Subject of the book

Microstructures in rocks contain a wealth of information on the history of rock bodies, metamorphic and tectonic processes and the mechanical and rheological properties of the crust and mantle. The book deals with the numerical simulation of such microstructures in rocks. It starts with a general introduction of existing methods and techniques for numerical modelling. This is followed by a brief review of the current techniques for optical and electron microscopic analysis and measurement of microstructure. The main part of the book contains a number of examples of numerical modelling of processes and microstructures in rocks, using the software package "ELLE". With the accompanying CD, readers can do these simulations themselves and run their own simulations.
            The book is targeted to a readership from the Earth sciences, from the level of MSc-students and upwards. Each presented method will have some suggestions for further reading, referring to textbooks and scientific literature. The book will be a useful resource for lectures and numerical practicals on rheology, microscopy, petrology, structural geology, etc. It should be the “starting package” for students and researchers of the Earth Sciences community interested in numerical modelling of microstructures and anyone intending to work with ELLE.

Specific features that the book offers

This book is intended as an introduction into the field of numerical simulation of microstructures and offers an easy to understand overview of state-of-the-art modelling methods including references for further reading. In addition the book will include a detailed section with a series of examples of processes that can be modelled with the accompanying software package (provided on CD). Therefore the book offers an ideal basis for a theoretical and practical lecture on numerical modelling and the dynamics of microstructure and pattern formation in rocks. It is also the ideal starting package for somebody who intends to study modelling techniques in general, and specifically the development of microstructures in rocks and minerals.

Contents about 300 pages

Preface

Introduction to the theme and aims of the book. How to use this book.

1 Introduction

Basic purpose and philosophy of modelling. Problems and opportunities.

1. Historical background
2. Time and length scaling
3. Multi-scale modelling
4. Dimensionality

2 Numerical Methods

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Monte Carlo, Ising, Potts models and cellular automata
2.3 Boundary models
2.4 Finite difference method
2.5 Finite element method
2.6 Phase field modelling
2.7 Molecular dynamics and dislocation dynamics
2.8 Lattice spring models

3 Elle Processes

3.1 Introduction to Elle
3.2 Cation exchange reaction between garnet and biotite in metamorphic rocks (Park et al.)
3.3 Subgrain growth - Potts model (Piazolo and Jessell)
3.4 Nucleation and subgrain formation (Piazolo and Jessell)
3.5 Grain boundary migration (Bons et al.)
3.6 Vein microstructures (Bons and Koehn)
3.7 Melt processes during grain growth (Becker and Bons)
3.8 Basil: The computation of stress and deformation in a viscous material (Houseman et al.)
3.9 Lattice reorientations using a hybrid FEM/Taylor Bishop Hill method (Jessell)
3.10 Diffusion creep (Wheeler and Ford)
3.11 Fracturing (Koehn)
3.12 Fluid solid reactions (Koehn)
3.13 Polymorphic solid-solid phase transitions under high pressure and heat conduction (Sachau and Koehn)
3.14 Miscellaneous processes and utilities (Jessell)

4 Case studies and coupling of processes

4.1 The evolution of grain shapes and sizes during static grain coarsening in salt (Jessell et al.)
4.2 Dynamic recrystallization/crystalline plasticity (Piazolo)
4.3 Simple experiments in deformation localisation (Jessell et al.)
4.4 Reactions and fracturing (Koehn)
4.5 Combined phase-transition and heat-diffusion (Sachau und Koehn)
4.6 Visco-elastic and brittle deformation (Koehn and Sachau)
4.7 Numerical investigation of the effects of strain localisation on rigid object kinematics (Johnson)
4.8 Modelling transient strain-rate partitioning during porphyroblast growth (Groome and Johnson)

5 Appendix