode. Furthermore, our results underscore the importance of vibrational entropy in determining the temperature dependence of SFE for CSAs.« less

Replace with abstract title

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coho, Aleksander; Kioussis, Nicholas

2003-03-01

We use the semidiscrete variational generelized Peierls-Nabarro model to study the effect of Cu alloying on the dislocation properties of Al. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) is used to calculate the generalized-stacking-fault (GSF) energy surface when a <111> plane, on which one in four Al atoms has been replaced with a Cu atom, slips over a pure Al <111> plane. Various dislocation core properties (core width, energy, Peierls stress, dissociation tendency) are investigated and compared with the pure Al case. Cu alloying lowers the intrinsic stacking fault (ISF) energy, which makes dislocations more likely to dissociate into partials. We also try to understand the lowering of ISF energy in terms of Al-Cu and Al-Al bond formation and braking during shearing along the <112> direction. From the above we draw conclusions about the effects of Cu alloying on the mechanical properties of Al.

Stacking fault energies of face-centered cubic concentrated solid solution alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Shijun; Stocks, G. Malcolm; Zhang, Yanwen

We report the stacking fault energy (SFE) for a series of face-centered cubic (fcc) equiatomic concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) derived as subsystems from the NiCoFeCrMn and NiCoFeCrPd high entropy alloys based on ab initio calculations. At low temperatures, these CSAs display very low even negative SFEs, indicating that hexagonal close-pack ( hcp) is more energy favorable than fcc structure. The temperature dependence of SFE for some CSAs is studied. With increasing temperature, a hcp-to- fcc transition is revealed for those CSAs with negative SFEs, which can be attributed to the role of intrinsic vibrational entropy. The analysis of themore » vibrational modes suggests that the vibrational entropy arises from the high frequency states in the hcp structure that originate from local vibrational mode. Furthermore, our results underscore the importance of vibrational entropy in determining the temperature dependence of SFE for CSAs.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Zijiao; Sheng, Hongwei; Wang, Zhangjie

Combinations of high strength and ductility are hard to attain in metals. Exceptions include materials exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity. To understand how the strength-ductility trade-off can be defeated, we apply in situ, and aberration-corrected scanning, transmission electron microscopy to examine deformation mechanisms in the medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi that exhibits one of the highest combinations of strength, ductility and toughness on record. Ab initio modelling suggests that it has negative stacking-fault energy at 0K and high propensity for twinning. With deformation we find that a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical twin network forms from the activation of three twinning systems. This serves a dualmore » function: conventional twin-boundary (TB) strengthening from blockage of dislocations impinging on TBs, coupled with the 3D twin network which offers pathways for dislocation glide along, and cross-slip between, intersecting TB-matrix interfaces. The stable twin architecture is not disrupted by interfacial dislocation glide, serving as a continuous source of strength, ductility and toughness.« less

Growth of Defect-Free 3C-SiC on 4H- and 6H-SiC Mesas Using Step-Free Surface Heteroepitaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.; Powell, J. Anthony; Trunek, Andrew J.; Huang, Xianrong R.; Dudley, Michael

2001-01-01

A new growth process, herein named step-free surface heteroepitaxy, has achieved 3CSiC films completely free of double positioning boundaries and stacking faults on 4H-SiC and 6H-SiC substrate mesas. The process is based upon the initial 2-dimensional nucleation and lateral expansion of a single island of 3C-SiC on a 4H- or 6H-SiC mesa surface that is completely free of bilayer surface steps. Our experimental results indicate that substrate-epilayer in-plane lattice mismatch (delta a/a = 0.0854% for 3C/4H) is at least partially relieved parallel to the interface in the initial bilayers of the heterofilm, producing an at least partially relaxed 3C-SiC film without dislocations that undesirably thread through the thickness of the epilayer. This result should enable realization of improved 3C-SiC devices.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weickert, F.; Civale, L.; Maiorov, B.

Here, we present magnetization measurements on Sr4Ru3O10 as a function of temperature and magnetic field applied perpendicular to the magnetic easy c-axis inside the ferromagnetic phase. Peculiar metamagnetism evolves in Sr4Ru3O10 below the ferromagnetic transition TC as a double step in the magnetization at two critical fields Hc1 and Hc2. We map the H-T phase diagram with special focus on the temperature range 50 K ≤T≤TC. We find that the critical field Hc1(T) connects the field and temperature axes of the phase diagram, whereas the Hc2 boundary starts at 2.8 T for the lowest temperatures and ends in a criticalmore » endpoint at (1 T; 80 K). We also conclude from the temperature dependence of the ratio Hc1Hc2(T) that the double metamagnetic transition is an intrinsic effect of the material and it is not caused by sample stacking faults such as twinning or partial in-plane rotation between layers.« less

Super-strengthening and stabilizing with carbon nanotube harnessed high density nanotwins in metals by shock loading

PubMed Central

Lin, Dong; Saei, Mojib; Suslov, Sergey; Jin, Shengyu; Cheng, Gary J.

2015-01-01

CNTs reinforced metal composites has great potential due to their superior properties, such as light weight, high strength, low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity. The current strengthening mechanisms of CNT/metal composite mainly rely on CNTs’ interaction with dislocations and CNT’s intrinsic high strength. Here we demonstrated that laser shock loading the CNT/metal composite results in high density nanotwins, stacking fault, dislocation around the CNT/metal interface. The composites exhibit enhanced strength with excellent stability. The results are interpreted by both molecular dynamics simulation and experiments. It is found the shock wave interaction with CNTs induces a stress field, much higher than the applied shock pressure, surrounding the CNT/metal interface. As a result, nanotwins were nucleated under a shock pressure much lower than the critical values to generate twins in metals. This hybrid unique nanostructure not only enhances the strength, but also stabilize the strength, as the nanotwin boundaries around the CNTs help pin the dislocation movement. PMID:26493533

Field-assisted sintering and phase transition of ZnS-CaLa 2S 4 composite ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Yiyu; Zhang, Lihua; Kisslinger, Kim

In the present study, zinc sulfide (ZnS) and calcium lanthanum sulfide (CaLa 2S 4, CLS) composite ceramics were consolidated via field-assisted sintering of 0.5ZnS-0.5CLS (volume ratio) composite powders at 800–1050 °C. Through sintering curve analyses and microstructural observations, it was determined that between 800 and 1000 °C, grain boundary diffusion was the main mechanism controlling grain growth for both the ZnS and CLS phases within the composite ceramics. The consolidated composite ceramics were determined to be composed of sphalerite ZnS, wurtzite ZnS and thorium phosphate CLS. The sphalerite-wurtzite phase transition of ZnS was further demonstrated to be accompanied by themore » formation of stacking faults and twins in the ceramics. Furthermore, it was also found that the addition of the CLS phase improved the indentation hardness of the ceramics relative to pure ZnS by homogeneous dispersion of ZnS and CLS small grains.« less

Field-assisted sintering and phase transition of ZnS-CaLa 2S 4 composite ceramics

DOE PAGES

Li, Yiyu; Zhang, Lihua; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2017-07-17

In the present study, zinc sulfide (ZnS) and calcium lanthanum sulfide (CaLa 2S 4, CLS) composite ceramics were consolidated via field-assisted sintering of 0.5ZnS-0.5CLS (volume ratio) composite powders at 800–1050 °C. Through sintering curve analyses and microstructural observations, it was determined that between 800 and 1000 °C, grain boundary diffusion was the main mechanism controlling grain growth for both the ZnS and CLS phases within the composite ceramics. The consolidated composite ceramics were determined to be composed of sphalerite ZnS, wurtzite ZnS and thorium phosphate CLS. The sphalerite-wurtzite phase transition of ZnS was further demonstrated to be accompanied by themore » formation of stacking faults and twins in the ceramics. Furthermore, it was also found that the addition of the CLS phase improved the indentation hardness of the ceramics relative to pure ZnS by homogeneous dispersion of ZnS and CLS small grains.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wen, Haiming; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

Here, detailed electron microscopy studies were performed to investigate the distribution and composition of fission products in the SiC layer of a tristructural isotropic coated particle exhibiting localized corrosion. Previous studies on this particle indicated that pure carbon areas in the SiC layer, resulting from localized corrosion of SiC by Pd, provide pathways for Ag, Cd and Cs migration. This study reveals the presence of Ag- and/or Cd-containing precipitates in un-corroded SiC areas. Ag/Cd may exist by themselves or coexist with Pd. Ag/Cd mainly transport along SiC grain boundaries. An Ag-Pd-Cd precipitate was identified at a stacking fault inside amore » SiC grain, suggesting that intragranular transport of Ag/Cd is possible. Ce is present with Pd or Pd-U in some precipitates >50 nm. U and Ce frequently coexist with each other, whereas Ag/Cd usually does not coexist with U or Ce. No Cs was detected in any precipitates in the areas examined.« less

Intermittent Granular Dynamics at a Seismogenic Plate Boundary.

PubMed

Meroz, Yasmine; Meade, Brendan J

2017-09-29

Earthquakes at seismogenic plate boundaries are a response to the differential motions of tectonic blocks embedded within a geometrically complex network of branching and coalescing faults. Elastic strain is accumulated at a slow strain rate on the order of 10^{-15}  s^{-1}, and released intermittently at intervals >100  yr, in the form of rapid (seconds to minutes) coseismic ruptures. The development of macroscopic models of quasistatic planar tectonic dynamics at these plate boundaries has remained challenging due to uncertainty with regard to the spatial and kinematic complexity of fault system behaviors. The characteristic length scale of kinematically distinct tectonic structures is particularly poorly constrained. Here, we analyze fluctuations in Global Positioning System observations of interseismic motion from the southern California plate boundary, identifying heavy-tailed scaling behavior. Namely, we show that, consistent with findings for slowly sheared granular media, the distribution of velocity fluctuations deviates from a Gaussian, exhibiting broad tails, and the correlation function decays as a stretched exponential. This suggests that the plate boundary can be understood as a densely packed granular medium, predicting a characteristic tectonic length scale of 91±20  km, here representing the characteristic size of tectonic blocks in the southern California fault network, and relating the characteristic duration and recurrence interval of earthquakes, with the observed sheared strain rate, and the nanosecond value for the crack tip evolution time scale. Within a granular description, fault and blocks systems may rapidly rearrange the distribution of forces within them, driving a mixture of transient and intermittent fault slip behaviors over tectonic time scales.

Intermittent Granular Dynamics at a Seismogenic Plate Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meroz, Yasmine; Meade, Brendan J.

2017-09-01

Earthquakes at seismogenic plate boundaries are a response to the differential motions of tectonic blocks embedded within a geometrically complex network of branching and coalescing faults. Elastic strain is accumulated at a slow strain rate on the order of 10-15 s-1 , and released intermittently at intervals >100 yr , in the form of rapid (seconds to minutes) coseismic ruptures. The development of macroscopic models of quasistatic planar tectonic dynamics at these plate boundaries has remained challenging due to uncertainty with regard to the spatial and kinematic complexity of fault system behaviors. The characteristic length scale of kinematically distinct tectonic structures is particularly poorly constrained. Here, we analyze fluctuations in Global Positioning System observations of interseismic motion from the southern California plate boundary, identifying heavy-tailed scaling behavior. Namely, we show that, consistent with findings for slowly sheared granular media, the distribution of velocity fluctuations deviates from a Gaussian, exhibiting broad tails, and the correlation function decays as a stretched exponential. This suggests that the plate boundary can be understood as a densely packed granular medium, predicting a characteristic tectonic length scale of 91 ±20 km , here representing the characteristic size of tectonic blocks in the southern California fault network, and relating the characteristic duration and recurrence interval of earthquakes, with the observed sheared strain rate, and the nanosecond value for the crack tip evolution time scale. Within a granular description, fault and blocks systems may rapidly rearrange the distribution of forces within them, driving a mixture of transient and intermittent fault slip behaviors over tectonic time scales.

How does the 2010 El Mayor - Cucapah Earthquake Rupture Connect to the Southern California Plate Boundary Fault System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnellan, A.; Ben-Zion, Y.; Arrowsmith, R.

2016-12-01

The Pacific - North American plate boundary in southern California is marked by several major strike slip faults. The 2010 M7.2 El Mayor - Cucapah earthquake ruptured 120 km of upper crust in Baja California to the US-Mexico border. The earthquake triggered slip along an extensive network of faults in the Salton Trough from the Mexican border to the southern end of the San Andreas fault. Earthquakes >M5 were triggered in the gap between the Laguna Salada and Elsinore faults at Ocotillo and on the Coyote Creek segment of the San Jacinto fault 20 km northwest of Borrego Springs. UAVSAR observations, collected since October of 2009, measure slip associated with the M5.7 Ocotillo aftershock with deformation continuing into 2014. The Elsinore fault has been remarkably quiet, however, with only M5.0 and M5.2 earthquakes occurring on the Coyote Mountains segment of the fault in 1940 and 1968 respectively. In contrast, the Imperial Valley has been quite active historically with numerous moderate events occurring since 1935. Moderate event activity is increasing along the San Jacinto fault zone (SJFZ), especially the trifurcation area, where 6 of 12 historic earthquakes in this 20 km long fault zone have occurred since 2000. However, no recent deformation has been detected using UAVSAR measurements in this area, including the recent M5.2 June 2016 Borrego earthquake. Does the El Mayor - Cucapah rupture connect to and transfer stress primarily to a single southern California fault or several? What is its role relative to the background plate motion? UAVSAR observations indicate that the southward extension of the Elsinore fault has recently experienced the most localized deformation. Seismicity suggests that the San Jacinto fault is more active than neighboring major faults, and geologic evidence suggests that the Southern San Andreas fault has been the major plate boundary fault in southern California. Topographic data with 3-4 cm resolution using structure from motion from a small UAV on the southern San Andreas fault and the San Jacinto fault south of Anza, decimeter level B4 lidar data, GPS, and UAVSAR observations flown as recently as June 2016 will serve as baseline data for future large earthquakes in the region. Models that combine the different data sets are required to better understand the interconnections of the faults.

Irregular earthquake recurrence patterns and slip variability on a plate-boundary Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wechsler, N.; Rockwell, T. K.; Klinger, Y.

2015-12-01

The Dead Sea fault in the Levant represents a simple, segmented plate boundary from the Gulf of Aqaba northward to the Sea of Galilee, where it changes its character into a complex plate boundary with multiple sub-parallel faults in northern Israel, Lebanon and Syria. The studied Jordan Gorge (JG) segment is the northernmost part of the simple section, before the fault becomes more complex. Seven fault-crossing buried paleo-channels, offset by the Dead Sea fault, were investigated using paleoseismic and geophysical methods. The mapped offsets capture the long-term rupture history and slip-rate behavior on the JG fault segment for the past 4000 years. The ~20 km long JG segment appears to be more active (in term of number of earthquakes) than its neighboring segments to the south and north. The rate of movement on this segment varies considerably over the studied period: the long-term slip-rate for the entire 4000 years is similar to previously observed rates (~4 mm/yr), yet over shorter time periods the rate varies from 3-8 mm/yr. Paleoseismic data on both timing and displacement indicate a high COV >1 (clustered) with displacement per event varying by nearly an order of magnitude. The rate of earthquake production does not produce a time predictable pattern over a period of 2 kyr. We postulate that the seismic behavior of the JG fault is influenced by stress interactions with its neighboring faults to the north and south. Coulomb stress modelling demonstrates that an earthquake on any neighboring fault will increase the Coulomb stress on the JG fault and thus promote rupture. We conclude that deriving on-fault slip-rates and earthquake recurrence patterns from a single site and/or over a short time period can produce misleading results. The definition of an adequately long time period to resolve slip-rate is a question that needs to be addressed and requires further work.

Geologic framework of the Alaska Peninsula, southwest Alaska, and the Alaska Peninsula terrane

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Frederic H.; Detterman, Robert L.; DuBois, Gregory D.

2015-01-01

The boundaries separating the Alaska Peninsula terrane from other terranes are commonly indistinct or poorly defined. A few boundaries have been defined at major faults, although the extensions of these faults are speculative through some areas. The west side of the Alaska Peninsula terrane is overlapped by Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic rocks and Quaternary deposits.

Comparative study on sample stacking by moving reaction boundary formed with weak acid and weak or strong base in capillary electrophoresis: II. Experiments.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Fan, Liuyin; Shao, Jing; Li, Si; Li, Shan; Cao, Chengxi

2011-04-15

To demonstrate the theoretic method on the stacking of zwitterion with moving reaction boundary (MRB) in the accompanying paper, the relevant experiments were performed. The experimental results quantitatively show that (1) MRB velocity, including the comparisons between MRB and zwitterionic velocities, possesses key importance to the design of MRB stacking; (2) a much long front alkaline plug without sample should be injected before the sample injection for a complete stacking of zwitterion if sample buffer is prepared with strong base, conversely no such plug is needed if using a weak base as the sample buffer with proper concentration and pH value; (3) the presence of salt in MRB system holds dramatic effect on the MRB stacking if sample solution is a strong base, but has no effect if a weak alkali is used as sample solution; (4) all of the experiments of this paper, including the previous work, quantitatively manifest the theory and predictions shown in the accompanying paper. In addition, the so-called derivative MRB-induced re-stacking and transient FASI-induced re-stacking were also observed during the experiments, and the relevant mechanisms were briefly demonstrated with the results. The theory and its calculation procedures developed in the accompanying paper can be well used for the predictions to the MRB stacking of zwitterion in CE. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cordilleran front range structural features in northwest Montana interpreted from vintage seismic reflection data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, Mason C.; Rutherford, Bradley S.; Speece, Marvin A.; Mosolf, Jesse G.

2016-04-01

Industry seismic reflection data spanning the Rocky Mountain Cordillera front ranges of northwest Montana were reprocessed and interpreted in this study. Five seismic profiles represent 160 km of deep reflection data collected in 1983 that span the eastern Purcell anticlinorium, Rocky Mountain Trench (RMT), Rocky Mountain Basal Décollement (RMBD), and Lewis thrust. The data were reprocessed using modern techniques including refraction statics, pre-stack time migration (PSTM), and pre- and post-stack depth migration. Results indicate the RMBD is 8-13 km below the Earth's surface and dip 3-10° west. Evidence for the autochthonous Mesoproterozoic Belt and basal Cambrian rocks beneath the RMBD is present in all of the profiles and appears to extend east of the RMT. The Lewis thrust was identified in the seismic profiles and appears to sole into the RMBD east of the RMT. The RMT fault system has a dip displacement of 3-4 km and forms a half graben filled with 1 km of unconsolidated Tertiary sedimentary deposits. The RMT and adjacent Flathead fault systems are interpreted to be structurally linked and may represent a synthetic, en echelon fault system.

Magnetic fabric of fault breccia: Revealing the direction of the Cretaceous nappe-stacking in the Inner Western Carpathians by AMS analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pomella, Hannah; Kövér, Szilvia; Fodor, László

2017-04-01

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) has been recognized as a highly sensitive indicator of rock fabric and is widely employed in the field of structural geology. Brittle faults are often characterized by fault breccia, fault rocks with clast-in-matrix textures. A noteworthy feature of the breccia is the presence of a fabric defined by the preferred orientation of clasts and grains in the matrix. However, this fabric is often not visible in the field or in thin sections but can be detected by AMS analyses. The sample area of the present study is located within the Cretaceous thin-skinned nappe-system of the Inner Western Carpathians. This Alpine-type orogenic belt is built up by large-scale, few km thick nappes without connection to their root areas. These thin rock slices thrust over large distances without sign of mayor deformation within the nappe slice. All the deformation took place along highly strained, narrow shear zones lubricated by hot fluids. These hydrostatically pressurized zones develop on the bases of the nappes, where basal tectonic breccia was formed. Newly formed, syn-kinematic minerals are growing from the overpressured fluids. These polymict breccias have typical block-in-matrix texture with clast size vary between mm and few cm. The matrix is mainly submillimetre-scale rock fragments and cement. In spite of detailed studies about the physical conditions of nappe movements, there is no information about the tectonic transport direction. Analyses of brittle fault kinematics within the different tectonic slices suggest either NW-SE or N-S compressional stress field during the nappe-stacking. With this study we want to test if the magnetic fabric of tectonic breccia can help to determine the transport direction. The first results are very promising: Area 1 (basal tectonic breccia from Tisovec): the magnetic lineation is well defined and plunges gently towards N-NNW. The stretching lineation observable in the field within the uppermost part of the footwall dips towards ENE and is probably related to an ENE-WSW extensional event affecting the whole nappe-pile after the nappe-stacking. However, the detected magnetic foliation fits nicely into the supposed NW/N-SE/S oriented compressional stress field during the nappe-stacking, prior to the extensional event. Following this interpretation the breccia was formed during nappe stacking and its magnetic fabric was not overprinted by the following extensional event. Area 2 (basal tectonic breccia from Puste Pole): two magnetic fabrics can be measured in different sites: a well-defined magnetic lineation plunging towards NNW/SSE, and a weaker fabric with either WSW or E dipping magnetic lineation. The first fabric can be interpreted in the same way as in area 1. However, the WSW or E oriented magnetic lineation is parallel to the structural stretching lineation associated to the later extensional event. Area 3 (basal tectonic breccia from Telgárt): the magnetic lineation is well defined and dips gently to W, which is parallel to the post-stacking stretching direction. This preliminary results show, that AMS-study of the basal tectonic breccia of thin-skinned nappes can be a powerful method in the future for detecting the hidden anisotropic fabric related to the tectonic movements, even if there are several tectonic events with different directions of movement.

Anionic microemulsion to solvent stacking for on-line sample concentration of cationic analytes in capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Kukusamude, Chunyapuk; Srijaranai, Supalax; Quirino, Joselito P

2014-05-01

The common SDS microemulsion (i.e. 3.3% SDS, 0.8% octane, and 6.6% butanol) and organic solvents were investigated for the stacking of cationic drugs in capillary zone electrophoresis using a low pH separation electrolyte. The sample was prepared in the acidic microemulsion and a high percentage of organic solvent was included in the electrolyte at anodic end of capillary. The stacking mechanism was similar to micelle to solvent stacking where the micelles were replaced by the microemulsion for the transport of analytes to the organic solvent rich boundary. This boundary is found between the microemulsion and anodic electrolyte. The effective electrophoretic mobility of the cations reversed from the direction of the anode in the microemulsion to the cathode in the boundary. Microemulsion to solvent stacking was successfully achieved with 40% ACN in the anodic electrolyte and hydrodynamic sample injection of 21 s at 1000 mbar (equivalent to 30% of the effective length). The sensitivity enhancement factors in terms of peak height and corrected peak area were 15 to 35 and 21 to 47, respectively. The linearity R(2) in terms of corrected peak area were >0.999. Interday precisions (%RSD, n = 6) were 3.3-4.0% for corrected peak area and 2.0-3.0% for migration time. Application to spiked real sample is also presented. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Imaging the Alpine Fault to depths of more than 2 km - Initial results from the 2011 WhataDUSIE seismic reflection profile, Whataroa Valley, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovacs, A.; Gorman, A. R.; Buske, S.; Schmitt, D. R.; Eccles, J. D.; Toy, V. G.; Sutherland, R.; Townend, J.; Norris, R.; Pooley, B.; Cooper, J.; Bruce, C.; Smillie, M.; Bain, S.; Hellwig, O.; Hlousek, F.; Hellmich, J.; Riedel, M.; Schijns, H. M.

2011-12-01

The Alpine Fault is a major plate-bounding fault that is thought to fail in large earthquakes (Mw~7.9) every 200-400 years and to have last ruptured in AD 1717. It is the principal geological structure accommodating transpressional motion between the Australian and Pacific plates on the South Island, with a long-term horizontal motion over the last 1-2 million years of 21-27 mm/yr. Determining the Alpine Fault zone structure at depths of several kilometres beneath the Earth's surface is crucial for understanding not only what conditions govern earthquake rupture but also how ongoing faulting produces mountain ranges such as the Southern Alps. The valley of the Whataroa River, in the central sector of the Alpine Fault, provides rare access to the SE (hanging wall) side of the fault for the purpose of a seismic survey. During January and February 2011, a ~5-km-long seismic reflection line was collected that aimed to image the Alpine Fault at depth. The acquisition was undertaken with the use of 21 Geode seismographs and two Seistronix seismographs with a total capacity of 552 channels. Geophone spacing varied from 4 m in the north (close to the surface trace of the fault) to 8 m in the south (farther from the surface trace.) Sources were 400-g Pentex charges buried in 1.5-2.0 m deep holes of which ~100 were dug by an excavator and ~100 were dug by hand tools where heavy equipment could not access shot locations. Single shots had a nominal separation of 25 m at the north end of the line. At the south end of the line, shots were deployed in patterns of five with a nominal spacing of 125 m. Acquisition system requirements and surface morphology (meanders in the Whataroa River) required five separate acquisition systems. Timing of shots for these systems was accomplished with a radio-controlled firing system, GPS clocks linked to co-located Reftek seismographs, and overlapping traces between acquisition systems. Shot records have been merged and processed through to stacks using the GLOBE Claritas seismic processing package. Initial observations and interpretations of the data are presented. The hanging wall of the Alpine Fault beneath the Whataroa Valley contains at least two major units, a lower basement of Alpine Schist rocks overlain by a substantial layer of glacial sediments that are as much as 700 m thick in places. A sharp reflection marks the boundary between the two units. In places, the Alpine Fault is interpreted as a dipping reflection in the seismic data. The strength of the reflection varies, perhaps as a result of changes in the rocks of the footwall or changes in the geometry of the fault or fault zone.

Identifying block structure in the Pacific Northwest, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savage, James C.; Wells, Ray E.

2015-01-01

We have identified block structure in the Pacific Northwest (west of 116°W between 38°N and 49°N) by clustering GPS stations so that the same Euler vector approximates the velocity of each station in a cluster. Given the total number k of clusters desired, the clustering procedure finds the best assignment of stations to clusters. Clustering is calculated for k= 2 to 14. In geographic space, cluster boundaries that remain relatively stable as k is increased are tentatively identified as block boundaries. That identification is reinforced if the cluster boundary coincides with a geologic feature. Boundaries identified in northern California and Nevada are the Central Nevada Seismic Belt, the west side of the Northern Walker Lane Belt, and the Bartlett Springs Fault. Three blocks cover all of Oregon and Washington. The principal block boundary there extends west-northwest along the Brothers Fault Zone, then north and northwest along the eastern boundary of Siletzia, the accreted oceanic basement of the forearc. East of this boundary is the Intermountain block, its eastern boundary undefined. A cluster boundary at Cape Blanco subdivides the forearc along the faulted southern margin of Siletzia. South of Cape Blanco the Klamath Mountains-Basin and Range block extends east to the Central Nevada Seismic Belt and south to the Sierra Nevada-Great Valley block. The Siletzia block north of Cape Blanco coincides almost exactly with the accreted Siletz terrane. The cluster boundary in the eastern Olympic Peninsula may mark permanent shortening of Siletzia against the Intermountain block.

Deformational History and Rotation of the Leeward Antilles Island Arc: Results of the BOLIVAR Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beardsley, A. G.; Avé Lallemant, H. G.

2005-12-01

The Leeward Antilles island arc is located offshore northern Venezuela and includes Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire (ABCs). The ABCs trend WNW-ESE parallel to the obliquely convergent Caribbean-South American plate boundary zone. Field work on the ABCs has provided new structural data supporting a minimum of 90° clockwise rotation of the islands within the diffuse plate boundary zone. Analysis of faulting, bedding, and cleavages suggest three phases of deformation (D1-D3). The oldest phase of deformation, D1, is characterized by northeast trending normal faults, northwest trending fold axes and cleavages, and northeast striking dextral strike-slip faults. East striking sinstral strike-slip faults are rare. The second phase of deformation, D2, is represented by west-northwest trending thrust faults, north-northeast striking normal faults, northwest trending dextral strike-slip faults, and northeast striking sinstral strike-slip faults. Finally, the youngest phase of deformation, D3, is characterized by northeast striking thrust faults, northwest striking normal faults, east-west dextral strike-slip faults, and north-northwest sinstral strike-slip faults. Quartz and calcite veins were also studied on the ABCs. Cross-cutting relationships in outcrop suggest three phases of veining (V1-V3). The oldest veins, V1, trend northeastward; V2 veins trend northward; and the youngest veins, V3, trend northwestward. Additionally, joints were measured on the ABCs. On Bonaire and Curaçao, joints trend approximately northeast while joints on Aruba are almost random with a slight preference for west-northwest. Fluid inclusion analysis of quartz and calcite veins provides additional information about the pressure and temperature conditions of the deformation phases. Preliminary results from the earliest veins (V1) show a single deformational event on Aruba and Bonaire. On Bonaire, they exhibit both hydrostatic and lithostatic pressure conditions. This new data supports three stages of deformation accompanied by rotation of the ABCs. The structures identified suggest a clockwise rotation of the principal stress orientation since the Late Cretaceous. D1 deformation and rotation occurred at the southeastern Caribbean plate margin beginning approximately 73 Ma on Aruba. Arc-parallel strike-slip motion rotated the islands clockwise 90° Internal deformation features of the island blocks are consistent with an obliquely convergent plate boundary. D2 deformation is characterized by clockwise block rotation facilitated by dextral strike-slip faults defining the northern and southern boundaries of the diffuse plate boundary zone. Most likely, D2 correlates to the Eocene change in plate motions due to convergence between North and South America, approximately 55 Ma. The youngest phase of deformation and rotation, D3, happens along the arcuate South Caribbean Deformed Belt. Since approximately 25 Ma, rotation and development of northwest trending pull-apart basins between the ABCs progressed. Northeastward motion of the Maracaibo block may also contribute to recent rotation of the island arc.

Strain Localisation at Rift Segment Boundaries: An Example from the Bocana Transfer Zone in Central Baja California, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seiler, C.; Gleadow, A. J.; Kohn, B. P.

2012-12-01

Rifts are commonly segmented into several hundred kilometre long zones of opposing upper-plate transport direction with boundaries defined by accommodation and transfer zones. A number of such rift segments have been recognized in the northern Gulf of California, a youthful oceanic basin that is currently undergoing the rift-drift transition. However, detailed field studies have so far failed to identify suitable structures that could accommodate the obvious deformation gradients between different rift segments, and the nature of strain transfer at segment boundaries remains enigmatic. The situation is even less clear in central and southern Baja California, where a number of rift segments have been hypothesized but it is unknown whether the intervening segment boundaries facilitate true reversals in the upper-plate transport direction, or whether they simply accommodate differences in the timing, style or magnitude of deformation. The Bocana transfer zone (BTZ) in central Baja California is a linear, WNW-ESE striking structural discontinuity separating two rift segments with different magnitudes and styles of extensional deformation. North of the BTZ, the Libertad fault is part of the Main Gulf Escarpment, which represents the breakaway fault that separates the Gulf of California rift to the east from the relatively stable western portion of the Baja peninsula. The N-striking Libertad escarpment developed during the Late Miocene (~10-8Ma) and exhibits a topographic relief of ca. 1,000m along a strike-length of ca. 50km. Finite displacement decreases from ~1000m in the central fault segment to ~500m further south, where the fault bends SE and merges with the BTZ. In the hanging wall of the Libertad fault, a series of W-tilted horsts are bound along their eastern margins by two moderate-displacement E-dipping normal faults. South of the BTZ, extension was much less than further north, which explains the comparatively subdued relief and generally shallower tilt of pre-rift strata in this area. The BTZ itself is characterized by two en echelon WNW-ESE striking dextral-oblique transfer faults with a significant down-to-the-NNE extensional component. Strain is transferred from the Libertad breakaway fault onto the transfer faults over a distance of >20km through a network of interacting normal, oblique and strike-slip faults. The shape, location and orientation of the main faults were strongly influenced by pre-existing rheological heterogeneities. Major normal faults are parallel to either the Mesozoic metamorphic foliation or Cretaceous intrusive contacts, and developed where the foliation was at a high angle to the extension direction. In contrast, the oblique-slip faults of the BTZ formed parallel to the metamorphic foliation where formlines are at a small angle to the regional extension direction. Compared to other, less well-understood accommodation zones in the Gulf of California rift, the BTZ shows a distinct lack of volcanic activity, which may help explain the different exposure and structural expression of the various segment boundaries.

An aeromagnetic interpretation of eleven map sheets, scale 1:250,000, in the southern Najd and part of the southern Tuwayq quadrangles, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griscom, Andrew

1983-01-01

Eleven magnetic interpretation maps (scale 1:250,000) have been prepared for the area .of. exposed crystalline rocks in the Southern Najd and part of the Southern Tuwayq quadrangles (scale 1:500,000) from available published data. Boundaries of a variety of rock units that produce distinctive magnetic anomalies .or anomaly patterns are delineated. In some cases these magnetic boundaries correspond with previously mapped geologic contacts, and in other cases they indicate the possibility of additional, as yet unmapped, geologic contacts. The magnetic boundaries also allow the extrapolation of geologic contacts across areas covered by Quaternary deposits. Many boundaries are identified as part of the Najd fault system, and offset magnetic anomalies may be correlated across certain fault zones. Approximate dips were calculated for a few boundaries that represent igneous contacts, faults, or unconformities. Some characteristic anomalies appear to be associated in a general way with areas of gold mineralization and thus provide a guide for further prospecting.

The Effect of Grain Size on the Radiation Response of Silicon Carbide and its Dependence on Irradiation Species and Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamison, Laura

In recent years the push for green energy sources has intensified, and as part of that effort accident tolerant and more efficient nuclear reactors have been designed. These reactors demand exceptional material performance, as they call for higher temperatures and doses. Silicon carbide (SiC) is a strong candidate material for many of these designs due to its low neutron cross-section, chemical stability, and high temperature resistance. The possibility of improving the radiation resistance of SiC by reducing the grain size (thus increasing the sink density) is explored in this work. In-situ electron irradiation and Kr ion irradiation was utilized to explore the radiation resistance of nanocrystalline SiC (nc-SiC), SiC nanopowders, and microcrystalline SiC. Electron irradiation simplifies the experimental results, as only isolated Frenkel pairs are produced so any observed differences are simply due to point defect interactions with the original microstructure. Kr ion irradiation simulates neutron damage, as large radiation cascades with a high concentration of point defects are produced. Kr irradiation studies found that radiation resistance decreased with particle size reduction and grain refinement (comparing nc-SiC and microcrystalline SiC). This suggests that an interface-dependent amorphization mechanism is active in SiC, suggested to be interstitial starvation. However, under electron irradiation it was found that nc-SiC had improved radiation resistance compared to single crystal SiC. This was found to be due to several factors including increased sink density and strength and the presence of stacking faults. The stacking faults were found to improve radiation response by lowering critical energy barriers. The change in radiation response between the electron and Kr ion irradiations is hypothesized to be due to either the change in ion type (potential change in amorphization mechanism) or a change in temperature (at the higher temperatures of the Kr ion irradiation, critical energy barriers can be overcome without the assistance of stacking faults). The dependence of the radiation response of SiC on grain size is not as straight forward as initially presumed. The stacking faults present in many nc-SiC materials boost radiation resistance, but an increased number of interfaces may lead to a reduction in radiation response.

An Integrated Geophysical and Geological Investigation of the Transition Zone between the Colorado Plateau, Rio Grande Rift and Basin and Range Provinces: Arizona and New Mexico

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

The thrust faults often contain enough strike- slip motion to be termed oblique faults (Seager and...Chapin cites the presence of left-lateral 160 oblique slip faults at its northern and southern boundaries, that the down- faulted section almost...and Bilodeau (1984) report that strike- slip motion may involve pre-existing faults , possibly faults associated with the Antler orogeny (Coney,

Shallow Seismic Reflection Study of Recently Active Fault Scarps, Mina Deflection, Western Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, R. A.; Christie, M.; Tsoflias, G. P.; Stockli, D. F.

2006-12-01

During the spring and summer of 2006 University of Kansas geophysics students and faculty acquired shallow, high resolution seismic reflection data over actively deforming alluvial fans developing across the Emmigrant Peak (in Fish Lake Valley) and Queen Valley Faults in western Nevada. These normal faults represent a portion of the transition from the right-lateral deformation associated with the Walker Lane/Eastern California Shear Zone to the normal and left-lateral faulting of the Mina Deflection. Data were gathered over areas of recent high resolution geological mapping and limited trenching by KU students. An extensive GPR data grid was also acquired. The GPR results are reported in Christie, et al., 2006. The seismic data gathered in the spring included both walkaway tests and a short CMP test line. These data indicated that a very near-surface P-wave to S-wave conversion was taking place and that very high quality S-wave reflections were probably dominating shot records to over one second in time. CMP lines acquired during the summer utilized a 144 channel networked Geode system, single 28 hz geophones, and a 30.06 downhole rifle source. Receiver spacing was 0.5 m, source spacing 1.0m and CMP bin spacings were 0.25m for all lines. Surveying was performed using an RTK system which was also used to develop a concurrent high resolution DEM. A dip line of over 400m and a strike line over 100m in length were shot across the active fan scarp in Fish Lake Valley. Data processing is still underway. However, preliminary interpretation of common-offset gathers and brute stacks indicates very complex faulting and detailed stratigraphic information to depths of over 125m. Depth of information was actually limited by the 1024ms recording time. Several west-dipping normal faults downstep towards the basin. East-dipping antithetic normal faulting is extensive. Several distinctive stratigraphic packages are bound by the faults and apparent unconformitites. A CMP dip line was also run across a large active scarp in Queen Valley near Boundary Peak. Due to slope steepness and extensive boulder armoring shot and receiver locations had to be skipped within several meters of the actual scarp location. Initial structural and stratigraphic interpretations are similar to those in the Fish Lake Valley location. Overall the data prove that the actively deforming fans can be imaged in detail sufficient to perform structural and possibly seismic stratigraphic analysis within the upper one hundred meters of the fans, if not deeper.

Mechanical deformation model of the western United States instantaneous strain-rate field

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollitz, F.F.; Vergnolle, M.

2006-01-01

We present a relationship between the long-term fault slip rates and instantaneous velocities as measured by Global Positioning System (GPS) or other geodetic measurements over a short time span. The main elements are the secularly increasing forces imposed by the bounding Pacific and Juan de Fuca (JdF) plates on the North American plate, viscoelastic relaxation following selected large earthquakes occurring on faults that are locked during their respective interseismic periods, and steady slip along creeping portions of faults in the context of a thin-plate system. In detail, the physical model allows separate treatments of faults with known geometry and slip history, faults with incomplete characterization (i.e. fault geometry but not necessarily slip history is available), creeping faults, and dislocation sources distributed between the faults. We model the western United States strain-rate field, derived from 746 GPS velocity vectors, in order to test the importance of the relaxation from historic events and characterize the tectonic forces imposed by the bounding Pacific and JdF plates. Relaxation following major earthquakes (M ??? 8.0) strongly shapes the present strain-rate field over most of the plate boundary zone. Equally important are lateral shear transmitted across the Pacific-North America plate boundary along ???1000 km of the continental shelf, downdip forces distributed along the Cascadia subduction interface, and distributed slip in the lower lithosphere. Post-earthquake relaxation and tectonic forcing, combined with distributed deep slip, constructively interfere near the western margin of the plate boundary zone, producing locally large strain accumulation along the San Andreas fault (SAF) system. However, they destructively interfere further into the plate interior, resulting in smaller and more variable strain accumulation patterns in the eastern part of the plate boundary zone. Much of the right-lateral strain accumulation along the SAF system is systematically underpredicted by models which account only for relaxation from known large earthquakes. This strongly suggests that in addition to viscoelastic-cycle effects, steady deep slip in the lower lithosphere is needed to explain the observed strain-rate field. ?? 2006 The Authors Journal compilation ?? 2006 RAS.

Mountain building, strike-slip faulting, and landscape evolution in the Marlborough Fault System, NZ: Insights from new low-temperature thermochronology and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duvall, A. R.; Collett, C.; Flowers, R. M.; Tucker, G. E.; Upton, P.

2016-12-01

The 150 km wide Marlborough Fault System (MFS) and adjacent dextral-reverse Alpine Fault accommodate oblique convergence of the Australian and Pacific plates in a broad transform boundary that extends for much of the South Island New Zealand. Understanding the deformation history of the Marlborough region offers the opportunity to study topographic evolution in a strike-slip setting and a fuller picture of the evolving New Zealand plate boundary as the MFS lies at the transition from oceanic Pacific plate subduction to oblique continental collision. Here we present low-temperature thermochronology from the MFS to place new limits on the timing and style of mountain building. We sampled a range of elevations spanning 2 km within and adjacent to the Kaikoura Mountains, which stand high as topographic anomalies above active strike-slip faults. Young apatite (U-Th)/He ages ( 2-5 Ma) on both sides of range-bounding faults are consistent with regional distributed deformation since the Pliocene initiation of strike-slip faulting. However, large differences in both zircon helium and apatite fission track ages, from Paleogene/Neogene ages within hanging walls to unreset >100 Ma ages in footwalls, indicate an early phase of fault-related vertical exhumation. Thermal modeling using the QTQt program reveals two phases of exhumation within the Kaikoura Ranges: rapid cooling at 15-12 Ma localized to hanging wall rocks and regional rapid cooling reflected in all samples starting at 4-5 Ma. These results and landscape evolution models suggest that, despite the presence of active mountain front faults, much of the topographic relief in this region may predate the onset of strike-slip faulting and that portions of the Marlborough Faults are re-activated thrusts that coincide with the early development of the transpressive plate boundary. Regional exhumation after 5 Ma likely reflects increased proximity to the migrating Pacific plate subduction zone and the buoyant Chatham Rise.

Sources, Fluxes, and Effects of Fluids in the Alpine Fault Zone, South Island, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menzies, C. D.; Teagle, D. A. H.; Niedermann, S.; Cox, S.; Craw, D.; Zimmer, M.; Cooper, M. J.; Erzinger, J.

2015-12-01

Historic ruptures on some plate boundary faults occur episodically. Fluids play a key role in modifying the chemical and physical properties of fault zones, which may prime them for repeated rupture by the generation of high pore fluid pressures. Modelling of fluid loss rates from fault zones has led to estimates of fluid fluxes required to maintain overpressure (Faulkner and Rutter, 2001), but fluid sources and fluxes, and permeability evolution in fault zones remain poorly constrained. High mountains in orogenic belts can drive meteoric water to the middle crust, and metamorphic water is generated during rock dehydration. Additionally, fluids from the mantle are transported into the crust when fluid pathways are created by tectonism or volcanism. Here we use geochemical tracers to determine fluid flow budgets for meteoric, metamorphic and mantle fluids at a major compressional tectonic plate boundary. The Alpine Fault marks the transpressional Pacific-Australian plate boundary through South Island of New Zealand, it has historically produced large earthquakes (Mw ~8) and is late in its 329±68 year seismic cycle, having last ruptured in 1717. We present strontium isotope ratios of hot springs and hydrothermal minerals that trace fluid flow paths in and around the Alpine Fault to illustrate that the fluid flow regime is restricted by low cross-fault permeability. Fluid-rock interaction limits cross-fault fluid flow by the precipitating clays and calcite that infill pore spaces and fractures in the Alpine Fault alteration zone. In contrast, helium isotopes ratios measured in hot springs near to the fault (0.15-0.81 RA) indicate the fault acts as a conduit for mantle fluids from below. Mantle fluid fluxes are similar to the San Andreas Fault (<1x10-5 m3m-2/yr) and insufficient to promote fault weakening. The metamorphic fluid flux is of similar magnitude to the mantle flux. The dominant fluid throughout the seismogenic zone is meteoric in origin (secondary mineral δDH2O = -45 to -87 ‰), but fluid channelling into the fault zone is required to maintain high pore fluid pressure that would promote fault weakening. Our results show that meteoric waters are primarily responsible for modifying fault zone permeability and for maintaining high pore fluid pressures that may assist episodic earthquake rupture.

The Guanacaste Volcanic Arc Sliver of Northwestern Costa Rica.

PubMed

Montero, Walter; Lewis, Jonathan C; Araya, Maria Cristina

2017-05-11

Recent studies have shown that the Nicoya Peninsula of northwestern Costa Rica is moving northwestward ~11 mm a -1 as part of a tectonic sliver. Toward the northwest in El Salvador the northern sliver boundary is marked by a dextral strike-slip fault system active since Late Pleistocene time. To the southeast there is no consensus on what constitutes the northern boundary of the sliver, although a system of active crustal faults has been described in central Costa Rica. Here we propose that the Haciendas-Chiripa fault system serves as the northeastern boundary for the sliver and that the sliver includes most of the Guanacaste volcanic arc, herein the Guanacaste Volcanic Arc Sliver. In this paper we provide constraints on the geometry and kinematics of the boundary of the Guanacaste Volcanic Arc Sliver that are timely and essential to any models aimed at resolving the driving mechanism for sliver motion. Our results are also critical for assessing geological hazards in northwestern Costa Rica.

Computer Simulations to Study Diffraction Effects of Stacking Faults in Beta-SiC: II. Experimental Verification. 2; Experimental Verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pujar, Vijay V.; Cawley, James D.; Levine, S. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Earlier results from computer simulation studies suggest a correlation between the spatial distribution of stacking errors in the Beta-SiC structure and features observed in X-ray diffraction patterns of the material. Reported here are experimental results obtained from two types of nominally Beta-SiC specimens, which yield distinct XRD data. These samples were analyzed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and the stacking error distribution was directly determined. The HRTEM results compare well to those deduced by matching the XRD data with simulated spectra, confirming the hypothesis that the XRD data is indicative not only of the presence and density of stacking errors, but also that it can yield information regarding their distribution. In addition, the stacking error population in both specimens is related to their synthesis conditions and it appears that it is similar to the relation developed by others to explain the formation of the corresponding polytypes.

Seismotectonics and recent evolution of the Eurasia-North America Plate Boundary in Northeastern Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imaev, V. S.; Imaeva, L. P.; Kozmin, B. M.; Fujita, K. T.; Mackey, K. G.

2009-04-01

In contrast to oceanic plate boundaries which are usually well defined by earthquake locations and magnetic anomalies, the present and past kinematics of plate boundaries in the continents remains problematic in many settings. One particularly vexing such boundary is the one that separates Eurasia from North America in Northeast Russia. In the earliest plate models it was evident that the mid-Atlantic spreading ridge continues in the Arctic as the Gakkel ridge which then runs almost perpendicularly into the continental shelf of Russia in the Laptev sea. On the shelf, and further south on land, the narrow belt of seismicity that is found along the Gakkel ridge broadens into a diffuse swath of earthquakes which is in places more than 800 km wide and extends along the Chersky Range towards the coast of the Okhotsk sea and northern Kamchatka The fact that the Okhotsk sea is aseismic but is surrounded by seismic belts has to lead the interpretation that it is an independent microplate that lies between the Eurasian, North American, Pacific and Amur plates (Cook et al., 1986).Unravelling the kinematics of the Eurasia-Okhotsk-North America Plate boundaries has proven difficult. This is in part due to the paucity of geological and geophysical data from this remote region, and to the fact that the Eurasia-North America pole of rotation lies in close vicinity to the plate boundary itself. Cook et al. (1986), using earthquake slip vectors, placed the current pole of rotation near the Lena river delta, that is, in the area where Eurasia-North America plate boundary comes on shore ). As a consequence, spreading along the Gakkel ridge north of the pole of rotation, should change into convergence or strike-slip to the south depending on the orientation of the boundary. Making specific predictions for fault kinematics in the area has been hampered by the fact that different geophysical and geodetic data-sets have yielded different locations for the Eurasia-North America pole of rotation (Cook et al. 1986; Rowley and Lottes, 1988; De Mets, 1990; Imaev et al., 2000; Kogan et al., 2000). Focal mechanism solutions are predominantly left-lateral and thrust along the Chersky seismic belt, that is, the northern boundary of the Okhotsk plate and right-lateral along its western boundary leading Riegel et al.(1993) to the conclusion that the Okhotsk plate is being extruded to the south. Furthermore, it has been shown on the basis of North Atlantic magnetic and gravity data, that the position of the Eurasia-North America pole of rotation moved significantly over that last 60 my so that the portion of the plate boundary in Northeast Russia changed from predominantly convergent until the Late Cretaceous to divergent until the Early Eocene, followed by various degrees of transpression during the rest of the Cenozoic (Gaina et al., 2002).On the shelf of the Laptev Sea, the Gakkel Ridge gives way to four major continental rift branches with up to 10 km of sedimentary fill spanning from the Late Cretaceous to Recent (Drachev, 1999). Earthquakes are most numerous along the southern margin of the rift system in the Lena delta region and have normal and strike-slip focal mechanism solutions (Imaev et al., 2000). On land, several branches of the rift system overprint the northern termination of the Mesozoic Verkhoyansk fold-and-thrust belt and the accreted arc terranes which are found in its hinterland (Parfenov et al., 1995). Focal mechanism solutions in this area shift from extentional to the north to compressional and strike-slip to the south. The plate boundary continues to the southeast across the Omoloi depression and then follows the trend of major mountain ranges and intermontane basins in the area: the Chersky and Moma ranges and the Moma basin. The Chersky Range, which has the highest topographic elevations in Northeast Russia (3947 m), has a complex history of Mesozoic and Cenozoic deformation (Parfenov and Gaiduk, 2001). The highest peaks are underlain by late Jurassic granite batholiths. Late Oligocene-Miocene deposits along the middle Indigirka river are tightly folded and thrust faulted (Imaev et al, 2000). Fragments of an elevated Early Pleistocene erosion surface, which was deformed in the Middle Pleistocene, have also been recognized (Parfenov and Gaiduk, 2001) attesting to recent tectonism. Several northwest-trending active left-lateral strike-slip faults, which extend the length of the Chersky range and continue to the southeast, have been identified in satellite imagery and topographic maps, and can be traced in the gravity and magnetic fields also (Imaev et al., 1990, McClean et al., 2000) and by dislocations of recent geomorphic features. The most important one is the Ulakhan fault which extends for 1500 km and is thought to accommodate a major part of the displacement between North America and the Okhotsk plate (McClean et al, 2000). Several elongated Neogene basins exist along the Ulakhan and neighboring faults. Some of these are interpreted as pull-apart basins, while others are attributed to extension related to the Moma rift . The Bugchan basin is an example of a pull-apart which is filled with variably deformed Miocene-Pliocene deposits cut by NW-striking faults. Another example is the Pereprava basin located further south along the Omulevka river which contains steeply-dipping Middle to Late Miocene lake deposits .The largest depression along the Ulakhan fault is the Seimchan-Buyunda basin filled with Paleogene and Neogene rocks . To the southeast of the Seimchan-Buyunda basin the Ulakhan fault becomes less distinct within the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt (McClean et al., 2000), although Late Cenozoic alkali lavas found in the Viliga river region are believed to have been extruded along the southern extension of the Ulakhan fault (Leonova, V.V. et al., 2005).It is apparent in satellite images of the southeastern portion of the Ulakhan fault that stream beds are systematically offset to the left up to 24 km. Other important left-lateral faults in the region are the Iren'ya-In'alin fault which splays off the Ulakhan fault, and the Chay-Yureya fault which lies to the south in the Chersky Range and generated the 1971 Artyk event (M6.8), and the Darpir fault which links with the Ulakhan fault from the southeast.. The Moma basin is an elongated depression located north of the Chersky range. It is filled with Paleogene to Neogene deposits unconformably overlain by Pleistocene sediments. The nature of the basin-bounding faults is complex. Parfenov et al., (2001) state that listric normal faults separate the Moma basin from adjacent Chersky and Moma ranges, while Imaev et.al. (1990) portray the Moma basin as being bounded by high-angle reverse faults. Perhaps the confusion arises from the shifting nature of the plate boundary interaction due to changes in location of the Eurasia-North America pole of rotation through the Cenozoic, or alternatively the Moma basin is a transtensional feature associated with left lateral strike-slip along the plate boundary. Earthquakes in this region include strike-slip, overthrust, and normal fault solutions . It is also worth noting that in the Moma basin there are two alkali basalt cones (Balagan-Tas and Serdtse-Kamen') dated at 300 ka (Layer et al. 1993). This volcanic activity is probably related to extension, or transtension, across the plate boundary. In the northeast flank of the Moma Range there is a northeast-vergent fold and thrust belt which places Jurassic rocks over Neogene sediments of the Zyryanka basin. So,the nature of recent seismotectonical deformations and it places, shows difficult evolution this segment of intracontinental boundary.

Structure of ice crystallized from supercooled water

PubMed Central

Malkin, Tamsin L.; Murray, Benjamin J.; Brukhno, Andrey V.; Anwar, Jamshed; Salzmann, Christoph G.

2012-01-01

The freezing of water to ice is fundamentally important to fields as diverse as cloud formation to cryopreservation. At ambient conditions, ice is considered to exist in two crystalline forms: stable hexagonal ice and metastable cubic ice. Using X-ray diffraction data and Monte Carlo simulations, we show that ice that crystallizes homogeneously from supercooled water is neither of these phases. The resulting ice is disordered in one dimension and therefore possesses neither cubic nor hexagonal symmetry and is instead composed of randomly stacked layers of cubic and hexagonal sequences. We refer to this ice as stacking-disordered ice I. Stacking disorder and stacking faults have been reported earlier for metastable ice I, but only for ice crystallizing in mesopores and in samples recrystallized from high-pressure ice phases rather than in water droplets. Review of the literature reveals that almost all ice that has been identified as cubic ice in previous diffraction studies and generated in a variety of ways was most likely stacking-disordered ice I with varying degrees of stacking disorder. These findings highlight the need to reevaluate the physical and thermodynamic properties of this metastable ice as a function of the nature and extent of stacking disorder using well-characterized samples. PMID:22232652

Structure of ice crystallized from supercooled water.

PubMed

Malkin, Tamsin L; Murray, Benjamin J; Brukhno, Andrey V; Anwar, Jamshed; Salzmann, Christoph G

2012-01-24

The freezing of water to ice is fundamentally important to fields as diverse as cloud formation to cryopreservation. At ambient conditions, ice is considered to exist in two crystalline forms: stable hexagonal ice and metastable cubic ice. Using X-ray diffraction data and Monte Carlo simulations, we show that ice that crystallizes homogeneously from supercooled water is neither of these phases. The resulting ice is disordered in one dimension and therefore possesses neither cubic nor hexagonal symmetry and is instead composed of randomly stacked layers of cubic and hexagonal sequences. We refer to this ice as stacking-disordered ice I. Stacking disorder and stacking faults have been reported earlier for metastable ice I, but only for ice crystallizing in mesopores and in samples recrystallized from high-pressure ice phases rather than in water droplets. Review of the literature reveals that almost all ice that has been identified as cubic ice in previous diffraction studies and generated in a variety of ways was most likely stacking-disordered ice I with varying degrees of stacking disorder. These findings highlight the need to reevaluate the physical and thermodynamic properties of this metastable ice as a function of the nature and extent of stacking disorder using well-characterized samples.

The continuation of the Kazerun fault system across the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (Iran)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safaei, Homayon

2009-08-01

The Kazerun (or Kazerun-Qatar) fault system is a north-trending dextral strike-slip fault zone in the Zagros mountain belt of Iran. It probably originated as a structure in the Panafrican basement. This fault system played an important role in the sedimentation and deformation of the Phanerozoic cover sequence and is still seismically active. No previous studies have reported the continuation of this important and ancient fault system northward across the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. The Isfahan fault system is a north-trending dextral strike-slip fault across the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone that passes west of Isfahan city and is here recognized for the first time. This important fault system is about 220 km long and is seismically active in the basement as well as the sedimentary cover sequence. This fault system terminates to the south near the Main Zagros Thrust and to the north at the southern boundary of the Urumieh-Dokhtar zone. The Isfahan fault system is the boundary between the northern and southern parts of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, which have fundamentally different stratigraphy, petrology, geomorphology, and geodynamic histories. Similarities in the orientations, kinematics, and geologic histories of the Isfahan and Kazerun faults and the way they affect the magnetic basement suggest that they are related. In fact, the Isfahan fault is a continuation of the Kazerun fault across the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone that has been offset by about 50 km of dextral strike-slip displacement along the Main Zagros Thrust.

Recent deformation along the offshore Malibu Coast, Dume, and related faults west of Point Dume, southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fisher, M.A.; Langenheim, V.E.; Sorlien, C.C.; Dartnell, P.; Sliter, R.W.; Cochrane, G.R.; Wong, F.L.

2005-01-01

Offshore faults west of Point Dume, southern California, are part of an important regional fault system that extends for about 206 km, from near the city of Los Angeles westward along the south flank of the Santa Monica Mountains and through the northern Channel Islands. This boundary fault system separates the western Transverse Ranges, on the north, from the California Continental Borderland, on the south. Previous research showed that the fault system includes many active fault strands; consequently, the entire system is considered a serious potential earthquake hazard to nearby Los Angeles. We present an integrated analysis of multichannel seismic- and high-resolution seismic-reflection data and multibeam-bathymetric information to focus on the central part of the fault system that lies west of Point Dume. We show that some of the main offshore faults have cumulative displacements of 3-5 km, and many faults are currently active because they deform the seafloor or very shallow sediment layers. The main offshore fault is the Dume fault, a large north-dipping reverse fault. In the eastern part of the study area, this fault offsets the seafloor, showing Holocene displacement. Onshore, the Malibu Coast fault dips steeply north, is active, and shows left-oblique slip. The probable offshore extension of this fault is a large fault that dips steeply in its upper part but flattens at depth. High-resolution seismic data show that this fault deforms shallow sediment making up the Hueneme fan complex, indicating Holocene activity. A structure near Sycamore knoll strikes transversely to the main faults and could be important to the analysis of the regional earthquake hazard because the structure might form a boundary between earthquake-rupture segments.

Formation of an Oceanic Transform Fault During Continental Rifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Illsley-Kemp, F.; Bull, J. M.; Keir, D.; Gerya, T.; Pagli, C.; Gernon, T.; Ayele, A.; Goitom, B.; Hammond, J. O. S.; Kendall, J. M.

2017-12-01

We integrate evidence from surface faults, geodetic measurements, local seismicity, and 3D numerical modelling of the subaerial Afar continental rift to show that an oceanic-style transform fault is forming during the final stages of continental breakup. Transform faults are a fundamental tenet of plate tectonics, connecting offset extensional segments of mid-ocean ridges, and are vital in palaeotectonic reconstructions of passive margins. The current consensus is that transform faults initiate after the onset of seafloor spreading. However this inference has been difficult to test given the lack of observations of transform fault formation. We present the first direct observation of transform fault initiation, and shed unprecedented light on their formation mechanisms. We demonstrate that they originate during late-stage continental rifting, earlier in the rifting cycle than previously thought. Our results have important implications for reconstructing the breakup history of the continents. Palaeotectonic reconstructions that use transform fault terminations as an indicator of the continent-ocean boundary may have placed the continent-ocean boundary landward of its true location. This will have led to an overestimation of the age of continental breakup of between 8-18 Myr. Our results therefore have significant implications for studies that rely on accurate dating of continental breakup events.

A step forward in understanding step-overs: the case of the Dead Sea Fault in northern Israel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dembo, Neta; Granot, Roi; Hamiel, Yariv

2017-04-01

The rotational deformation field around step-overs between segments of strike-slip faults is poorly resolved. Vertical-axis paleomagnetic rotations can be used to characterize the deformation field, and together with mechanical modeling, can provide constraints on the characteristics of the adjacent fault segments. The northern Dead Sea Fault, a major segmented sinistral transform fault that straddles the boundary between the Arabian Plate and Sinai Subplate, offers an appropriate tectonic setting for our detailed mechanical and paleomagnetic investigation. We examine the paleomagnetic vertical-axis rotations of Neogene-Pleistocene basalt outcrops surrounding a right step-over between two prominent segments of the fault: the Jordan Gorge section and the Hula East Boundary Fault. Results from 20 new paleomagnetic sites reveal significant (>20˚) counterclockwise rotations within the step-over and small clockwise rotations in the vicinity. Sites located further (>2.5 km) away from the step-over generally experience negligible to minor rotations. Finally, we construct a mechanical model guided by the observed rotational field that allows us to characterize the structural, mechanical and kinematic behavior of the Dead Sea Fault in northern Israel.

Geometry of Thrust Faults Beneath Amenthes Rupes, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vidal, A.; Mueller, K. M.; Golombek, M. P.

2005-01-01

Amenthes Rupes is a 380 km-long lobate fault scarp located in the eastern hemisphere of Mars near the dichotomy boundary. The scarp is marked by about 1 km of vertical separation across a northeast dipping thrust fault (top to the SW) and offsets heavily-cratered terrain of Late Noachian age, the visible portion of which was in place by 3.92 Ga and the buried portion in place between 4.08 and 4.27 Ga. The timing of scarp formation is difficult to closely constrain. Previous geologic mapping shows that near the northern end of Amenthes Rupes, Hesperian age basalts terminate at the scarp, suggesting that fault slip predated the emplacement of these flows at 3.69 to 3.9 Ga. Maxwell and McGill also suggest the faulting ceased before the final emplacement of the Late Hesperian lavas on Isidis Planitia. The trend of the faults at Amenthes, like many thrust faults at the dichotomy boundary, parallels the boundary itself. Schultz and Watters used a dislocation modeling program to match surface topography and vertical offset of the scarp at Amenthes Rupes, varying the dip and depth of faulting, assuming a slip of 1.5 km on the fault. They modeled faulting below Amenthes Rupes as having a dip of between 25 and 30 degrees and a depth of 25 to 35 km, based on the best match to topography. Assuming a 25 degree dip and surface measurements of vertical offset of between 0.3 and 1.2 km, Watters later estimated the maximum displacement on the Amenthes Rupes fault to be 2.90 km. However, these studies did not determine the geometry of the thrust using quantitative constraints that included shortening estimates. Amenthes Rupes deforms large preexisting impact craters. We use these craters to constrain shortening across the scarp and combine this with vertical separation to infer fault geometry. Fault dip was also estimated using measurements of scarp morphology. Measurements were based on 460 m (1/128 per pixel) digital elevation data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), an instrument on the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) satellite.

Deformation rates across the San Andreas Fault system, central California determined by geology and geodesy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titus, Sarah J.

The San Andreas fault system is a transpressional plate boundary characterized by sub-parallel dextral strike-slip faults separating internally deformed crustal blocks in central California. Both geodetic and geologic tools were used to understand the short- and long-term partitioning of deformation in both the crust and the lithospheric mantle across the plate boundary system. GPS data indicate that the short-term discrete deformation rate is ˜28 mm/yr for the central creeping segment of the San Andreas fault and increases to 33 mm/yr at +/-35 km from the fault. This gradient in deformation rates is interpreted to reflect elastic locking of the creeping segment at depth, distributed off-fault deformation, or some combination of these two mechanisms. These short-term fault-parallel deformation rates are slower than the expected geologic slip rate and the relative plate motion rate. Structural analysis of folds and transpressional kinematic modeling were used to quantify long-term distributed deformation adjacent to the Rinconada fault. Folding accommodates approximately 5 km of wrench deformation, which translates to a deformation rate of ˜1 mm/yr since the start of the Pliocene. Integration with discrete offset on the Rinconada fault indicates that this portion of the San Andreas fault system is approximately 80% strike-slip partitioned. This kinematic fold model can be applied to the entire San Andreas fault system and may explain some of the across-fault gradient in deformation rates recorded by the geodetic data. Petrologic examination of mantle xenoliths from the Coyote Lake basalt near the Calaveras fault was used to link crustal plate boundary deformation at the surface with models for the accommodation of deformation in the lithospheric mantle. Seismic anisotropy calculations based on xenolith petrofabrics suggest that an anisotropic mantle layer thickness of 35-85 km is required to explain the observed shear wave splitting delay times in central California. The available data are most consistent with models for a broad zone of distributed deformation in the lithospheric mantle.

Eastern boundary of the Siletz terrane in the Puget Lowland from gravity and magnetic modeling with implications for seismic hazard analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, M. L.; Blakely, R. J.; Wells, R. E.; Dragovich, J.

2011-12-01

The forearc of the Cascadia subduction zone in coastal Oregon and Washington is largely composed of a 15-30 km-thick stack of basalt flows comprising the Crescent Formation (WA) and Siletz River Volcanics (OR), and collectively termed the Siletz terrane. We are developing 3-D structural maps of the Puget Lowland to distinguish older and currently active structures for seismic hazard analysis. The boundaries of the Siletz terrane in particular may strongly influence crustal rheology and neotectonic structures of the region. Careful analysis of the areal extent of this terrane will also facilitate more accurate interpretation of seismic data and gravity anomalies, which will help define the extent and shape of overlying basins. Absence of extensive outcrop in the Lowland and a widespread veneer of Quaternary deposits require extensive subsurface geophysical studies to establish Lowland-wide crustal structure. Previous studies have used active seismic surveys and interpretation of existing industry seismic data, with several studies using gravity and magnetic data or passive-source tomography support. However, steeply dipping boundaries in the mid-crust are difficult targets for seismic study. We need to independently discriminate between potential models established by seismic data using gravity and magnetic datasets. In the Puget Lowland the Siletz is a region of high seismic wave speed, density, and magnetic susceptibility, and therefore its mid-crustal boundaries are good targets for definition by gravity and magnetic data. We present interpretations of gravity and magnetic anomalies for the Puget Lowland region that together establish the most likely position and structure of the Crescent Formation boundary in the mid-upper crust. Well-constrained physical properties of Crescent basalts inform our aeromagnetic map interpretation and give us baseline values for constructing three two-dimensional models by simultaneous forward modeling of aeromagnetic and isostatic gravity anomalies for the Lowland. Based on this work, the likely position of the eastern boundary of the Siletz terrane is east of the Puget Sound and west of the foothills of the Cascade arc, extending in a north-trending line through Lake Washington and merging to the north with the Southern Whidbey Island fault zone. Our preferred location agrees with suggested locations from past study of seismic data targeted at the Seattle basin, but we extend that location through the entire Puget Lowland by analysis of magnetic potential calculated from aeromagnetic data. We also find that the boundary is sharp and most likely dips west, suggesting a reverse-fault juxtaposition of Crescent rocks against Western Melange belt lithologies. The Crescent itself contains steeply dipping packages of basalt of contrasting magnetic character, indicating significant deformation within the Crescent formation under the Seattle uplift. Finally, the boundary location implies that the eastern third of the Seattle basin is shallower than previously estimated from gravity data.

Geometry and structure of the pull-apart basins developed along the western South American-Scotia plate boundary (SW Atlantic Ocean)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esteban, F. D.; Tassone, A.; Isola, J. I.; Lodolo, E.; Menichetti, M.

2018-04-01

The South American-Scotia plate boundary is a left-lateral fault system which runs roughly E-W for more than 3000 km across the SW Atlantic Ocean and the Tierra del Fuego Island, reaching to the west the southern Chile Trench. Analyses of a large dataset of single- and multi-channel seismic reflection profiles acquired offshore has allowed to map the trace of the plate boundary from Tierra del Fuego to the Malvinas Trough, a tectonic depression located in the eastern part of the fault system, and to reconstruct the shape and geometry of the basins formed along the principal displacement zone of the fault system. Three main Neogene pull-apart basins that range from 70 to 100 km in length, and from 12 to 22 km in width, have been identified along this segment of the plate boundary. These basins have elongated shapes with their major axes parallel to the ENE-WSW direction of the fault zone. The sedimentary architecture and the infill geometry of the basins suggest that they represent mostly strike-slip dominated transtension basins which propagated from E to W. The basins imaged by seismic data show in some cases geometrical and structural features linked to the possible reactivation of previous wedge-top basins and inherited structures pertaining to the external front of the Magallanes fold-and-thrust compression belt, along which the South American-Scotia fault system has been superimposed. It is suggested that the sequence of the elongated basins occur symmetrically to a thorough going strike-slip fault, in a left-stepping geometrical arrangement, in a manner similar to those basins seen in other transcurrent environments.

Strike-slip Fault Structure in the Salton Trough and Deformation During and After the 2010 M7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah Earthquake from Geodetic and Seismic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fielding, E. J.; Sun, J.; Gonzalez-Ortega, A.; González-Escobar, M.; Freed, A. M.; Burgmann, R.; Samsonov, S. V.; Gonzalez-Garcia, J.; Fletcher, J. M.; Hinojosa, A.

2013-12-01

The Pacific-North America plate boundary character changes southward from the strike-slip and transpressional configuration along most of California to oblique rifting in the Gulf of California, with a transitional zone of transtension beneath the Salton Trough in southernmost California and northern Mexico. The Salton Trough is characterized by extremely high heat flow and thin lithosphere with a thick fill of sedimentary material delivered by the Colorado River during the past 5-6 million years. Because of the rapid sedimentation, most of the faults in Salton Trough are buried and reveal themselves when they slip either seismically or aseismically. They can also be located by refraction and reflection of seismic waves. The 4 April 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake (Mw 7.2) in Baja California and Sonora, Mexico is probably the largest earthquake in the Salton Trough for at least 120 years, and had primarily right-lateral strike-slip motion. The earthquake ruptured a complex set of faults that lie to the west of the main plate boundary fault, the Cerro Prieto Fault, and shows that the strike-slip fault system in the southern Salton Trough has multiple sub-parallel active faults, similar to southern California. The Cerro Prieto Fault is still likely absorbing the majority of strain in the plate boundary. We study the coseismic and postseismic deformation of the 2010 earthquake with interferometric analysis of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images (InSAR) and pixel tracking by subpixel correlation of SAR and optical images. We combine sampled InSAR and subpixel correlation results with GPS (Global Positioning System) offsets at PBO (Plate Boundary Observatory) stations to estimate the likely subsurface geometry of the major faults that slipped during the earthquake and to derive a static coseismic slip model. We constrained the surface locations of the fault segments to mapped locations in the Sierra Cucapah to the northwest of the epicenter. SAR along-track offsets, especially on ALOS images, show that there is a large amount of right-lateral slip (1-3 m) on a previously unmapped system of faults extending about 60 km to the southeast of the epicenter beneath the Colorado River Delta named the Indiviso Fault system. The finite fault slip modeling shows a bilateral rupture with coseismic fault slip shallower than 10 km on the faults to the NW (dipping NE) and SE (dipping SW) of the epicenter. The southeastern end of the coseismic ruptures has complex fault geometry, including both east- and west-dipping faults revealed by recently reprocessed seismic reflection profiles. This new coseismic fault geometry will be the basis for a new finite element model of the crust and mantle for modeling of the coseismic slip with realistic 3D elastic structure and the viscoelastic postseismic relaxation. Postseismic InSAR, including new Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle SAR (UAVSAR) data, and GPS show rapid shallow afterslip on faults at the north and south ends of the main coseismic rupture and down-dip from the area of largest coseismic slip. Longer wavelength postseismic relaxation will be best measured by GPS.

Laramide structure of the central Sangre de Cristo Mountains and adjacent Raton Basin, southern Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lindsey, D.A.

1998-01-01

Laramide structure of the central Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Culebra Range) is interpreted as a system of west-dipping, basement-involved thrusts and reverse faults. The Culebra thrust is the dominant structure in the central part of the range; it dips 30 -55?? west and brings Precambrian metamorphic base-ment rocks over unmetamorphosed Paleozoic rocks. East of the Culebra thrust, thrusts and reverse faults break the basement and overlying cover rocks into north-trending fault blocks; these boundary faults probably dip 40-60?? westward. The orientation of fault slickensides indicates oblique (northeast) slip on the Culebra thrust and dip-slip (ranging from eastward to northward) movement on adjacent faults. In sedimentary cover rocks, east-vergent anticlines overlie and merge with thrusts and reverse faults; these anticlines are interpreted as fault-propagation folds. Minor east-dipping thrusts and reverse faults (backthrusts) occur in both the hanging walls and footwalls of thrusts. The easternmost faults and folds of the Culebra Range form a continuous structural boundary between the Laramide Sangre de Cristo highland and the Raton Basin. Boundary structures consist of west-dipping frontal thrusts flanked on the basinward side by poorly exposed, east-dipping backthrusts. The backthrusts are interpreted to overlie structural wedges that have been emplaced above blind thrusts in the basin margin. West-dipping frontal thrusts and blind thrusts are interpreted to involve basement, but backthrusts are rooted in basin-margin cover rocks. At shallow structural levels where erosion has not exposed a frontal thrust, the structural boundary of the basin is represented by an anticline or monocline. Based on both regional and local stratigraphic evidence, Laramide deformation in the Culebra Range and accompanying synorogenic sedimentation in the western Raton Basin probably took place from latest Cretaceous through early Eocene time. The earliest evidence of uplift and erosion of a highland is the appearance of abundant feldspar in the Late Cretaceous Vermejo Formation. Above the Vermejo, unconformities overlain by conglomerate indicate continued thrusting and erosion of highlands from late Cretaceous (Raton) through Eocene (Cuchara) time. Eocene alluvial-fan conglomerates in the Cuchara Formation may represent erosion of the Culebra thrust block. Deposition in the Raton Basin probably shifted north from New Mexico to southern Colorado from Paleocene to Eocene time as movement on individual thrusts depressed adjacent segments of the basin.

Seafloor Age-Stacking Reveals No Evidence for Milankovitch Cycle Influence on Abyssal Hills at Intermediate, Fast and Super-Fast Spreading Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goff, J.; Zahirovic, S.; Müller, D.

2017-12-01

Recently published spectral analyses of seafloor bathymetry concluded that abyssal hills, highly linear ridges that are formed along seafloor spreading centers, exhibit periodicities that correspond to Milankovitch cycles - variations in Earth's orbit that affect climate on periods of 23, 41 and 100 thousand years. These studies argue that this correspondence could be explained by modulation of volcanic output at the mid-ocean ridge due to lithostatic pressure variations associated with rising and falling sea level. If true, then the implications are substantial: mapping the topography of the seafloor with sonar could be used as a way to investigate past climate change. This "Milankovitch cycle" hypothesis predicts that the rise and fall of abyssal hills will be correlated to crustal age, which can be tested by stacking, or averaging, bathymetry as a function of age; stacking will enhance any age-dependent signal while suppressing random components, such as fault-generated topography. We apply age-stacking to data flanking the Southeast Indian Ridge ( 3.6 cm/yr half rate), northern East Pacific Rise ( 5.4 cm/yr half rate) and southern East Pacific Rise ( 7.8 cm/yr half rate), where multibeam bathymetric coverage is extensive on the ridge flanks. At the greatest precision possible given magnetic anomaly data coverage, we have revised digital crustal age models in these regions with updated axis and magnetic anomaly traces. We also utilize known 2nd-order spatial statistical properties of abyssal hills to predict the variability of the age-stack under the null hypothesis that abyssal hills are entirely random with respect to crustal age; the age-stacked profile is significantly different from zero only if it exceeds this expected variability by a large margin. Our results indicate, however, that the null hypothesis satisfactorily explains the age-stacking results in all three regions of study, thus providing no support for the Milankovitch cycle hypothesis. The random nature of abyssal hills is consistent with a primarily faulted origin. .

San Andreas tremor cascades define deep fault zone complexity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shelly, David R.

2015-01-01

Weak seismic vibrations - tectonic tremor - can be used to delineate some plate boundary faults. Tremor on the deep San Andreas Fault, located at the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, is thought to be a passive indicator of slow fault slip. San Andreas Fault tremor migrates at up to 30 m s-1, but the processes regulating tremor migration are unclear. Here I use a 12-year catalogue of more than 850,000 low-frequency earthquakes to systematically analyse the high-speed migration of tremor along the San Andreas Fault. I find that tremor migrates most effectively through regions of greatest tremor production and does not propagate through regions with gaps in tremor production. I interpret the rapid tremor migration as a self-regulating cascade of seismic ruptures along the fault, which implies that tremor may be an active, rather than passive participant in the slip propagation. I also identify an isolated group of tremor sources that are offset eastwards beneath the San Andreas Fault, possibly indicative of the interface between the Monterey Microplate, a hypothesized remnant of the subducted Farallon Plate, and the North American Plate. These observations illustrate a possible link between the central San Andreas Fault and tremor-producing subduction zones.

Application of indexes of underground structure using land gravity data to the Eastern Boundary Fault zone of the Shonai Plain, northeastern Japan.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, T.; Hiramatsu, Y.; Matsumoto, N.; Honda, R.; Wada, S.; Sawada, A.; Okada, S.

2016-12-01

Gravity gradients, which are directly measured and are also derived by differentiating land gravity anomaly data, are sensitive to the density structure of shallow subsurfaces and therefore can be used to formulate ratings for Indexes of Underground Structure (IUS) [e.g., Kusumoto,2015,2016]. Recently, dense land gravity data measurements for almost entire Japan have been available [Honda et al., 2012]. In this study, we use gravity gradient tensors from the data to apply IUS to the Eastern Boundary Fault zone of the Shonai Plain (EBFSP), which spans 40 km in length and caused the historical Mjma 7.0 earthquake in 1894. The IUS we adopt here comprises the dip angle of the structural boundary (Beta) [Beiki, 2013], the dimensionality index (I) [Pedersen and Rasmussen, 1990], the structural boundary (Horizontal First Derivation(HFD) and TDX [Cooper and Cowan, 2006]), and density anomaly cylinder bodies in the depth direction (TD) [Copper, 2011]. The IUS show that the northern part of the EBFSP is characterized by high-Beta, low-I (dyke-like), intense-(HFD and TDX), and many short TD. Contrary to this, the southern part exhibits low-Beta, high-I, mild-(HFD and TDX), and few long TD. Previous geological/geomorphological surveys of the EBFSP [Ikeda et al., 2002] distinguish between the northern part comprising parallel/echelon short faults and the southern part comprising a single long fault. These findings are consistent with the gravimetrical IUS. However, the IUS more emphasizes the Aosawa Fault zone, which is geologically old and runs nearly parallel to the EBFSP at about 5-10 km distance on the eastern side of the EBFSP. Because gravity anomalies are a time-integrated representation of crustal activity, it is difficult to identify the relative timing of faulting events in an analysis range. However, the IUS can objectively contribute to producing comprehensive characterizations of target faults. This study is supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 26400450.

Dynamic earthquake rupture simulations on nonplanar faults embedded in 3D geometrically complex, heterogeneous elastic solids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duru, Kenneth, E-mail: kduru@stanford.edu; Dunham, Eric M.; Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Dynamic propagation of shear ruptures on a frictional interface in an elastic solid is a useful idealization of natural earthquakes. The conditions relating discontinuities in particle velocities across fault zones and tractions acting on the fault are often expressed as nonlinear friction laws. The corresponding initial boundary value problems are both numerically and computationally challenging. In addition, seismic waves generated by earthquake ruptures must be propagated for many wavelengths away from the fault. Therefore, reliable and efficient numerical simulations require both provably stable and high order accurate numerical methods. We present a high order accurate finite difference method for: a)more » enforcing nonlinear friction laws, in a consistent and provably stable manner, suitable for efficient explicit time integration; b) dynamic propagation of earthquake ruptures along nonplanar faults; and c) accurate propagation of seismic waves in heterogeneous media with free surface topography. We solve the first order form of the 3D elastic wave equation on a boundary-conforming curvilinear mesh, in terms of particle velocities and stresses that are collocated in space and time, using summation-by-parts (SBP) finite difference operators in space. Boundary and interface conditions are imposed weakly using penalties. By deriving semi-discrete energy estimates analogous to the continuous energy estimates we prove numerical stability. The finite difference stencils used in this paper are sixth order accurate in the interior and third order accurate close to the boundaries. However, the method is applicable to any spatial operator with a diagonal norm satisfying the SBP property. Time stepping is performed with a 4th order accurate explicit low storage Runge–Kutta scheme, thus yielding a globally fourth order accurate method in both space and time. We show numerical simulations on band limited self-similar fractal faults revealing the complexity of rupture dynamics on rough faults.« less

Dynamic earthquake rupture simulations on nonplanar faults embedded in 3D geometrically complex, heterogeneous elastic solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duru, Kenneth; Dunham, Eric M.

2016-01-01

Dynamic propagation of shear ruptures on a frictional interface in an elastic solid is a useful idealization of natural earthquakes. The conditions relating discontinuities in particle velocities across fault zones and tractions acting on the fault are often expressed as nonlinear friction laws. The corresponding initial boundary value problems are both numerically and computationally challenging. In addition, seismic waves generated by earthquake ruptures must be propagated for many wavelengths away from the fault. Therefore, reliable and efficient numerical simulations require both provably stable and high order accurate numerical methods. We present a high order accurate finite difference method for: a) enforcing nonlinear friction laws, in a consistent and provably stable manner, suitable for efficient explicit time integration; b) dynamic propagation of earthquake ruptures along nonplanar faults; and c) accurate propagation of seismic waves in heterogeneous media with free surface topography. We solve the first order form of the 3D elastic wave equation on a boundary-conforming curvilinear mesh, in terms of particle velocities and stresses that are collocated in space and time, using summation-by-parts (SBP) finite difference operators in space. Boundary and interface conditions are imposed weakly using penalties. By deriving semi-discrete energy estimates analogous to the continuous energy estimates we prove numerical stability. The finite difference stencils used in this paper are sixth order accurate in the interior and third order accurate close to the boundaries. However, the method is applicable to any spatial operator with a diagonal norm satisfying the SBP property. Time stepping is performed with a 4th order accurate explicit low storage Runge-Kutta scheme, thus yielding a globally fourth order accurate method in both space and time. We show numerical simulations on band limited self-similar fractal faults revealing the complexity of rupture dynamics on rough faults.

Imaging the crustal structure of Haiti's transpressional fault system using seismicity and tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Possee, D.; Keir, D.; Harmon, N.; Rychert, C.; Rolandone, F.; Leroy, S. D.; Stuart, G. W.; Calais, E.; Boisson, D.; Ulysse, S. M. J.; Guerrier, K.; Momplaisir, R.; Prepetit, C.

2017-12-01

Oblique convergence of the Caribbean and North American plates has partitioned strain across an extensive transpressional fault system that bisects Haiti. Most recently the 2010, MW7.0 earthquake ruptured multiple thrust faults in southern Haiti. However, while the rupture mechanism has been well studied, how these faults are segmented and link to deformation across the plate boundary is still debated. Understanding the link between strain accumulation and faulting in Haiti is also key to future modelling of seismic hazards. To assess seismic activity and fault structures we used data from 31 broadband seismic stations deployed on Haiti for 16-months. Local earthquakes were recorded and hypocentre locations determined using a 1D velocity model. A high-quality subset of the data was then inverted using travel-time tomography for relocated hypocentres and 2D images of Vp and Vp/Vs crustal structure. Earthquake locations reveal two clusters of seismic activity, the first delineates faults associated with the 2010 earthquake and the second shows activity 100km further east along a thrust fault north of Lake Enriquillo (Dominican Republic). The velocity models show large variations in seismic properties across the plate boundary; shallow low-velocity zones with a 5-8% decrease in Vp and high Vp/Vs ratios of 1.85-1.95 correspond to sedimentary basins that form the low-lying terrain on Haiti. We also image a region with a 4-5% decrease in Vp and an increased Vp/Vs ratio of 1.80-1.85 dipping south to a depth of 20km beneath southern Haiti. This feature matches the location of a major thrust fault and suggests a substantial damage zone around this fault. Beneath northern Haiti a transition to lower Vp/Vs values of 1.70-1.75 reflects a compositional change from mafic facies such as the Caribbean large igneous province in the south, to arc magmatic facies associated with the Greater Antilles arc in the north. Our seismic images are consistent with the fault system across southern Haiti transitioning from a near vertical strike-slip fault in the west to a major south dipping oblique-slip fault in the east. Seismicity in southern Haiti broadly occurs on the thrust/oblique-slip faults. The results show evidence for significant variations in fault zone structure and kinematics along strike of a major transpressional plate boundary.

A set-associative, fault-tolerant cache design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamet, Dan; Frenzel, James F.

1992-01-01

The design of a defect-tolerant control circuit for a set-associative cache memory is presented. The circuit maintains the stack ordering necessary for implementing the Least Recently Used (LRU) replacement algorithm. A discussion of programming techniques for bypassing defective blocks is included.

Detection of Frictional Heating on Faults Using Raman Spectra of Carbonaceous Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, K.; Ujiie, K.; Kagi, H.

2017-12-01

Raman spectra of carbonaceous material (RSCM) have been used as geothermometer in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. However, it remains poorly understood whether RSCM are useful for detecting past frictional heating on faults. To detect increased heating during seismic slip, we examine the thrust fault in the Jurassic accretionary complex, central Japan. The thrust fault zone includes 10 cm-thick cataclasite and a few mm-thick dark layer. The cataclasite is characterized by fragments of black and gray chert in the black carbonaceous mudstone matrix. The dark layer is marked by intensely cracked gray chert fragments in the dark matrix of carbonaceous mudstone composition, which bounds the fractured gray chert above from the cataclasite below. The RSCM are analyzed for carbonaceous material in the cataclasite, dark layer, and host rock <10 mm from cataclasite and dark layer boundaries. The result indicates that there is no increased carbonization in the cataclasite. In contrast, the dark layer and part of host rocks <2 mm from the dark layer boundaries show prominent increase in carbonization. The absent of increased carbonization in the cataclasite could be attributed to insufficient frictional heating associated with distributed shear and/or faulting at low slip rates. The dark layer exhibits the appearance of fault and injection veins, and the dark layer boundaries are irregularly embayed or intensely cracked; these features have been characteristically observed in pseudotachylytes. Therefore, the increased carbonization in the dark layer is likely resulted from increased heating during earthquake faulting. The intensely cracked fragments in the dark layer and cracked wall rocks may reflect thermal fracturing in chert, which is caused by heat conduction from the molten zone. We suggest that RSCM are useful for the detection of increased heating on faults, particularly when the temperature is high enough for frictional melting and thermal fracturing.

An Examination of Seismicity Linking the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Subduction Zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neely, J. S.; Furlong, K. P.

2015-12-01

The Solomon Islands-Vanuatu composite subduction zone represents a tectonically complex region along the Pacific-Australia plate boundary in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Here the Australia plate subducts under the Pacific plate in two segments: the South Solomon Trench and the Vanuatu Trench. The two subducting sections are offset by a 200 km long, transform fault - the San Cristobal Trough (SCT) - which acts as a Subduction-Transform Edge Propagator (STEP) fault. The subducting segments have experienced much more frequent and larger seismic events than the STEP fault. The northern Vanuatu trench hosted a M8.0 earthquake in 2013. In 2014, at the juncture of the western terminus of the SCT and the southern South Solomon Trench, two earthquakes (M7.4 and M7.6) occurred with disparate mechanisms (dominantly thrust and strike-slip respectively), which we interpret to indicate the tearing of the Australia plate as its northern section subducts and southern section translates along the SCT. During the 2013-2014 timeframe, little seismic activity occurred along the STEP fault. However, in May 2015, three M6.8-6.9 strike-slip events occurred in rapid succession as the STEP fault ruptured east to west. These recent events share similarities with a 1993 strike-slip STEP sequence on the SCT. Analysis of the 1993 and 2015 STEP earthquake sequences provides constraints on the plate boundary geometry of this major transform fault. Preliminary research suggests that plate motion along the STEP fault is partitioned between larger east-west oriented strike-slip events and smaller north-south thrust earthquakes. Additionally, the differences in seismic activity between the subducting slabs and the STEP fault can provide insights into how stress is transferred along the plate boundary and the mechanisms by which that stress is released.

Dislocation creation and void nucleation in FCC ductile metals under tensile loading: A general microscopic picture

PubMed Central

Pang, Wei-Wei; Zhang, Ping; Zhang, Guang-Cai; Xu, Ai-Guo; Zhao, Xian-Geng

2014-01-01

Numerous theoretical and experimental efforts have been paid to describe and understand the dislocation and void nucleation processes that are fundamental for dynamic fracture modeling of strained metals. To date an essential physical picture on the self-organized atomic collective motions during dislocation creation, as well as the essential mechanisms for the void nucleation obscured by the extreme diversity in structural configurations around the void nucleation core, is still severely lacking in literature. Here, we depict the origin of dislocation creation and void nucleation during uniaxial high strain rate tensile processes in face-centered-cubic (FCC) ductile metals. We find that the dislocations are created through three distinguished stages: (i) Flattened octahedral structures (FOSs) are randomly activated by thermal fluctuations; (ii) The double-layer defect clusters are formed by self-organized stacking of FOSs on the close-packed plane; (iii) The stacking faults are formed and the Shockley partial dislocations are created from the double-layer defect clusters. Whereas, the void nucleation is shown to follow a two-stage description. We demonstrate that our findings on the origin of dislocation creation and void nucleation are universal for a variety of FCC ductile metals with low stacking fault energies. PMID:25382029

Boundary-layer mantle flow under the Dead Sea transform fault inferred from seismic anisotropy.

PubMed

Rümpker, Georg; Ryberg, Trond; Bock, Günter

2003-10-02

Lithospheric-scale transform faults play an important role in the dynamics of global plate motion. Near-surface deformation fields for such faults are relatively well documented by satellite geodesy, strain measurements and earthquake source studies, and deeper crustal structure has been imaged by seismic profiling. Relatively little is known, however, about deformation taking place in the subcrustal lithosphere--that is, the width and depth of the region associated with the deformation, the transition between deformed and undeformed lithosphere and the interaction between lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle flow at the plate boundary. Here we present evidence for a narrow, approximately 20-km-wide, subcrustal anisotropic zone of fault-parallel mineral alignment beneath the Dead Sea transform, obtained from an inversion of shear-wave splitting observations along a dense receiver profile. The geometry of this zone and the contrast between distinct anisotropic domains suggest subhorizontal mantle flow within a vertical boundary layer that extends through the entire lithosphere and accommodates the transform motion between the African and Arabian plates within this relatively narrow zone.

Anatomy of anomalously thick sandstone units in the Brent Delta of the northern North Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xiaojie; Steel, Ronald J.; Ravnås, Rodmar; Jiang, Zaixing; Olariu, Cornel; Ma, Yinsheng

2018-05-01

Some potentially attractive reservoirs, containing anomalously thick (10s to a few 100 m), cross-stratified sandstone, have been locally encountered within both the classic regressive (lower Brent) and the transgressive (upper Brent) segments of the Brent Delta. Three documented cases of these sandstone bodies are re-examined. They are internally dominated by simple or compound dunes, and typified by two types of deepening-upward succession, recording a retrogradational or transgressive shoreline history. Type I is expressed as a single estuarine succession changing upwards from erosive, coarse-grained channelized deposits into outer estuary tidal bar deposits. The estuary is underlain and overlain by deltaic deposits. Type II lacks significant basal river deposits but is composed by stacked mixed-energy and tide-dominated estuarine deposits. It is underlain by deltaic deposits and overlain by open marine sediments. Considering the structural evolution in the northern North Sea basin, we suggest (as did some earlier researchers) that these sandstone bodies were local, but sometimes broad transgressive estuaries, formed at any time during large-scale Brent Delta growth and decay. The estuary generation was likely triggered by fluvial incision coupled with active faulting, producing variable accommodation embayments, where tidal currents became focused and deposition became transgressive. The spatial variations of the interpreted estuary deposits were linked with variable, fault-generated accommodation. The relatively simple, lower Brent estuarine units were created by short-lived, fault activity in places, whereas the complex, stacked upper-Brent estuarine units were likely a result of more long-lived, punctuated fault-induced subsidence leading into the northern North Sea main rifting stage. The thick cross-stratified units potentially accumulated in the hangingwall of large bounding faults.

Geodynamic Evolution of the Banda Sea Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaymakci, N.; Decker, J.; Orange, D.; Teas, P.; Van Heiningen, P.

2013-12-01

We've carried out a large on- and offshore study in Eastern Indonesia to characterize the major structures and to provide constraints on the Neogene geodynamic evolution of the Banda Sea region. The onshore portion utilized remote sensing data and published geology. We tied the onshore to the offshore using recently acquired high resolution bathymetric data (16m and 25m bin size) and 2D seismic profiles that extend from Sulawesi in the west to Irian Jaya in the east across the northern part of the Banda Arc. We interpret the northern boundary of the 'Birds Head' (BH) of Papua, the Sorong Fault, to be a sinistral strike-slip fault zone with a minimum of 48 km displacement over the last few million years. The western boundary fault of Cendrawasih Basin defines the eastern boundary of BH and corresponds to the Wandamen Peninsula which comprises high pressure metamorphic rocks, including eclogite and granulite facies rocks, with exhumation ages from 4 to 1 Ma. Earthquake focal mechanism solutions indicate that the eastern boundary of BH is linked with a large scale offshore normal fault which we suggest may be related to the exhumation of the Wandamen Peninsula. The eastern boundary of Cendrawasih Basin is defined by a large transpressive belt along which BH is decoupled from the rest of Papua / Irian Jaya. This interpretation is supported by recent GPS studies. We propose that the BH and the Pacific plate are coupled, and therefore the Birds Head is therefore completely detached from Irian Jaya. Furthermore, Aru Basin, located at the NE corner of Banda Arc, is a Fault-Fault-Transform (FFT) type triple junction. According to available literature information the Banda Sea includes three distinct basins with different geologic histories; the North Banda Sea Basin (NBSB) was opened during 12-7 Ma, Wetar-Damar Basin (WDB) during 7-3.5 Ma and Weber Basin (WB) 3-0 Ma. Our bathymetric and seismic data indicated that the NBSB and Weber Basin lack normal oceanic crust and are probably floored by exhumed mantle, while WDB seems to have normal oceanic crust. These basins thought to be developed sequentially from north to south, possibly due to back arc extension resulting from trench retreat and roll-back of the northwards subducting Indo-Australian oceanic plate below the SE Eurasian margin along the Sunda-Banda subduction zone. We suggest that a trench-perpendicular tear in the subducting slab extends from the southwestern corner of Celebes Sea to the northeastern corner of Seram Island. It defines the southern boundary of the Banggai-Sula and Bird's Head (BH) blocks and northern boundary of Banda Sea micro-plate. The dominant character of this structure is sinistral strike-slip fault zone that eastward gradually become transpressional to ultimately thrusting at the tip of the tear east of Seram Island. Here, deformation results in a large accretionary wedge, the Seram Accretionary Belt (SAB) that is partitioned by intensely sheared strike-slip faults. The deformation mechanisms within the SAB is difficult to interpret due to poor seismic imaging below a shallow (Pliocene?) unconformity and the inferred complexity of the deformation within the belt. However, geometries of faults and fault blocks are very well pronounced on bathymetric data which provide hints for the deformation style of the belt.

A Discrete Element Modeling Approach to Exploring the Transition Between Fault-related Folding Styles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, A. N.; Benesh, N. P.; Alt, R. C., II; Shaw, J. H.

2011-12-01

Contractional fault-related folds form as stratigraphic layers of rock are deformed due to displacement on an underlying fault. Specifically, fault-bend folds form as rock strata are displaced over non-planar faults, and fault-propagation folds form at the tips of faults as they propagate upward through sedimentary layers. Both types of structures are commonly observed in fold and thrust belts and passive margin settings throughout the world. Fault-bend and fault-propagation folds are often seen in close proximity to each other, and kinematic analysis of some fault-related folds suggests that they have undergone a transition in structural style from fault-bend to fault-propagation folding during their deformational history. Because of the similarity in conditions in which both fault-bend and fault-propagation folds are found, the circumstances that promote the formation of one of these structural styles over the other is not immediately evident. In an effort to better understand this issue, we have investigated the role of mechanical and geometric factors in the transition between fault-bend folding and fault-propagation folding using a series of models developed with the discrete element method (DEM). The DEM models employ an aggregate of circular, frictional disks that incorporate bonding at particle contacts to represent the numerical stratigraphy. A vertical wall moving at a fixed velocity drives displacement of the hanging-wall section along a pre-defined fault ramp and detachment. We utilize this setup to study the transition between fault-bend and fault-propagation folding by varying mechanical strength, stratigraphic layering, fault geometries, and boundary conditions of the model. In most circumstances, displacement of the hanging-wall leads to the development of an emergent fold as the hanging-wall material passes across the fault bend. However, in other cases, an emergent fault propagates upward through the sedimentary section, associated with the development of a steep, narrow front-limb, characteristic of fault-propagation folding. We find that the boundary conditions imposed on the far wall of the model have the strongest influence on structural style, but that other factors, such as fault dip and mechanical strengths, play secondary roles. By testing a range of values for each of the parameters, we are able to identify the range of values under which the transition occurs. Additionally, we find that the transition between fault-bend and fault-propagation folding is gradual, with structures in the transitional regime showing evidence of each structural style during a portion of their history. The primary role that boundary conditions play in determining fault-related folding style implies that the growth of natural structures may be affected by the emergence of adjacent structures, or in distal variations in detachment strengths. We explore these relationships using natural examples from various fold-and-thrust belts.

Effect of the fcc-hcp martensitic transition on the equation of state of solid krypton up to 140 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, A. D.; Garbarino, G.; Briggs, R.; Svitlyk, V.; Morard, G.; Bouhifd, M. A.; Jacobs, J.; Irifune, T.; Mathon, O.; Pascarelli, S.

2018-03-01

Solid krypton (Kr) undergoes a pressure-induced martensitic phase transition from a face-centered cubic (fcc) to a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure. These two phases coexist in a very wide pressure domain inducing important modifications of the bulk properties of the resulting mixed phase system. Here, we report a detailed in situ x-ray diffraction and absorption study of the influence of the fcc-hcp phase transition on the compression behavior of solid krypton in an extended pressure domain up to 140 GPa. The onset of the hcp-fcc transformation was observed in this study at around 2.7 GPa and the coexistence of these two phases up to 140 GPa, the maximum investigated pressure. The appearance of the hcp phase is also evidenced by the pressure-induced broadening and splitting of the first peak in the XANES spectra. We demonstrate that the transition is driven by a continuous nucleation and intergrowth of nanometric hcp stacking faults that evolve in the fcc phase. These hcp stacking faults are unaffected by high-temperature annealing, suggesting that plastic deformation is not at their origin. The apparent small Gibbs free-energy differences between the two structures that decrease upon compression may explain the nucleation of hcp stacking faults and the large coexistence domain of fcc and hcp krypton. We observe a clear anomaly in the equation of state of the fcc solid at ˜20 GPa when the proportion of the hcp form reaches ˜20 % . We demonstrate that this anomaly is related to the difference in stiffness between the fcc and hcp phases and propose two distinct equation of states for the low and high-pressure regimes.

Seismic Modeling of the Alasehir Graben, Western Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozde Okut, Nigar; Demirbag, Emin

2014-05-01

The purpose of this study is to develop a depth model to make synthetic seismic reflection sections, such as stacked and migrated sections with different velocity models. The study area is east-west trending Alasehir graben which is one of the most prominent structure in the western Anatolia, proved to have geothermal energy potential by researchers and exploration companies. Geological formations were taken from Alaşehir-1 borehole drilled by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (Çiftçi, 2007) and seismic interval velocities were taken from check-shots in the same borehole (Kolenoǧlu-Demircioǧlu, 2009). The most important structure is the master graben bounding fault (MGBF) in the southern margin of the Alasehir graben. Another main structure is the northern bounding fault called the antithetic fault of the MGBF with high angle normal fault characteristic. MGBF is a crucial contact between sedimentary cover and the metamorphic basement. From basement to the surface, five different stratigraphic units constitute graben fill . All the sedimentary units thicknesses get thinner from the southern margin to the northern margin of the Alasehir graben displaying roll-over geometry. A commercial seismic data software was used during modeling. In the first step, a 2D velocity/depth model was defined. Ray tracing was carried out with diffraction option to produce the reflection travel times. The reflection coefficients were calculated and wavelet shaping was carried out by means of band-pass filtering. Finally synthetic stacked section of the Alasehir graben was obtained. Then, migrated sections were generated with different velocity models. From interval velocities, average and RMS velocities were calculated for the formation entires to test how the general features of the geological model may change against different seismic models after the migration. Post-stack time migration method was used. Pseudo-velocity analysis was applied at selected CDP locations. In theory, seismic migration moves events to their correct spatial locations and collapse energy from diffractions back to their scattering points. This features of migration can be distinguished in the migrated sections. When interval velocities used, all the diffractions are removed and fault planes can be seen clearly. When average velocities used, MGBF plane extends to greater depths. Additionally, slope angles and locations of antithetic faults in the northern margin of the graben changes. When RMS velocities used, a migrated section was obtained for which to make an interpretation was quite hard, especially for the main structures along the northern margin and reflections related to formations.

Enhanced Structural Interpretation Using Multitrace Seismic Attribute For Oligo-Miocene Target at Madura Strait Offshore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratama Wahyu Hidayat, Putra; Hary Murti, Antonius; Sudarmaji; Shirly, Agung; Tiofan, Bani; Damayanti, Shinta

2018-03-01

Geometry is an important parameter for the field of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, it has significant effect to the amount of resources or reserves, rock spreading, and risk analysis. The existence of geological structure or fault becomes one factor affecting geometry. This study is conducted as an effort to enhance seismic image quality in faults dominated area namely offshore Madura Strait. For the past 10 years, Oligo-Miocene carbonate rock has been slightly explored on Madura Strait area, the main reason because migration and trap geometry still became risks to be concern. This study tries to determine the boundary of each fault zone as subsurface image generated by converting seismic data into variance attribute. Variance attribute is a multitrace seismic attribute as the derivative result from amplitude seismic data. The result of this study shows variance section of Madura Strait area having zero (0) value for seismic continuity and one (1) value for discontinuity of seismic data. Variance section shows the boundary of RMKS fault zone with Kendeng zone distinctly. Geological structure and subsurface geometry for Oligo-Miocene carbonate rock could be identified perfectly using this method. Generally structure interpretation to identify the boundary of fault zones could be good determined by variance attribute.

Ground deformation associated with the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake in China, estimated using a SAR offset-tracking method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, T.; Takada, Y.; Furuya, M.; Murakami, M.

2008-12-01

Introduction: A catastrophic earthquake struck China"fs Sichuan area on May 12, 2008, with the moment magnitude of 7.9 (USGS). The hypocenter and their aftershocks are distributed along the western edge of the Sichuan Basin, suggesting that this seismic event occurred at the Longmeng Shan fault zone which is constituted of major three active faults (Wenchuan-Maowen, Beichuan, and Pengguan faults). However, it is unclear whether these faults were directly involved in the mainshock rupture. An interferometry SAR (InSAR) analysis generally has a merit that we can detect ground deformation in a vast region with high precision, however, for the Sichuan event, the surface deformation near the fault zone has not been satisfactorily detected from the InSAR analyses due to a low coherency. An offset-tracking method is less precise but more robust for detecting large ground deformation than the interferometric approach. Our purpose is to detect the detail ground deformation immediately near the faults involved in the Sichuan event with applying the offset-tracking method. Analysis Method: We analyzed ALOS/PALSAR images, which have been taken from Path 471 to 476 of ascending track, acquired before and after the mainshock. We processed SAR data from the level-1.0 product, using a software package from Gamma Remote Sensing. For offset-tracking analysis we adopt intensity tracking method which is performed by cross-correlating samples of backscatter intensity of a master SAR image with samples from the corresponding search area of a slave image in order to estimate range and azimuth offset fields. We reduce stereoscopic effects that produce apparent offsets, using SRTM3 DEM data. Results: We have successfully obtained the surface deformation in range (radar look direction) component, while in azimuth (flight direction) no significant deformation can be detected in some orbits due to "gazimuth streaks"h that are errors caused by ionospheric effects. Some concluding remarks are as follows: On the Beichuan F. and its northeastward extension, a clear boundary of a motion toward and away from the satellite can be recognized just along the fault, which is almost consistent with a right-lateral fault motion. On the other hand, in the southwestern region from the Beichuan city where the three major faults are running almost parallel, two boundaries of motions can be recognized; On the Beichuan F. there are a clear displacement boundary in range component, while on the Pengguan F. a boundary can be identified in azimuth component rather than in range, suggesting that the seismic ruptures proceeded with different fault motions at each fault. For the Wenchuan-Maowen F., no significant displacement boundary can be recognized. Acknowledgments: PALSAR data are provided from Earthquake Working Group and PIXEL (PALSAR Interferometry Consortium to Study our Evolving Land surface) under a cooperative research contract with JAXA. The ownership of PALSAR data belongs to METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and JAXA.

Evidence of post-Pleistocene faults on New Jersey Atlantic outer continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sheridan, R.E.; Knebel, H.J.

1976-01-01

Recently obtained high-resolution seismic profiles (400-4,000-Hz band) show evidence of faults in shallow sedimentary strata near the edge of the Atlantic continental shelf off New Jersey. Apparent normal faults having a throw of about 1.5 m displace sediments to within 7 m of the sea floor. The faults appear to be overlain by undeformed horizontal beds of relatively recent age. Several faults 1 to 2 km apart strike approximately N70°E and dip northwest. The data suggest that the faults are upthrown on the southeast.Projection of the faults on the high-resolution profiles to a nearby multichannel seismic-reflection profile indicates that these shallow faults might be the near-surface expression of a more fundamental deep-seated fault. Several prominent reflectors in the multichannel records are offset by a high-angle normal fault reaching depths of 4.0 to 5.0 sec (6.0 to 6.5 km). The deep fault on the multichannel line also is upthrown on the southeast. Throws of as much as 90 m are apparent at depth, but offsets of as much as 10 m could be present in the shallower parts of the section that may not be resolved in the multichannel data.The position and strike of these faults coincide with and parallel the East Coast magnetic anomaly interpreted as the fundamental seaward basement boundary of the Baltimore Canyon trough. Recurring movements along such boundary faults are expected theoretically if the marginal basins are subsiding in response to the plate rotation of North America and seafloor spreading in the Atlantic.

Two-Dimensional Boundary Element Method Application for Surface Deformation Modeling around Lembang and Cimandiri Fault, West Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahya, M. J.; Sanny, T. A.

2017-04-01

Lembang and Cimandiri fault are active faults in West Java that thread people near the faults with earthquake and surface deformation risk. To determine the deformation, GPS measurements around Lembang and Cimandiri fault was conducted then the data was processed to get the horizontal velocity at each GPS stations by Graduate Research of Earthquake and Active Tectonics (GREAT) Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering Study Program, ITB. The purpose of this study is to model the displacement distribution as deformation parameter in the area along Lembang and Cimandiri fault using 2-dimensional boundary element method (BEM) using the horizontal velocity that has been corrected by the effect of Sunda plate horizontal movement as the input. The assumptions that used at the modeling stage are the deformation occurs in homogeneous and isotropic medium, and the stresses that acted on faults are in elastostatic condition. The results of modeling show that Lembang fault had left-lateral slip component and divided into two segments. A lineament oriented in southwest-northeast direction is observed near Tangkuban Perahu Mountain separating the eastern and the western segments of Lembang fault. The displacement pattern of Cimandiri fault shows that Cimandiri fault is divided into the eastern segment with right-lateral slip component and the western segment with left-lateral slip component separated by a northwest-southeast oriented lineament at the western part of Gede Pangrango Mountain. The displacement value between Lembang and Cimandiri fault is nearly zero indicating that Lembang and Cimandiri fault are not connected each other and this area is relatively safe for infrastructure development.

Fault creep rates of the Chaman fault (Afghanistan and Pakistan) inferred from InSAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnhart, William D.

2017-01-01

The Chaman fault is the major strike-slip structural boundary between the India and Eurasia plates. Despite sinistral slip rates similar to the North America-Pacific plate boundary, no major (>M7) earthquakes have been documented along the Chaman fault, indicating that the fault either creeps aseismically or is at a late stage in its seismic cycle. Recent work with remotely sensed interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series documented a heterogeneous distribution of fault creep and interseismic coupling along the entire length of the Chaman fault, including an 125 km long creeping segment and an 95 km long locked segment within the region documented in this study. Here I present additional InSAR time series results from the Envisat and ALOS radar missions spanning the southern and central Chaman fault in an effort to constrain the locking depth, dip, and slip direction of the Chaman fault. I find that the fault deviates little from a vertical geometry and accommodates little to no fault-normal displacements. Peak-documented creep rates on the fault are 9-12 mm/yr, accounting for 25-33% of the total motion between India and Eurasia, and locking depths in creeping segments are commonly shallower than 500 m. The magnitude of the 1892 Chaman earthquake is well predicted by the total area of the 95 km long coupled segment. To a first order, the heterogeneous distribution of aseismic creep combined with consistently shallow locking depths suggests that the southern and central Chaman fault may only produce small to moderate earthquakes (

Fault Diagnosis for Rotating Machinery Using Vibration Measurement Deep Statistical Feature Learning.

PubMed

Li, Chuan; Sánchez, René-Vinicio; Zurita, Grover; Cerrada, Mariela; Cabrera, Diego

2016-06-17

Fault diagnosis is important for the maintenance of rotating machinery. The detection of faults and fault patterns is a challenging part of machinery fault diagnosis. To tackle this problem, a model for deep statistical feature learning from vibration measurements of rotating machinery is presented in this paper. Vibration sensor signals collected from rotating mechanical systems are represented in the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains, each of which is then used to produce a statistical feature set. For learning statistical features, real-value Gaussian-Bernoulli restricted Boltzmann machines (GRBMs) are stacked to develop a Gaussian-Bernoulli deep Boltzmann machine (GDBM). The suggested approach is applied as a deep statistical feature learning tool for both gearbox and bearing systems. The fault classification performances in experiments using this approach are 95.17% for the gearbox, and 91.75% for the bearing system. The proposed approach is compared to such standard methods as a support vector machine, GRBM and a combination model. In experiments, the best fault classification rate was detected using the proposed model. The results show that deep learning with statistical feature extraction has an essential improvement potential for diagnosing rotating machinery faults.

Fault Diagnosis for Rotating Machinery Using Vibration Measurement Deep Statistical Feature Learning

PubMed Central

Li, Chuan; Sánchez, René-Vinicio; Zurita, Grover; Cerrada, Mariela; Cabrera, Diego

2016-01-01

Fault diagnosis is important for the maintenance of rotating machinery. The detection of faults and fault patterns is a challenging part of machinery fault diagnosis. To tackle this problem, a model for deep statistical feature learning from vibration measurements of rotating machinery is presented in this paper. Vibration sensor signals collected from rotating mechanical systems are represented in the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains, each of which is then used to produce a statistical feature set. For learning statistical features, real-value Gaussian-Bernoulli restricted Boltzmann machines (GRBMs) are stacked to develop a Gaussian-Bernoulli deep Boltzmann machine (GDBM). The suggested approach is applied as a deep statistical feature learning tool for both gearbox and bearing systems. The fault classification performances in experiments using this approach are 95.17% for the gearbox, and 91.75% for the bearing system. The proposed approach is compared to such standard methods as a support vector machine, GRBM and a combination model. In experiments, the best fault classification rate was detected using the proposed model. The results show that deep learning with statistical feature extraction has an essential improvement potential for diagnosing rotating machinery faults. PMID:27322273

Neotectonic Geomorphology of the Owen Stanley Oblique-slip Fault System, Eastern Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, L.; Mann, P.; Taylor, F.

2003-12-01

Previous GPS studies have shown that the Australia-Woodlark plate boundary bisects the Papuan Peninsula of Papua New Guinea and that interplate motion along the boundary varies from about 19 mm/yr of orthogonal opening in the area of the western Woodlark spreading center and D'Entrecasteaux Islands, to about 12 mm/yr of highly oblique opening in the central part of the peninsula, to about 10 mm/yr of transpressional motion on the western part of the peninsula. We have compiled a GIS database for the peninsula that includes a digital elevation model, geologic map, LANDSAT and radar imagery, and earthquake focal mechanisms. This combined data set demonstrates the regional importance of the 600-km-long Owen Stanley fault system (OSFS) in accommodating interplate motion and controlling the geomorphology and geologic exposures of the peninsula. The OSFS originated as a NE-dipping, reactivated Oligocene-Early Miocene age ophiolitic suture zone between an Australian continental margin and the Melanesian arc system. Pliocene to recent motion on the plate boundary has reactivated motion on the former NE-dipping thrust fault either as a NE-dipping normal fault in the eastern area or as a more vertical strike-slip fault in the western area. The broadly arcuate shape of the OSFS is probably an inherited feature from the original thrust fault. Faults in the eastern area (east of 148° E) exhibit characteristics expected for normal and oblique slip faults including: discontinuous fault traces bounding an upthrown highland block and a downthrown coastal plain or submarine block, transfer faults parallel to the opening direction, scarps facing to both the northeast and southwest, and spatial association with recent volcanism. Faults in the western area (west of 148° E) exibit characteristics expected for left-lateral strike-slip faults including: linear and continuous fault trace commonly confined to a deep, intermontane valley and sinistral offsets and deflections of rivers and streams by 0.5 to 1.2 km. The northern edge of the OSFS merges with the Ramu-Markham strike-slip fault near Lae. SW tilting of the footwall block (Papuan Peninsula) is responsible for the asymmetrical topographic profile of the peninsula and drowned topography along the southern coast of the peninsula.

The defective nature of ice Ic and its implications for atmospheric science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhs, W. F.; Hansen, T. C.

2009-04-01

The possible atmospheric implication of ice Ic (cubic ice) has already been suggested some time ago in the context of snow crystal formation [1]. New findings from air-borne measurements in cirrus clouds and contrails have put ice Ic into the focus of interest to understand the so-called "supersaturation puzzle" [2,3,4,5]. Our recent microstructural work on ice Ic [6,7] appears to be highly relevant in this context. We have found that ice Ic is characterized by a complex stacking fault pattern, which changes as a function of temperature as well as time. Indeed, from our own [8] and other group's work [9] one knows that (in contrast to earlier believe) ice Ic can form up to temperatures at least as high as 240K - thus in the relevant range for cirrus clouds. We have good preliminary evidence that the "cubicity" (which can be related to stacking fault probabilities) as well as the particle size of ice Ic are the relevant parameters for this correlation. The "cubicity" of stacking faulty ice Ic (established by diffraction) correlates nicely with the increased supersaturation at decreasing temperatures observed in cirrus clouds and contrails, a fact, which may be considered as further evidence for the presence of ice Ic. Moreover, the stacking faults lead to kinks in the outer shapes of the minute ice Ic crystals as seen by cryo scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM); these defective sites are likely to play some role in heterogeneous reactions in the atmosphere. The cryo-SEM work suggests that stacking-faulty ice Ic has many more active centres for such reactions than the usually considered thermodynamically stable form, ice Ih. [1] T Kobayashi & T Kuroda (1987) Snow Crystals. In: Morphology of Crystals (ed. I Sunagawa), Terra Scientific Publishing, Tokyo, pp.649-743. [2] DM Murphy (2003) Dehydration in cold clouds is enhanced by a transition from from cubic to hexagonal ice. Geophys.Res.Lett.,30, 2230, doi:10.1029/2003GL018566. [3] RS Gao & 19 other authors (2004) Evidence that nitric acid increases relative humidity in low-temperature cirrus clouds. Science 303, 516-520. [4] T Peter, C Marcolli, P Spaichinger, T Corti, MC Baker & T Koop (2006) When dry air is too humid. Science 314, 1399-1402. [5] JE Shilling, MA Tolbert, OB Toon, EJ Jensen, BJ Murray & AK Bertram (2006) Measurements of the vapor pressure of cubic ice and their implications for atmospheric ice clouds. Geophys.Res.Lett. 33, 026671. [6] TC Hansen, MM Koza & WF Kuhs (2008) Formation and annealing of cubic ice: I Modelling of stacking faults. J.Phys.Cond.Matt. 20, 285104. [7] TC Hansen, MM Koza, P Lindner & WF Kuhs (2008) Formation and annealing of cubic ice: II. Kinetic study. J.Phys.Cond.Matt. 20, 285105. [8] WF Kuhs, G Genov, DK Staykova & AN Salamatin (2004) Ice perfection and the onset of anomalous preservation of gas hydrates. Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys. 6, 4917-4920. [9] BJ Murray, DA Knopf & AK Bertram (2005) The formation of cubic ice under conditions relevant to Earth's atmosphere. Nature 434, 292-205.

Creep deformation mechanism mapping in nickel base disk superalloys

DOE PAGES

Smith, Timothy M.; Unocic, Raymond R.; Deutchman, Hallee; ...

2016-05-10

We investigated the creep deformation mechanisms at intermediate temperature in ME3, a modern Ni-based disk superalloy, using diffraction contrast imaging. Both conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM were utilised. Distinctly different deformation mechanisms become operative during creep at temperatures between 677-815 °C and at stresses ranging from 274 to 724 MPa. Both polycrystalline and single-crystal creep tests were conducted. The single-crystal tests provide new insight into grain orientation effects on creep response and deformation mechanisms. Creep at lower temperatures (≤760 °C) resulted in the thermally activated shearing modes such as microtwinning, stacking fault ribbons and isolated superlattice extrinsicmore » stacking faults. In contrast, these faulting modes occurred much less frequently during creep at 815 °C under lower applied stresses. Instead, the principal deformation mode was dislocation climb bypass. In addition to the difference in creep behaviour and creep deformation mechanisms as a function of stress and temperature, it was also observed that microstructural evolution occurs during creep at 760 °C and above, where the secondary coarsened and the tertiary precipitates dissolved. Based on this work, a creep deformation mechanism map is proposed, emphasising the influence of stress and temperature on the underlying creep mechanisms.« less

Type-II domains in ferroelectric gadolinium molybdate (in German)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bohm, J.; Kuersten, H.D.

Etching (001)-faces of gadolinium molybdate (GMO) reveals new kinds of domains. They are created by a translation, that leaves the spontaneous polarization and the transition parameter invariant. The translation vector is a part of a lattice vector, similar to stacking faults. (auth)

Design for Fe-high Mn alloy with an improved combination of strength and ductility.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Joon; Han, Jeongho; Lee, Sukjin; Kang, Seok-Hyeon; Lee, Sang-Min; Lee, Young-Kook

2017-06-15

Recently, Fe-Mn twinning-induced plasticity steels with an austenite phase have been the course of great interest due to their excellent combination of tensile strength and ductility, which carbon steels have never been able to attain. Nevertheless, twinning-induced plasticity steels also exhibit a trade-off between strength and ductility, a longstanding dilemma for physical metallurgists, when fabricated based on the two alloy design parameters of stacking fault energy and grain size. Therefore, we investigated the tensile properties of three Fe-Mn austenitic steels with similar stacking fault energy and grain size, but different carbon concentrations. Surprisingly, when carbon concentration increased, both strength and ductility significantly improved. This indicates that the addition of carbon resulted in a proportionality between strength and ductility, instead of a trade-off between those characteristics. This new design parameter, C concentration, should be considered as a design parameter to endow Fe-Mn twinning-induced plasticity steel with a better combination of strength and ductility.

Two-Dimensional Ordering of Solute Nanoclusters at a Close-Packed Stacking Fault: Modeling and Experimental Analysis

PubMed Central

Kimizuka, Hajime; Kurokawa, Shu; Yamaguchi, Akihiro; Sakai, Akira; Ogata, Shigenobu

2014-01-01

Predicting the equilibrium ordered structures at internal interfaces, especially in the case of nanometer-scale chemical heterogeneities, is an ongoing challenge in materials science. In this study, we established an ab-initio coarse-grained modeling technique for describing the phase-like behavior of a close-packed stacking-fault-type interface containing solute nanoclusters, which undergo a two-dimensional disorder-order transition, depending on the temperature and composition. Notably, this approach can predict the two-dimensional medium-range ordering in the nanocluster arrays realized in Mg-based alloys, in a manner consistent with scanning tunneling microscopy-based measurements. We predicted that the repulsively interacting solute-cluster system undergoes a continuous evolution into a highly ordered densely packed morphology while maintaining a high degree of six-fold orientational order, which is attributable mainly to an entropic effect. The uncovered interaction-dependent ordering properties may be useful for the design of nanostructured materials utilizing the self-organization of two-dimensional nanocluster arrays in the close-packed interfaces. PMID:25471232

Influence of antisite defects and stacking faults on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of FePt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolloch, M.; Suess, D.; Mohn, P.

2017-09-01

We present density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of FePt, which is of great interest for magnetic recording applications. Our data, and the majority of previously calculated results for perfectly ordered crystals, predict a MAE of ˜3.0 meV per formula unit, which is significantly larger than experimentally measured values. Analyzing the effects of disorder by introducing stacking faults (SFs) and antisite defects (ASDs) in varying concentrations we are able to reconcile calculations with experimental data and show that even a low concentration of ASDs are able to reduce the MAE of FePt considerably. Investigating the effect of exact exchange and electron correlation within the adiabatic-connection dissipation fluctuation theorem in the random phase approximation (ACDFT-RPA) reveals a significantly smaller influence on the MAE. Thus the effect of disorder, and more specifically ASDs, is the crucial factor in explaining the deviation of common DFT calculations of FePt to experimental measurements.

Direct observation of multiple rotational stacking faults coexisting in freestanding bilayer MoS2.

PubMed

Li, Zuocheng; Yan, Xingxu; Tang, Zhenkun; Huo, Ziyang; Li, Guoliang; Jiao, Liying; Liu, Li-Min; Zhang, Miao; Luo, Jun; Zhu, Jing

2017-08-16

Electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) MoS 2 semiconductors can be modulated by introducing specific defects. One important type of defect in 2D layered materials is known as rotational stacking fault (RSF), but the coexistence of multiple RSFs with different rotational angles was not directly observed in freestanding 2D MoS 2 before. In this report, we demonstrate the coexistence of three RSFs with three different rotational angles in a freestanding bilayer MoS 2 sheet as directly observed using an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (TEM). Our analyses show that these RSFs originate from cracks and dislocations within the bilayer MoS 2 . First-principles calculations indicate that RSFs with different rotational angles change the electronic structures of bilayer MoS 2 and produce two new symmetries in their bandgaps and offset crystal momentums. Therefore, employing RSFs and their coexistence is a promising route in defect engineering of MoS 2 to fabricate suitable devices for electronics, optoelectronics, and energy conversion.

Plasticity mechanisms in HfN at elevated and room temperature.

PubMed

Vinson, Katherine; Yu, Xiao-Xiang; De Leon, Nicholas; Weinberger, Christopher R; Thompson, Gregory B

2016-10-06

HfN specimens deformed via four-point bend tests at room temperature and at 2300 °C (~0.7 T m ) showed increased plasticity response with temperature. Dynamic diffraction via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed ⟨110⟩{111} as the primary slip system in both temperature regimes and ⟨110⟩{110} to be a secondary slip system activated at elevated temperature. Dislocation line lengths changed from a primarily linear to a curved morphology with increasing temperature suggestive of increased dislocation mobility being responsible for the brittle to ductile temperature transition. First principle generalized stacking fault energy calculations revealed an intrinsic stacking fault (ISF) along ⟨112⟩{111}, which is the partial dislocation direction for slip on these close packed planes. Though B1 structures, such as NaCl and HfC predominately slip on ⟨110⟩{110}, the ISF here is believed to facilitate slip on the {111} planes for this B1 HfN phase.

The effects of intrinsic properties and defect structures on the indentation size effect in metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maughan, Michael R.; Leonard, Ariel A.; Stauffer, Douglas D.; Bahr, David F.

2017-08-01

The indentation size effect has been linked to the generation of geometrically necessary dislocations that may be impacted by intrinsic materials properties, such as stacking fault energy, and extrinsic defects, such as statistically stored dislocations. Nanoindentation was carried out at room temperature and elevated temperatures on four different metals in a variety of microstructural conditions. A size effect parameter was determined for each material set combining the effects of temperature and existing dislocation structure. Extrinsic defects, particularly dislocation density, dominate the size effect parameter over those due to intrinsic properties such as stacking fault energy. A multi-mechanism description using a series of mechanisms, rather than a single mechanism, is presented as a phenomenological explanation for the observed size effect in these materials. In this description, the size effect begins with a volume scale dominated by sparse sources, next is controlled by the ability of dislocations to cross-slip and multiply, and then finally at larger length scales work hardening and recovery dominate the effect.

Effect of interstitial and substitution alloying elements on the intrinsic stacking fault energy of nanocrystalline fcc-iron by atomistic simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadzadeh, Mina; Mohammadzadeh, Roghayeh

2017-11-01

The stacking fault energy (SFE) is an important parameter in the deformation mechanism of face centered cubic (fcc) iron-based alloy. In this study, the effect of interstitial (C and N) and substitution (Nb and Ti) alloying elements on the intrinsic SFE (ISFE) of nanocrystalline iron were investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The modified embedded atom method (MEAM) inter-atomic potential was used in the MD simulations. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of ISFE with addition of interstitial alloying elements but only a mild increase in ISFE with addition of substitution alloying elements in the composition range of 0 < {CNb, CTi} < 3 (at%). Moreover, it is shown that alloying of fcc iron with N decreases ISFE, whereas it increases significantly by addition of carbon element [0 < {CC, CN} < 3.5 (at%)]. The simulation method employed in this work shows reasonable agreement with some published experimental/calculated data.

Creep mechanisms of a new Ni-Co-base disc superalloy at an intermediate temperature.

PubMed

Yuan, Y; Gu, Y F; Zhong, Z H; Osada, T; Cui, C Y; Tetsui, T; Yokokawa, T; Harada, H

2012-10-01

The microstructures of a new Ni-Co-base disc superalloy, TMW-4M3, before and after the creep test at 725 °C/630 MPa have been systematically investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crept microstructures were marked as three different deformation stages (I, II and III) corresponding to the gradually increased strain. At stage I, stacking fault (SF) shearing was the main deformation mechanism. The SF was extrinsic and lay on {111} plane. However, deformation microtwinning became the dominant mode at stage II and III. The average spacing of deformation twins decreased from 109 ± 15 nm at stage II to 76 ± 12 nm at stage III, whereas the twin thickness did not change significantly. The influence of stacking fault energy (SFE) of γ matrix on the deformation mechanism is discussed. It is suggested that lower SFE in TMW-4M3 is partly responsible for the enhanced creep resistance. © 2012 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2012 Royal Microscopical Society.

Phase transformation strengthening of high-temperature superalloys

PubMed Central

Smith, T. M.; Esser, B. D.; Antolin, N.; Carlsson, A.; Williams, R. E. A.; Wessman, A.; Hanlon, T.; Fraser, H. L.; Windl, W.; McComb, D. W.; Mills, M. J.

2016-01-01

Decades of research has been focused on improving the high-temperature properties of nickel-based superalloys, an essential class of materials used in the hot section of jet turbine engines, allowing increased engine efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Here we introduce a new ‘phase-transformation strengthening' mechanism that resists high-temperature creep deformation in nickel-based superalloys, where specific alloying elements inhibit the deleterious deformation mode of nanotwinning at temperatures above 700 °C. Ultra-high-resolution structure and composition analysis via scanning transmission electron microscopy, combined with density functional theory calculations, reveals that a superalloy with higher concentrations of the elements titanium, tantalum and niobium encourage a shear-induced solid-state transformation from the γ′ to η phase along stacking faults in γ′ precipitates, which would normally be the precursors of deformation twins. This nanoscale η phase creates a low-energy structure that inhibits thickening of stacking faults into twins, leading to significant improvement in creep properties. PMID:27874007

Characterization of high-quality kerfless epitaxial silicon for solar cells: Defect sources and impact on minority-carrier lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kivambe, Maulid M.; Powell, Douglas M.; Castellanos, Sergio; Jensen, Mallory Ann; Morishige, Ashley E.; Lai, Barry; Hao, Ruiying; Ravi, T. S.; Buonassisi, Tonio

2018-02-01

We investigate the types and origins of structural defects in thin (<100 μm) kerfless epitaxial single crystal silicon grown on top of reorganized porous silicon layers. Although the structural defect density is low (has average defect density < 104 cm-2), localized areas with a defect density > 105 cm-2 are observed. Cross-sectional and systematic plan-view defect etching and microscopy reveals that the majority of stacking faults and dislocations originate at the interface between the porous silicon layer and the epitaxial wafer. Localised dislocation clusters are observed in regions of collapsed/deformed porous silicon and at decorated stacking faults. In localized regions of high extended defect density, increased minority-carrier recombination activity is observed. Evidence for impurity segregation to the extended defects (internal gettering), which is known to exacerbate carrier recombination is demonstrated. The impact of the defects on material performance and substrate re-use is also discussed.

Fallon, Nevada FORGE Seismic Reflection Profiles

DOE Data Explorer

Blankenship, Doug; Faulds, James; Queen, John; Fortuna, Mark

2018-02-01

Newly reprocessed Naval Air Station Fallon (1994) seismic lines: pre-stack depth migrations, with interpretations to support the Fallon FORGE (Phase 2B) 3D Geologic model. Data along seven profiles (>100 km of total profile length) through and adjacent to the Fallon site were re-processed. The most up-to-date, industry-tested seismic processing techniques were utilized to improve the signal strength and coherency in the sedimentary, volcanic, and Mesozoic crystalline basement sections, in conjunction with fault diffractions in order to improve the identification and definition of faults within the study area.

Transpressional Tectonics across the N. American-Caribbean Plate Boundary: Preliminary Results of a Multichannel Seismic Survey of Lake Azuei, Haiti.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hearn, C. K.; Cormier, M. H.; Sloan, H.; Wattrus, N. J.; Boisson, D.; Brown, B.; Guerrier, K.; King, J. W.; Knotts, P.; Momplaisir, R.; Sorlien, C. C.; Stempel, R.; Symithe, S. J.; Ulysse, S. M. J.

2017-12-01

On January 12, 2010, a Mw 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, killing over 200,000 people and devastating the Capital city of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding regions. It ruptured a previously unknown blind-thrust fault that abuts the Enriquillo Plantain Garden Fault (EPGF), one of two transform faults that define the North American-Caribbean plate boundary. That earthquake highlighted how transpression across this complex boundary is accommodated by slip partitioning into strike-slip and compressional structures. Because the seismic hazard is higher for a rupture on a reverse or oblique-slip fault than on a vertical strike-slip fault, the need to characterize the geometry of that fault system is clear. Lake Azuei overlies this plate boundary 60 km east of the 2010 epicenter. The lake's 23 km long axis trends NW-SE, parallel to the Haitian fold-and-thrust belt and oblique to the EPGF. This tectonic context makes it an ideal target for investigating the partitioning of plate motion between strike-slip and compressional structures. In January 2017, we acquired 222 km of multichannel seismic (MCS) profiles in the lake, largely concurrent with subbottom seismic (CHIRP) profiles. The MCS data were acquired using a high-frequency BubbleGun source and a 75 m-long, 24-channel streamer, achieving a 24 seismic fold with a penetration of 200 m below lakebed. With the goal of resolving tectonic structures in 3-D, survey lines were laid out in a grid with profiles spaced 1.2 km apart. Additional profiles were acquired at the SE end of the lake where most of the tectonic activity is presumably occurring. The co-located CHIRP and MCS profiles document the continuity of tectonic deformation between the surficial sediments and the deeper strata. Preliminary processing suggests that a SW-dipping blind thrust fault, expressed updip as a large monocline fold, may control the western edge of the lake. Gentle, young folds that protrude from the flat lakebed are also imaged with the CHIRP data. No obvious strike-slip faults are revealed in the MCS or CHIRP imagery. This result is consistent with a published analysis of GPS measurements that suggests oblique convergence on a south-dipping reverse fault along the southern shore of the lake.

Linkages Between the Megathrust and Upper-plate Deformation: Lessons From the Deformational Dichotomy of the 2016 Kaikoura New Zealand Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furlong, K. P.; Herman, M. W.

2017-12-01

Following the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake, the nature of the coseismic rupture was unclear. Seismological and tsunami evidence pointed to significant involvement of the subduction megathrust, while geodetic and field observations pointed to a shallow set of intra-crustal faults as the main participants during the earthquake. It now appears that the Kaikoura earthquake produced synchronous faulting on the plate boundary subduction interface - the megathrust - and on a suite of crustal faults above the rupture zone in the overlying plate. This Kaikoura-style earthquake, involving synchronous ruptures on multiple components of the plate boundary, may be an important mode of plate boundary deformation affecting seismic hazard along subduction zones. Here we propose a model to explain how these upper-plate faults are loaded during the periods between megathrust earthquakes and subsequently can rupture synchronously with the megathrust. Between megathrust earthquakes, horizontal compression, driven by plate convergence, locks the upper-plate faults, particularly those at higher angles to the convergence direction and the oblique plate motion of the subducting Pacific plate deforms the upper-plate in bulk shear. During the time interval of megathrust rupture, two things happen which directly affect the stress conditions acting on these upper-plate faults: (1) slip on the megathrust and the associated `rebound' of the upper plate reduces the compressive or normal stress acting on the upper plate faults, and (2) the base of the upper plate faults (and the upper plate itself) is decoupled from the slab in the region above rupture area. The reduction in normal stress acting on these faults increases their Coulomb Stress state to strongly favor strike-slip fault slip, and the basal decoupling of the upper plate allows it to undergo nearly complete stress recovery in that region; enabling the occurrence of very large offsets on these faults - offsets that exceed the slip on the plate interface. With these results it is clear that the 2016 Kaikoura NZ earthquake represents a mode of subduction zone rupture that must be considered in other regions.

The history of late holocene surface-faulting earthquakes on the central segments of the Wasatch fault zone, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duross, Christopher; Personius, Stephen; Olig, Susan S; Crone, Anthony J.; Hylland, Michael D.; Lund, William R; Schwartz, David P.

2017-01-01

The Wasatch fault (WFZ)—Utah’s longest and most active normal fault—forms a prominent eastern boundary to the Basin and Range Province in northern Utah. To provide paleoseismic data for a Wasatch Front regional earthquake forecast, we synthesized paleoseismic data to define the timing and displacements of late Holocene surface-faulting earthquakes on the central five segments of the WFZ. Our analysis yields revised histories of large (M ~7) surface-faulting earthquakes on the segments, as well as estimates of earthquake recurrence and vertical slip rate. We constrain the timing of four to six earthquakes on each of the central segments, which together yields a history of at least 24 surface-faulting earthquakes since ~6 ka. Using earthquake data for each segment, inter-event recurrence intervals range from about 0.6 to 2.5 kyr, and have a mean of 1.2 kyr. Mean recurrence, based on closed seismic intervals, is ~1.1–1.3 kyr per segment, and when combined with mean vertical displacements per segment of 1.7–2.6 m, yield mean vertical slip rates of 1.3–2.0 mm/yr per segment. These data refine the late Holocene behavior of the central WFZ; however, a significant source of uncertainty is whether structural complexities that define the segments of the WFZ act as hard barriers to ruptures propagating along the fault. Thus, we evaluate fault rupture models including both single-segment and multi-segment ruptures, and define 3–17-km-wide spatial uncertainties in the segment boundaries. These alternative rupture models and segment-boundary zones honor the WFZ paleoseismic data, take into account the spatial and temporal limitations of paleoseismic data, and allow for complex ruptures such as partial-segment and spillover ruptures. Our data and analyses improve our understanding of the complexities in normal-faulting earthquake behavior and provide geological inputs for regional earthquake-probability and seismic hazard assessments.

Pressurized Testing of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Stacks with Advanced Electrode-Supported Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J. E. O'Brien; X. Zhang; G. K. Housley

2012-06-01

A new facility has been developed at the Idaho National Laboratory for pressurized testing of solid oxide electrolysis stacks. Pressurized operation is envisioned for large-scale hydrogen production plants, yielding higher overall efficiencies when the hydrogen product is to be delivered at elevated pressure for tank storage or pipelines. Pressurized operation also supports higher mass flow rates of the process gases with smaller components. The test stand can accommodate cell dimensions up to 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm and stacks of up to 25 cells. The pressure boundary for these tests is a water-cooled spool-piece pressure vessel designed for operation upmore » to 5 MPa. The stack is internally manifolded and operates in cross-flow with an inverted-U flow pattern. Feed-throughs for gas inlets/outlets, power, and instrumentation are all located in the bottom flange. The entire spool piece, with the exception of the bottom flange, can be lifted to allow access to the internal furnace and test fixture. Lifting is accomplished with a motorized threaded drive mechanism attached to a rigid structural frame. Stack mechanical compression is accomplished using springs that are located inside of the pressure boundary, but outside of the hot zone. Initial stack heatup and performance characterization occurs at ambient pressure followed by lowering and sealing of the pressure vessel and subsequent pressurization. Pressure equalization between the anode and cathode sides of the cells and the stack surroundings is ensured by combining all of the process gases downstream of the stack. Steady pressure is maintained by means of a backpressure regulator and a digital pressure controller. A full description of the pressurized test apparatus is provided in this paper.« less

The discovery of a conjugate system of faults in the Wharton Basin intraplate deformation zone

PubMed Central

Singh, Satish C.; Hananto, Nugroho; Qin, Yanfang; Leclerc, Frederique; Avianto, Praditya; Tapponnier, Paul E.; Carton, Helene; Wei, Shengji; Nugroho, Adam B.; Gemilang, Wishnu A.; Sieh, Kerry; Barbot, Sylvain

2017-01-01

The deformation at well-defined, narrow plate boundaries depends on the relative plate motion, but how the deformation takes place within a distributed plate boundary zone remains a conundrum. This was confirmed by the seismological analyses of the 2012 great Wharton Basin earthquakes [moment magnitude (Mw) 8.6], which suggested the rupture of several faults at high angles to one another. Using high-resolution bathymetry and seismic reflection data, we report the discovery of new N294°E-striking shear zones, oblique to the plate fabric. These shear zones are expressed by sets of normal faults striking at N335°E, defining the direction of the principal compressional stress in the region. Also, we have imaged left-lateral strike-slip faults along reactivated N7°E-oriented oceanic fracture zones. The shear zones and the reactivated fracture zones form a conjugate system of faults, which accommodate present-day intraplate deformation in the Wharton Basin. PMID:28070561

The discovery of a conjugate system of faults in the Wharton Basin intraplate deformation zone.

PubMed

Singh, Satish C; Hananto, Nugroho; Qin, Yanfang; Leclerc, Frederique; Avianto, Praditya; Tapponnier, Paul E; Carton, Helene; Wei, Shengji; Nugroho, Adam B; Gemilang, Wishnu A; Sieh, Kerry; Barbot, Sylvain

2017-01-01

The deformation at well-defined, narrow plate boundaries depends on the relative plate motion, but how the deformation takes place within a distributed plate boundary zone remains a conundrum. This was confirmed by the seismological analyses of the 2012 great Wharton Basin earthquakes [moment magnitude ( M w ) 8.6], which suggested the rupture of several faults at high angles to one another. Using high-resolution bathymetry and seismic reflection data, we report the discovery of new N294°E-striking shear zones, oblique to the plate fabric. These shear zones are expressed by sets of normal faults striking at N335°E, defining the direction of the principal compressional stress in the region. Also, we have imaged left-lateral strike-slip faults along reactivated N7°E-oriented oceanic fracture zones. The shear zones and the reactivated fracture zones form a conjugate system of faults, which accommodate present-day intraplate deformation in the Wharton Basin.

Assessing active faulting by hydrogeological modeling and superconducting gravimetry: A case study for Hsinchu Fault, Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lien, Tzuyi; Cheng, Ching-Chung; Hwang, Cheinway; Crossley, David

2014-09-01

We develop a new hydrology and gravimetry-based method to assess whether or not a local fault may be active. We take advantage of an existing superconducting gravimeter (SG) station and a comprehensive groundwater network in Hsinchu to apply the method to the Hsinchu Fault (HF) across the Hsinchu Science Park, whose industrial output accounts for 10% of Taiwan's gross domestic product. The HF is suspected to pose seismic hazards to the park, but its existence and structure are not clear. The a priori geometry of the HF is translated into boundary conditions imposed in the hydrodynamic model. By varying the fault's location, depth, and including a secondary wrench fault, we construct five hydrodynamic models to estimate groundwater variations, which are evaluated by comparing groundwater levels and SG observations. The results reveal that the HF contains a low hydraulic conductivity core and significantly impacts groundwater flows in the aquifers. Imposing the fault boundary conditions leads to about 63-77% reduction in the differences between modeled and observed values (both water level and gravity). The test with fault depth shows that the HF's most recent slip occurred in the beginning of Holocene, supplying a necessary (but not sufficient) condition that the HF is currently active. A portable SG can act as a virtual borehole well for model assessment at critical locations of a suspected active fault.

Structural Characterization of Lateral-grown 6H-SiC am-plane Seed Crystals by Hot Wall CVD Epitaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goue, Ouloide Yannick; Raghothamachar, Balaji; Dudley, Michael; Trunek, Andrew J.; Neudeck, Philip G.; Woodworth, Andrew A.; Spry, David J.

2014-01-01

The performance of commercially available silicon carbide (SiC) power devices is limited due to inherently high density of screw dislocations (SD), which are necessary for maintaining polytype during boule growth and commercially viable growth rates. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has recently proposed a new bulk growth process based on axial fiber growth (parallel to the c-axis) followed by lateral expansion (perpendicular to the c-axis) for producing multi-faceted m-plane SiC boules that can potentially produce wafers with as few as one SD per wafer. In order to implement this novel growth technique, the lateral homoepitaxial growth expansion of a SiC fiber without introducing a significant number of additional defects is critical. Lateral expansion is being investigated by hot wall chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) growth of 6H-SiC am-plane seed crystals (0.8mm x 0.5mm x 15mm) designed to replicate axially grown SiC single crystal fibers. The post-growth crystals exhibit hexagonal morphology with approximately 1500 m (1.5 mm) of total lateral expansion. Preliminary analysis by synchrotron white beam x-ray topography (SWBXT) confirms that the growth was homoepitaxial, matching the polytype of the respective underlying region of the seed crystal. Axial and transverse sections from the as grown crystal samples were characterized in detail by a combination of SWBXT, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy to map defect types and distribution. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the seed crystal contained stacking disorders and this appears to have been reproduced in the lateral growth sections. Analysis of the relative intensity for folded transverse acoustic (FTA) and optical (FTO) modes on the Raman spectra indicate the existence of stacking faults. Further, the density of stacking faults is higher in the seed than in the grown crystal. Bundles of dislocations are observed propagating from the seed in m-axis lateral directions. Contrast extinction analysis of these dislocation lines reveals they are edge type basal plane dislocations that track the growth direction. Polytype phase transition and stacking faults were observed by high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), in agreement with SWBXT and Raman scattering.

Estimation of internal friction angle of subduction zone in northeast of Japan by using seismic focal mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyakawa, A.; Sato, K.; Otsubo, M.

2017-12-01

Physical properties, such as friction angle of the material, is important to understand the interplate earthquake of a subduction zone. Coulomb wedge model (Davis et al., 1983, JGR) is successfully revealed the relationship between a geometry of an accretionary wedge in a subduction zone and the physical properties of the material composing the accretionary wedge (e.g. Dahlen, 1984, JGR). An internal friction angle of the wedge and the frictional strength of the plate boundary fault control the wedge angle according to the Coulomb wedge model. However, the internal friction angle of the wedge and the frictional strength of the plate boundary fault are hard to estimate. Many previous works assumed the internal friction angle of the wedge on the basis of the laboratory experiments. Then, the frictional strength of the plate boundary fault, which is usually most interested, were evaluated from the observed wedge angle and the assumed internal friction angle of the wedge. Consequently, we should be careful of the selection of the internal friction angle of the wedge, otherwise, the uncertain an inappropriate internal friction angle may mislead the frictional strength of the plate boundary fault. In this study, we employed the newly developed technique to evaluate the internal friction angle of the wedge from the earthquake focal mechanisms occurred in the wedge along Japan Trench, northeast Japan. We used 650 earthquake mechanisms determined by NIED, Japan for the stress and friction coefficient inversion. The stress and friction coefficient inversion method is modified to handle the earthquake focal mechanisms from a computerized method to estimate the friction coefficient from the orientation distribution of faults (Sato, 2016, JSG). Finally, we obtained 25 degrees of internal friction angle of the wedge from the inversion. This value of friction angle is lower than usually assumed internal friction angle (30 degrees) (Byerlee, 1978, PAGEOPH). This lower internal friction angle leads to lower frictional strength of plate boundary fault ( 0.35) according to the Coulomb wedge model. These constrained physical parameters can contribute to understanding the interplate earthquake at each subduction zones.

Subsurface structure identification uses derivative analyses of the magnetic data in Candi Umbul-Telomoyo geothermal prospect area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Septyasari, U.; Niasari, S. W.; Maghfira, P. D.

2018-04-01

Telomoyo geothermal prospect area is located in Central Java, Indonesia. One of the manifestations around Telomoyo is a warm spring, called Candi Umbul. The hydrothermal fluids from the manifestation could be from the subsurface flowing up through geological structures. The previous research about 2D magnetic modeling in Candi Umbul showed that there was a normal fault with strike/dip N60°E/45° respectively. This research aims to know the distance boundary and the kind of the geological structure in the study area. We also compared the geological structure direction based on the geologic map and the derivative maps. We used derivative analyses of the magnetic data, i.e. First Horizontal Derivative (FHD) which is the rate of change of the horizontal gradient in the horizontal direction. FHD indicates the boundaries of the geological structure. We also used Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) which is the rate of change of the vertical gradient in the vertical direction. SVD can reveal normal fault or thrust fault. The FHD and SVD maps show that the geological structure boundary has the same direction with the north west-south east geological structure. The geological structure boundary is in 486 m of the local distance. Our result confirms that there is a normal fault in the study area.

Imaging Subsurface Structure of Central Zagros Zone/Iran Using Ambient Noise Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vahidravesh, Shaghayegh; Pakzad, Mehrdad, ,, Dr.; Hatami, Mohammad Reza, ,, Dr.

2017-04-01

The Central Zagros zone, of west Iran & east Iraq, is surrounded by many active faults (including Main Zagros Reversed Fault, Main Recent Fault, High Zagros Fault, Zagros Fold, & Thrust Belt). Recent studies show that cross-correlation of a long-term ambient seismic noise data recorded in station-pair, includes important information regarding empirical Green's functions (EGFs) between stations. Hence, ambient seismic noise carries valuable information of the wave propagation path (which can be extracted). The 2D model of surface waves (Rayleigh & Love) velocities for the studied area is obtained by seismic ambient noise tomography (ANT) method. Throughout this research, we use continuous records of all three vertical, radial, and tangential components (obtained by rotation) recorded by IRSC (Iranian Seismological Center) and IIEES (International Institute of Earthquake Engineering) networks for this area of interest. The IRSC & IIEES networks are equipped by SS-1 kinematics and Guralp CMG-3T sensors respectively. Data of 20 stations were used for 12 months from 2014/Nov. to 2015/Nov. The performed data processing is similar to the one, put into words in detail by Bensen et al. (2007) including the processed daily base data. Mean, trend, and instrument response were removed and the data were decimated to 5 sps (sample per second) to reduce the amount of storage space and computational time required. We then applied merge to handle data gaps. One-bit time-domain normalization was also applied to suppress the influence of instrument irregularities and earthquake signals followed by spectral (frequency-domain) normalization between 0.05-0.2 Hz (period 5-20 sec). After cross-correlation (processing step), we perform rms stacking (new approach of stacking) to stack many cross-correlation functions based on the highest energy in a time interval which we accordingly anticipate to receive Rayleigh & Love waves fundamental modes. To evaluate quality of the stacking process stability quantitatively, we calculate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), defined as a ratio of the peak amplitude within a time window to the root-mean-square of noise trailing the signal arrival window (Bensen et al., 2007), for each cross-correlation. The cross-correlated time-series is equivalent to the Green's functions between pairs of receivers. We then apply multiple phase-matched filter method of Herrmann (2005) to measure the correct group velocity dispersion of the interferometric surface waves. Eventually, we apply fast marching surface wave tomography (FMST), the iterative nonlinear inversion package developed by Rawlinson, 2005, to extract the velocity model of shallow structure in Central Zagros zone /Iran.

Differential Extension, Displacement Transfer, and the South to North Decrease in Displacement on the Furnace Creek - Fish Lake Valley Fault System, Western Great Basin.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katopody, D. T.; Oldow, J. S.

2015-12-01

The northwest-striking Furnace Creek - Fish Lake Valley (FC-FLV) fault system stretches for >250 km from southeastern California to western Nevada, forms the eastern boundary of the northern segment of the Eastern California Shear Zone, and has contemporary displacement. The FC-FLV fault system initiated in the mid-Miocene (10-12 Ma) and shows a south to north decrease in displacement from a maximum of 75-100 km to less than 10 km. Coeval elongation by extension on north-northeast striking faults within the adjoining blocks to the FC-FLV fault both supply and remove cumulative displacement measured at the northern end of the transcurrent fault system. Elongation and displacement transfer in the eastern block, constituting the southern Walker Lane of western Nevada, exceeds that of the western block and results in the net south to north decrease in displacement on the FC-FLV fault system. Elongation in the eastern block is accommodated by late Miocene to Pliocene detachment faulting followed by extension on superposed, east-northeast striking, high-angle structures. Displacement transfer from the FC-FLV fault system to the northwest-trending faults of the central Walker Lane to the north is accomplished by motion on a series of west-northwest striking transcurrent faults, named the Oriental Wash, Sylvania Mountain, and Palmetto Mountain fault systems. The west-northwest striking transcurrent faults cross-cut earlier detachment structures and are kinematically linked to east-northeast high-angle extensional faults. The transcurrent faults are mapped along strike for 60 km to the east, where they merge with north-northwest faults forming the eastern boundary of the southern Walker Lane. The west-northwest trending transcurrent faults have 30-35 km of cumulative left-lateral displacement and are a major contributor to the decrease in right-lateral displacement on the FC-FLV fault system.

Intelligent fault diagnosis of rolling bearings using an improved deep recurrent neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongkai; Li, Xingqiu; Shao, Haidong; Zhao, Ke

2018-06-01

Traditional intelligent fault diagnosis methods for rolling bearings heavily depend on manual feature extraction and feature selection. For this purpose, an intelligent deep learning method, named the improved deep recurrent neural network (DRNN), is proposed in this paper. Firstly, frequency spectrum sequences are used as inputs to reduce the input size and ensure good robustness. Secondly, DRNN is constructed by the stacks of the recurrent hidden layer to automatically extract the features from the input spectrum sequences. Thirdly, an adaptive learning rate is adopted to improve the training performance of the constructed DRNN. The proposed method is verified with experimental rolling bearing data, and the results confirm that the proposed method is more effective than traditional intelligent fault diagnosis methods.

Non-Mutually Exclusive Deep Neural Network Classifier for Combined Modes of Bearing Fault Diagnosis.

PubMed

Duong, Bach Phi; Kim, Jong-Myon

2018-04-07

The simultaneous occurrence of various types of defects in bearings makes their diagnosis more challenging owing to the resultant complexity of the constituent parts of the acoustic emission (AE) signals. To address this issue, a new approach is proposed in this paper for the detection of multiple combined faults in bearings. The proposed methodology uses a deep neural network (DNN) architecture to effectively diagnose the combined defects. The DNN structure is based on the stacked denoising autoencoder non-mutually exclusive classifier (NMEC) method for combined modes. The NMEC-DNN is trained using data for a single fault and it classifies both single faults and multiple combined faults. The results of experiments conducted on AE data collected through an experimental test-bed demonstrate that the DNN achieves good classification performance with a maximum accuracy of 95%. The proposed method is compared with a multi-class classifier based on support vector machines (SVMs). The NMEC-DNN yields better diagnostic performance in comparison to the multi-class classifier based on SVM. The NMEC-DNN reduces the number of necessary data collections and improves the bearing fault diagnosis performance.

The Cottage Grove fault system (Illinois Basin): Late Paleozoic transpression along a Precambrian crustal boundary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duchek, A.B.; McBride, J.H.; Nelson, W.J.; Leetaru, H.E.

2004-01-01

The Cottage Grove fault system in southern Illinois has long been interpreted as an intracratonic dextral strike-slip fault system. We investigated its structural geometry and kinematics in detail using (1) outcrop data, (2) extensive exposures in underground coal mines, (3) abundant borehole data, and (4) a network of industry seismic reflection profiles, including data reprocessed by us. Structural contour mapping delineates distinct monoclines, broad anticlines, and synclines that express Paleozoic-age deformation associated with strike slip along the fault system. As shown on seismic reflection profiles, prominent near-vertical faults that cut the entire Paleozoic section and basement-cover contact branch upward into outward-splaying, high-angle reverse faults. The master fault, sinuous along strike, is characterized along its length by an elongate anticline, ???3 km wide, that parallels the southern side of the master fault. These features signify that the overall kinematic regime was transpressional. Due to the absence of suitable piercing points, the amount of slip cannot be measured, but is constrained at less than 300 m near the ground surface. The Cottage Grove fault system apparently follows a Precambrian terrane boundary, as suggested by magnetic intensity data, the distribution of ultramafic igneous intrusions, and patterns of earthquake activity. The fault system was primarily active during the Alleghanian orogeny of Late Pennsylvanian and Early Permian time, when ultramatic igneous magma intruded along en echelon tensional fractures. ?? 2004 Geological Society of America.

Quantification of Honeycomb Number-Type Stacking Faults: Application to Na 3Ni 2BiO 6 Cathodes for Na-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Liu, Jue; Yin, Liang; Wu, Lijun; ...

2016-08-17

Here, ordered and disordered samples of honeycomb-lattice Na 3Ni 2BiO 6 were investigated as cathodes for Na-ion batteries, and it was determined that the ordered sample exhibits better electrochemical performance, with a specific capacity of 104 mA h/g delivered at plateaus of 3.5 and 3.2 V (vs Na +/Na) with minimal capacity fade during extended cycling. Advanced imaging and diffraction investigations showed that the primary difference between the ordered and disordered samples is the amount of number-type stacking faults associated with the three possible centering choices for each honeycomb layer. A labeling scheme for assigning the number position of honeycombmore » layers is described, and it is shown that the translational shift vectors between layers provide the simplest method for classifying different repeat patterns. We demonstrate that the number position of honeycomb layers can be directly determined in high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-HAADF) imaging studies. By the use of fault models derived from STEM studies, it is shown that both the sharp, symmetric subcell peaks and the broad, asymmetric superstructure peaks in powder diffraction patterns can be quantitatively modeled. About 20% of the layers in the ordered monoclinic sample are faulted in a nonrandom manner, while the disordered sample stacking is not fully random but instead contains about 4% monoclinic order. Furthermore, it is shown that the ordered sample has a series of higher-order superstructure peaks associated with 6-, 9-, 12-, and 15-layer periods whose existence is transiently driven by the presence of long-range strain that is an inherent consequence of the synthesis mechanism revealed through the present diffraction and imaging studies. This strain is closely associated with a monoclinic shear that can be directly calculated from cell lattice parameters and is strongly correlated with the degree of ordering in the samples. The present results are broadly applicable to other honeycomb-lattice systems, including Li 2MnO 3 and related Li-excess cathode compositions.« less

Quantification of Honeycomb Number-Type Stacking Faults: Application to Na 3Ni 2BiO 6 Cathodes for Na-Ion Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Jue; Yin, Liang; Wu, Lijun

Here, ordered and disordered samples of honeycomb-lattice Na 3Ni 2BiO 6 were investigated as cathodes for Na-ion batteries, and it was determined that the ordered sample exhibits better electrochemical performance, with a specific capacity of 104 mA h/g delivered at plateaus of 3.5 and 3.2 V (vs Na +/Na) with minimal capacity fade during extended cycling. Advanced imaging and diffraction investigations showed that the primary difference between the ordered and disordered samples is the amount of number-type stacking faults associated with the three possible centering choices for each honeycomb layer. A labeling scheme for assigning the number position of honeycombmore » layers is described, and it is shown that the translational shift vectors between layers provide the simplest method for classifying different repeat patterns. We demonstrate that the number position of honeycomb layers can be directly determined in high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-HAADF) imaging studies. By the use of fault models derived from STEM studies, it is shown that both the sharp, symmetric subcell peaks and the broad, asymmetric superstructure peaks in powder diffraction patterns can be quantitatively modeled. About 20% of the layers in the ordered monoclinic sample are faulted in a nonrandom manner, while the disordered sample stacking is not fully random but instead contains about 4% monoclinic order. Furthermore, it is shown that the ordered sample has a series of higher-order superstructure peaks associated with 6-, 9-, 12-, and 15-layer periods whose existence is transiently driven by the presence of long-range strain that is an inherent consequence of the synthesis mechanism revealed through the present diffraction and imaging studies. This strain is closely associated with a monoclinic shear that can be directly calculated from cell lattice parameters and is strongly correlated with the degree of ordering in the samples. The present results are broadly applicable to other honeycomb-lattice systems, including Li 2MnO 3 and related Li-excess cathode compositions.« less

Multimillion-Year Evolution of a Sublacustrine Fan System: Source-to-Sink History of the South Rukuru and Ruhuhu River Drainages, Lake Malawi (Nyasa) Rift, East Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholz, C. A.; Shillington, D. J.; McCartney, T.

2017-12-01

The development of long-lived continental rifts can be markedly influenced by surface processes, including sediment input and footwall erosion. This occurs through modifying crustal thickness and loading, as well as by influencing behaviors of individual faults. Here we report on the evolution of a long-lived system of sublacustrine fans in the Central Basin of the Lake Malawi (Nyasa) rift, East Africa. An extensive suite of crustal-scale seismic reflection data was acquired in 2015 as part of the SEGMeNT project, which resulted superb images of the syn-rift section. These data are augmented by legacy single-channel high resolution reflection data that provide detailed information on facies geometries and stacking architecture of the deep-water fan systems. The ages and lithologic character of the stratal surfaces observed in the reflection seismic data are constrained by ties to the 2005 scientific drill cores acquired during the Lake Malawi Scientific Drilling Project. The South Rukuru River is an eastward flowing regional drainage (11,900 km2) that enters Lake Malawi through an incision in the western border fault of the rift's Central Basin. The Rukuru River drainage (17,230 km2) enters the eastern side of the lake at an accommodation zone margin between the North and Central Basins. Both are antecedent drainages that prior to rifting may have delivered sediments to the Indian Ocean continental margin. Both systems now deliver sediment to a highly confined and focused depocenter in the Central Basin. The complex interplay of extension, mainly on the border fault systems, and high-frequency and high-amplitude lake levels shifts, has led to unique coarse sediment facies stacking architectures, with vertical stacking controlled by hydroclimate, and lateral positioning localized by fault behavior. Focused deep-water (700 m) deposition has resulted in overpressure within the sedimentary section in the localized depocenter, producing dramatic mud diapirs. Long-lived channel-levee systems observed in the seismic data demonstrate that both drainages systems have been operative for the past several million years.

Three-dimensional upper crustal velocity structure beneath San Francisco Peninsula, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parsons, T.; Zoback, M.L.

1997-01-01

This paper presents new seismic data from, and crustal models of the San Francisco Peninsula. In much of central California the San Andreas fault juxtaposes the Cretaceous granitic Salinian terrane on its west and the Late Mesozoic/Early Tertiary Franciscan Complex on its east. On San Francisco Peninsula, however, the present-day San Andreas fault is completely within a Franciscan terrane, and the Pilarcitos fault, located southwest of the San Andreas, marks the Salinian-Franciscan boundary. This circumstance has evoked two different explanations: either the Pilarcitos is a thrust fault that has pushed Franciscan rocks over Salinian rocks or the Pilarcitos is a transform fault that has accommodated significant right-lateral slip. In an effort to better resolve the subsurface structure of the peninsula faults, we established a temporary network of 31 seismographs arrayed across the San Andreas fault and the subparallel Pilarcitos fault at ???1-2 km spacings. These instruments were deployed during the first 6 months of 1995 and recorded local earthquakes, air gun sources set off in San Francisco Bay, and explosive sources. Travel times from these sources were used to augment earthquake arrival times recorded by the Northern California Seismic Network and were inverted for three-dimensional velocity structure. Results show lateral velocity changes at depth (???0.5-7 km) that correlate with downward vertical projections of the surface traces of the San Andreas and Pilarcitos faults. We thus interpret the faults as high-angle to vertical features (constrained to a 70??-110?? dip range). From this we conclude that the Pilarcitos fault is probably an important strike-slip fault that accommodated much of the right-lateral plate boundary strain on the peninsula prior to the initiation of the modern-day San Andreas fault in this region sometime after about 3.0 m.y. ago.

Assessment of Late Quaternary strain partitioning in the Afar Triple Junction: Dobe and Hanle grabens, Ethiopia and Djibouti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polun, S. G.; Stockman, M. B.; Hickcox, K.; Horrell, D.; Tesfaye, S.; Gomez, F. G.

2015-12-01

As the only subaerial exposure of a ridge - ridge - ridge triple junction, the Afar region of Ethiopia and Djibouti offers a rare opportunity to assess strain partitioning within this type of triple junction. Here, the plate boundaries do not link discretely, but rather the East African rift meets the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden rifts in a zone of diffuse normal faulting characterized by a lack of magmatic activity, referred to as the central Afar. An initial assessment of Late Quaternary strain partitioning is based on faulted landforms in the Dobe - Hanle graben system in Ethiopia and Djibouti. These two extensional basins are connected by an imbricated accommodation zone. Several fault scarps occur within terraces formed during the last highstand of Lake Dobe, around 5 ka - they provide a means of calibrating a numerical model of fault scarp degradation. Additional timing constraints will be provided by pending exposure ages. The spreading rates of both grabens are equivalent, however in Dobe graben, extension is partitioned 2:1 between northern, south dipping faults and the southern, north dipping fault. Extension in Hanle graben is primarily focused on the north dipping Hanle fault. On the north margin of Dobe graben, the boundary fault bifurcates, where the basin-bordering fault displays a significantly higher modeled uplift rate than the more distal fault, suggesting a basinward propagation of faulting. On the southern Dobe fault, surveyed fault scarps have ages ranging from 30 - 5 ka with uplift rates of 0.71, 0.47, and 0.68 mm/yr, suggesting no secular variation in slip rates from the late Plestocene through the Holocene. These rates are converted into horizontal stretching estimates, which are compared with regional strain estimated from velocities of relatively sparse GPS data.

Structural evolution of fault zones in sandstone by multiple deformation mechanisms: Moab fault, southeast Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davatzes, N.C.; Eichhubl, P.; Aydin, A.

2005-01-01

Faults in sandstone are frequently composed of two classes of structures: (1) deformation bands and (2) joints and sheared joints. Whereas the former structures are associated with cataclastic deformation, the latter ones represent brittle fracturing, fragmentation, and brecciation. We investigated the distribution of these structures, their formation, and the underlying mechanical controls for their occurrence along the Moab normal fault in southeastern Utah through the use of structural mapping and numerical elastic boundary element modeling. We found that deformation bands occur everywhere along the fault, but with increased density in contractional relays. Joints and sheared joints only occur at intersections and extensional relays. In all locations , joints consistently overprint deformation bands. Localization of joints and sheared joints in extensional relays suggests that their distribution is controlled by local variations in stress state that are due to mechanical interaction between the fault segments. This interpretation is consistent with elastic boundary element models that predict a local reduction in mean stress and least compressive principal stress at intersections and extensional relays. The transition from deformation band to joint formation along these sections of the fault system likely resulted from the combined effects of changes in remote tectonic loading, burial depth, fluid pressure, and rock properties. In the case of the Moab fault, we conclude that the structural heterogeneity in the fault zone is systematically related to the geometric evolution of the fault, the local state of stress associated with fault slip , and the remote loading history. Because the type and distribution of structures affect fault permeability and strength, our results predict systematic variations in these parameters with fault evolution. ?? 2004 Geological Society of America.

Arbitrarily shaped dual-stacked patch antennas: A hybrid FEM simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gong, Jian; Volakis, John L.

1995-01-01

A dual-stacked patch antenna is analyzed using a hybrid finite element - boundary integral (FE-BI) method. The metallic patches of the antenna are modeled as perfectly electric conducting (PEC) plates stacked on top of two different dielectric layers. The antenna patches may be of any shape and the lower patch is fed by a coaxial cable from underneath the ground plane or by an aperture coupled microstrip line. The ability of the hybrid FEM technique for the stacked patch antenna characterization will be stressed, and the EM coupling mechanism is also discussed with the aid of the computed near field patterns around the patches.

Geomorphic Evolution and Slip rate Measurements of the Noushki Segment , Chaman Fault Zone, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abubakar, Y.; Khan, S. D.; Owen, L. A.; Khan, A.

2012-12-01

The Nushki segment of the Chaman fault system is unique in its nature as it records both the imprints of oblique convergence along the western Indian Plate boundary as well as the deformation along the Makran subduction zone. The left-lateral Chaman transform zone has evolved from a subduction zone along the Arabian-Eurasian collision complex to a strike-slip fault system since the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasia. The geodetically and geologically constrained displacement rates along the Chaman fault varies from about 18 mm/yr to about 35 mm/yr respectively throughout its total length of ~ 860 km. Two major hypothesis has been proposed by workers for these variations; i) Variations in rates of elastic strain accumulation along the plate boundary and, ii) strain partitioning along the plate boundary. Morphotectonic analysis is a very useful tool in investigations of spatial variations in tectonic activities both regionally and locally. This work uses morphotectonic analysis to investigate the degree of variations in active tectonic deformation, which can be directly related to elastic strain accumulation and other kinematics in the western boundary of the plate margin. Geomorphic mapping was carried out using remotely sensed data. ASTER and RADAR data were used in establishing Quaternary stratigraphy and measurement of geomorphic indices such as stream length gradient index, valley floor width to height ratio and, river/stream longitudinal profile within the study area. High resolution satellite images (e.g., IKONOS imagery) and 30m ASTER DEMs were employed to measure displacement recorded by landforms along individual strands of the fault. Results from geomorphic analysis shows three distinct levels of tectonic deformation. Areas showing high levels of tectonic deformation are characterized by displaced fan surfaces, deflected streams and beheaded streams. Terrestrial Cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating of the displaced landforms is being carried out to calculate slip-rates. Slip-rates estimation along this segment of this plate boundary will help in understanding of tectonic evolution of this plate boundary and seismic activity in the region.

Dislocation mechanisms and 3D twin architectures generate exceptional strength-ductility-toughness combination in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Zijiao; Sheng, Hongwei; Wang, Zhangjie; ...

2017-02-20

Combinations of high strength and ductility are hard to attain in metals. Exceptions include materials exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity. To understand how the strength-ductility trade-off can be defeated, we apply in situ, and aberration-corrected scanning, transmission electron microscopy to examine deformation mechanisms in the medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi that exhibits one of the highest combinations of strength, ductility and toughness on record. Ab initio modelling suggests that it has negative stacking-fault energy at 0K and high propensity for twinning. With deformation we find that a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical twin network forms from the activation of three twinning systems. This serves a dualmore » function: conventional twin-boundary (TB) strengthening from blockage of dislocations impinging on TBs, coupled with the 3D twin network which offers pathways for dislocation glide along, and cross-slip between, intersecting TB-matrix interfaces. The stable twin architecture is not disrupted by interfacial dislocation glide, serving as a continuous source of strength, ductility and toughness.« less

Dislocation mechanisms and 3D twin architectures generate exceptional strength-ductility-toughness combination in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zijiao; Sheng, Hongwei; Wang, Zhangjie; Gludovatz, Bernd; Zhang, Ze; George, Easo P.; Yu, Qian; Mao, Scott X.; Ritchie, Robert O.

2017-01-01

Combinations of high strength and ductility are hard to attain in metals. Exceptions include materials exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity. To understand how the strength-ductility trade-off can be defeated, we apply in situ, and aberration-corrected scanning, transmission electron microscopy to examine deformation mechanisms in the medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi that exhibits one of the highest combinations of strength, ductility and toughness on record. Ab initio modelling suggests that it has negative stacking-fault energy at 0K and high propensity for twinning. With deformation we find that a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical twin network forms from the activation of three twinning systems. This serves a dual function: conventional twin-boundary (TB) strengthening from blockage of dislocations impinging on TBs, coupled with the 3D twin network which offers pathways for dislocation glide along, and cross-slip between, intersecting TB-matrix interfaces. The stable twin architecture is not disrupted by interfacial dislocation glide, serving as a continuous source of strength, ductility and toughness. PMID:28218267

Dislocation mechanisms and 3D twin architectures generate exceptional strength-ductility-toughness combination in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy.

PubMed

Zhang, Zijiao; Sheng, Hongwei; Wang, Zhangjie; Gludovatz, Bernd; Zhang, Ze; George, Easo P; Yu, Qian; Mao, Scott X; Ritchie, Robert O

2017-02-20

Combinations of high strength and ductility are hard to attain in metals. Exceptions include materials exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity. To understand how the strength-ductility trade-off can be defeated, we apply in situ, and aberration-corrected scanning, transmission electron microscopy to examine deformation mechanisms in the medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi that exhibits one of the highest combinations of strength, ductility and toughness on record. Ab initio modelling suggests that it has negative stacking-fault energy at 0K and high propensity for twinning. With deformation we find that a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical twin network forms from the activation of three twinning systems. This serves a dual function: conventional twin-boundary (TB) strengthening from blockage of dislocations impinging on TBs, coupled with the 3D twin network which offers pathways for dislocation glide along, and cross-slip between, intersecting TB-matrix interfaces. The stable twin architecture is not disrupted by interfacial dislocation glide, serving as a continuous source of strength, ductility and toughness.

Features of structural changes in the near-surface aluminum layer under various schemes of ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kryzhevich, Dmitrij S.; Zolnikov, Konstantin P.; Korchuganov, Aleksandr V.

2017-10-01

The molecular dynamics simulation of structural rearrangements in the surface layer of aluminum samples under ion implantation of various intensities was carried out. The features of the internal structure and the crystallographic orientation of the irradiated crystallite were taken into account. To describe the interatomic interaction many-body potentials obtained in the framework of the embedded atom method were used. Irradiation of the {100} surface results in much less number of formed defects than irradiation of the {110} and {111} ones. When irradiating surfaces with beams of relatively low energy grains remain unchanged in the surface region and the formation of stacking faults was not observed. At a high intensity of irradiation, the near-surface layer of the crystallite melts. In the absence of heat removal, the centers of crystallization become grains lying on the boundary of the solid and liquid phases. Those grains increase due to the adjustment of the atoms of the liquid phase to their lattice. As a result, the grain size in the near-surface region increases.

In-depth study of the H - T phase diagram of Sr 4 Ru 3 O 10 by magnetization experiments

DOE PAGES

Weickert, F.; Civale, L.; Maiorov, B.; ...

2017-09-28

Here, we present magnetization measurements on Sr4Ru3O10 as a function of temperature and magnetic field applied perpendicular to the magnetic easy c-axis inside the ferromagnetic phase. Peculiar metamagnetism evolves in Sr4Ru3O10 below the ferromagnetic transition TC as a double step in the magnetization at two critical fields Hc1 and Hc2. We map the H-T phase diagram with special focus on the temperature range 50 K ≤T≤TC. We find that the critical field Hc1(T) connects the field and temperature axes of the phase diagram, whereas the Hc2 boundary starts at 2.8 T for the lowest temperatures and ends in a criticalmore » endpoint at (1 T; 80 K). We also conclude from the temperature dependence of the ratio Hc1Hc2(T) that the double metamagnetic transition is an intrinsic effect of the material and it is not caused by sample stacking faults such as twinning or partial in-plane rotation between layers.« less

Modeling plastic deformation of post-irradiated copper micro-pillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crosby, Tamer; Po, Giacomo; Ghoniem, Nasr M.

2014-12-01

We present here an application of a fundamentally new theoretical framework for description of the simultaneous evolution of radiation damage and plasticity that can describe both in situ and ex situ deformation of structural materials [1]. The theory is based on the variational principle of maximum entropy production rate; with constraints on dislocation climb motion that are imposed by point defect fluxes as a result of irradiation. The developed theory is implemented in a new computational code that facilitates the simulation of irradiated and unirradiated materials alike in a consistent fashion [2]. Discrete Dislocation Dynamics (DDD) computer simulations are presented here for irradiated fcc metals that address the phenomenon of dislocation channel formation in post-irradiated copper. The focus of the simulations is on the role of micro-pillar boundaries and the statistics of dislocation pinning by stacking-fault tetrahedra (SFTs) on the onset of dislocation channel and incipient surface crack formation. The simulations show that the spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of SFTs naturally leads to localized plastic deformation and incipient surface fracture of micro-pillars.

Constitutive relations for determining the critical conditions for dynamic recrystallization behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choe, J. I.

2016-04-01

A series mathematical model has been developed for the prediction of flow stress and microstructure evolution during the hot deformation of metals such as copper or austenitic steels with low stacking fault energies, involving features of both diffusional flow and dislocation motion. As the strain rate increases, multiple peaks on the stress-strain curve decrease. At a high strain rate, the stress rises to a single peak, while dynamic recrystallization causes an oscillatory behavior. At a low strain rate (when there is sufficient time for the recrystallizing grains to grow before they become saturated with high dislocation density with an increase in strain rate), the difference in stored stress between recrystallizing and old grains diminishes, resulting in reduced driving force for grain growth and rendering smaller grains in the alloy. The final average grain size at the steady stage (large strain) increases with a decrease in the strain rate. During large strain deformation, grain size reduction accompanying dislocation creep might be balanced by the grain growth at the border delimiting the ranges of realization (field boundary) of the dislocation-creep and diffusion-creep mechanisms.

In-depth study of the H - T phase diagram of Sr4Ru3O10 by magnetization experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weickert, F.; Civale, L.; Maiorov, B.; Jaime, M.; Salamon, M. B.; Carleschi, E.; Strydom, A. M.; Fittipaldi, R.; Granata, V.; Vecchione, A.

2018-05-01

We present magnetization measurements on Sr4Ru3O10 as a function of temperature and magnetic field applied perpendicular to the magnetic easy c-axis inside the ferromagnetic phase. Peculiar metamagnetism evolves in Sr4Ru3O10 below the ferromagnetic transition TC as a double step in the magnetization at two critical fields Hc1 and Hc2. We map the H - T phase diagram with special focus on the temperature range 50 K ≤ T ≤TC . We find that the critical field Hc1 (T) connects the field and temperature axes of the phase diagram, whereas the Hc2 boundary starts at 2.8 T for the lowest temperatures and ends in a critical endpoint at (1 T; 80 K). We conclude from the temperature dependence of the ratio Hc 1/Hc 2 (T) that the double metamagnetic transition is an intrinsic effect of the material and it is not caused by sample stacking faults such as twinning or partial in-plane rotation between layers.

Dislocation models of interseismic deformation in the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollitz, F.F.; McCrory, P.; Svarc, J.; Murray, J.

2008-01-01

The GPS-derived crustal velocity field of the western United States is used to construct dislocation models in a viscoelastic medium of interseismic crustal deformation. The interseismic velocity field is constrained by 1052 GPS velocity vectors spanning the ???2500-km-long plate boundary zone adjacent to the San Andreas fault and Cascadia subduction zone and extending ???1000 km into the plate interior. The GPS data set is compiled from U.S. Geological Survey campaign data, Plate Boundary Observatory data, and the Western U.S. Cordillera velocity field of Bennett et al. (1999). In the context of viscoelastic cycle models of postearthquake deformation, the interseismic velocity field is modeled with a combination of earthquake sources on ???100 known faults plus broadly distributed sources. Models that best explain the observed interseismic velocity field include the contributions of viscoelastic relaxation from faulting near the major plate margins, viscoelastic relaxation from distributed faulting in the plate interior, as well as lateral variations in depth-averaged rigidity in the elastic lithosphere. Resulting rigidity variations are consistent with reduced effective elastic plate thickness in a zone a few tens of kilometers wide surrounding the San Andreas fault (SAF) system. Primary deformation characteristics are captured along the entire SAF system, Eastern California Shear Zone, Walker Lane, the Mendocino triple junction, the Cascadia margin, and the plate interior up to ???1000 km from the major plate boundaries.