This is a collaborative project to investigate the deformation of sheet silicates, principally the common micas, by means of triaxial deformation experiments designed to measure the critically resolved shear stresses required for (001) dislocation glide at temperatures to 700oC and pressures to 400 MPa, combined with microstructural (optical and electron microscopy) and micorchemical (electron microprobe and IR absorption) studies to determine the principal slip directions and their dependencies upon crystal chemistry and struecture. The determination of the stress-strain relations of micas will have direct applications to yield envlopes constructed the continental lithosphere, to the mechanisms of strain localization along ductile shear zones and brittel faults, and to mica-bearing metamorphic tectonites. In addition, this study should lead to a deeper understanding of dislocation glide in minearls, as it is influenced by signicicant changes in crystal chemistry and structure within a single mineral group.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
8816283
Program Officer
Michael A. Mayhew
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1989-12-15
Budget End
1992-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
$51,466
Indirect Cost
Name
Texas A&M Research Foundation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
College Station
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77845