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Abstract Coseismic temperature rise activates fault dynamic weakening that promotes earthquake rupture propagation. The spatial scales over which peak temperatures vary on slip surfaces are challenging to identify in the rock record. We present microstructural observations and electron backscatter diffraction data from three small‐displacement hematite‐coated fault mirrors (FMs) in the Wasatch fault damage zone, Utah, to evaluate relations between fault properties, strain localization, temperature rise, and weakening mechanisms during FM development. Millimeter‐ to cm‐thick, matrix‐supported, hematite‐cemented breccia is cut by ∼25–200 μm‐thick, texturally heterogeneous veins that form the hematite FM volume (FMV). Grain morphologies and textures vary with FMV thickness over μm to mm lengthscales. Cataclasite grades to ultracataclasite where FMV thickness is greatest. Thinner FMVs and geometric asperities are characterized by particles with subgrains, serrated grain boundaries, and(or) low‐strain polygonal grains that increase in size with proximity to the FM surface. Comparison to prior hematite deformation experiments suggests FM temperatures broadly range from ≥400°C to ≥800–1100°C, compatible with observed coeval brittle and plastic deformation mechanisms, over sub‐mm scales on individual slip surfaces during seismic slip. We present a model of FM development by episodic hematite precipitation, fault reactivation, and strain localization, where the thickness of hematite veins controls the width of the deforming zones during subsequent fault slip, facilitating temperature rise and thermally activated weakening. Our data document intrasample coseismic temperatures, resultant deformation and dynamic weakening mechanisms, and the length scales over which these vary on slip surfaces.
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High resolution dataset of plastic deformation at cryogenic temperatures in a nickel-based superalloy
A nickel-based superalloy is examined during monotonic deformation at cryogenic temperatures, reaching as low as liquid helium temperature. A detailed multimodal analysis of the microstructure and plasticity is conducted to discern changes in deformation mechanisms and plastic deformation localization under cryogenic conditions. This study employs high-resolution digital image correlation to identify the deformation mechanisms and understand their influence on plastic deformation localization as the temperature varies. At cryogenic temperatures, unusual plastic deformation localization processes are observed, attributed to the competing activation of a range of deformation processes. Furthermore, a mechanism of slip delocalization, i.e., local plastic deformation homogenization through closely spaced slip, is noted at these extreme temperatures. Ultimately, the impact of the microstructure is identified across the temperature range, from room to cryogenic temperatures.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2234892
- PAR ID:
- 10577385
- Publisher / Repository:
- Dryad
- Date Published:
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- FOS: Materials engineering FOS: Materials engineering High Resolution Digital Image Correlation Cryogenic Temperatures Nickel-based Superalloy Plastic Deformation Delocalization
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: 9103591504 bytes
- Size(s):
- 9103591504 bytes
- Right(s):
- Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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