Rheology of two-phase composites: implications for flow properties of the lower mantle
Abstract
We examine flow properties and deformation-induced fabric evolution in two-phase composites using the deformation DIA (D-DIA) and the high-pressure x-ray tomography microscope (HPXTM) with monochromatic synchrotron radiation. Stress-strain curves were determined on an analog lower mantle material CaGeO3 perovskite (GePv) plus MgO. The sintered polycrystalline rock was synthesized from the disproportionation reaction of CaMgGeO4 (olivine) - GePv+MgO at 12 GPa and 1573 K for 4 h. The sample contains 28 vol% MgO, and is an excellent analog material for the lower mantle. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the average grain size was about 1 micron. The sample was deformed in the D-DIA at pressures from 4 to 12 GPa, temperatures 600 to 1200 K, and strain rates from 1x to 3x10-5 s-1. The maximum axial strain was 16 %. Elastic constants for GePv were calculated using first-principles with the generalized gradient corrections (GGC) technique. In order to examine effects of the second phase on flow properties, a pure GePv sample was deformed under identical conditions. Flow properties of MgO are available from our previous studies [1]. The relative stress levels in GePv and MgO in the composite sample are in general agreement with numerical simulations [2]. Another analog, a mixture of San Carlos olivine and Fe-S, was examined in the HPXTM. The strength contrast of two phases is similar to that of perovskite and ferropericlase. The initial texture was of the load-bearing framework (LBF) type, with isolated "weak" Fe-S grains sounded by "strong" silicate framework. During shear deformation, a strong shape preferred orientation began to develop in the sample at shear strains above 300%, forming an interconnected weak layer (IWL) texture. The development of deformation fabric was continuously monitored by tomographic imaging under high pressure to a maximum shear strain of 1300%. Applications of these results to dynamics of the lower mantle are discussed. [1] Uchida, T. et al. (2004) Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 226, 117-126. [2] Madi, K., et al. (2005) Earth and Planetary Sci. Lett., 237, 223-238.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFMMR24A..05W
- Keywords:
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- 3902 MINERAL PHYSICS / Creep and deformation;
- 3924 MINERAL PHYSICS / High-pressure behavior;
- 8120 TECTONOPHYSICS / Dynamics of lithosphere and mantle: general;
- 8162 TECTONOPHYSICS / Rheology: mantle