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Velocity changes associated with generalized triaxial deformation of pyrophyllite

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Abstract

Compressional and shear-wave velocities (V p andV s ) were measured during the generalized triaxial deformation (i.e.σ 1σ 2=2σ 3) of pyrophyllite. Observed velocity changes could be ascribed to crack development during dilatancy. Velocity changes were very localized with respect to the ultimate failure plane. The orientation and development of the failure plane was continuously observed with laser holography. Velocity reverals, i.e. changes from a decreasing trend to an increasing trend, were documented in a wet sample in bothV p andV s . These changes in bothV p andV p are inconsistent with dialatancy-diffusion models. The reversals were interpreted as a reflection of local stress reorientation caused by a slowly propagating fault.

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Sondergeld, C.H., Getting, I.C., Spetzler, H.A. et al. Velocity changes associated with generalized triaxial deformation of pyrophyllite. PAGEOPH 118, 975–989 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01593044

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