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Activity criterion of pre-existing fabrics in non-homogeneous deformation domain

Science China Earth Sciences volume 53, pages 1115–1125 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

The Anderson’s model can be applied only to elastic homogeneous deformation and cannot explain complicated phenomena of natural faults, which to a large degree limits the model to practical application. By combing the Coulomb-Mohr Criterion with the sandbox modeling and considering non-homogeneous deformation, mechanisms of how basement pre-existing fabrics control fault formation and evolution are analyzed and a mechanical factor, activation-coefficient (f aS) of pre-existing fabrics, is proposed. It is determined by the attitude and mechanical properties of pre-existing fabric, and the stress state (the magnitudes and directions of the three principal stresses). The coefficient has taken the heterogeneity of rocks into account and may serve as a criterion for evaluating the activity of a pre-existing fabric. The Mohr-Coulomb Criterion is expanded to non-homogeneous deformation domain in terms of activation-coefficient (f aS) of pre-existing fabrics, the general law of the activity of a pre-existing fabric is predicted, the fault complexity real of rift basin is revealed in theory, and the controlling law of basement pre-existing faults to fault formation and evolution is determined, and checked with sandbox modeling. A new way is provided for in-depth study of faulting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China

    HengMao Tong & LingJian Meng

  2. Zhanjiang Branch of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Zhanjiang, 524057, China

    DongSheng Cai & XuShen Li

  3. Dagang Branch of China National Petroleum Corporation, Tianjin, 300280, China

    YongPing Wu

  4. Exploration and Development Institute, Liaohe Oilfield Company of China National Petroleum Corporation, Panjin, 124010, China

    XiaoGuang Li

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  1. HengMao Tong
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  2. DongSheng Cai
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Correspondence to HengMao Tong.

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Tong, H., Cai, D., Wu, Y. et al. Activity criterion of pre-existing fabrics in non-homogeneous deformation domain. Sci. China Earth Sci. 53, 1115–1125 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-010-3080-6

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