This award will support the development of high-temperature capability for a rotary direct shear rock deformation system. The primary research focus is to gain knowledge of faulting/fracture at depth where the ambient temperature is high. High-temperature capability will also allow ductile rock deformation studies of direct shear, permitting investigations of rheological properties and the development of deformation textures in rocks at very large strains. Three principal areas will be addressed to add high- temperature capabilities: modification of the sample jacket, modification of the sample grips to allow space for a furnace, construction of a furnace.
