Numerical Projects

Numerical modeling of microstructural processes is sufficiently novel that we have collected a number of examples of our work below, for your enjoyment. The links lead in most cases to cool movies that we have created using a variety of software, such as the Elle microstructure modeling platform, basil, OOF, FLAC3D, and Mathematica. We are investigating a wide range of microstructural phenomena, including the effects of rheological heterogeneity on initiation and localization of deformation, the coupling of deformation, diffusion and reaction, and the microstructural controls on melt migration. Numerical solutions produced in the microdynamics laboratory have also been incorporated in some analog modeling projects conducted by our graduate students.

Click on images for more information and movies
Initiation of shear zones in a two-phase material ("mica" & "plagioclase"). Viscous simple shear in a quartz, mica plagioclase model.
Effects of "mica" caps on porphyroblast rotation. Grain-size reduction by a subgraining routine.
Central inclusion surface from garnet porphyroblast with spiral-shaped inclusion trails. 5 foliation surfaces passing through plagioclase porphyroblast showing "millipede microstructure".
Effects of metamorphism on strength, and partitioning of mechanical parameters. Effect of mineralogy on volumetric strain rate and fluid flow paths.
Examination of driving forces for mass transfer during crenulation cleavage development. Nucleation of porphyroblasts.
Numerical experiments on localization of deformation in a material undergoing progressive melting. Incremental strain history and cleavage refraction during shearing.
Back-rotation of elliptical object owing to lubricated margins.