More of the (interesting) same

Sometimes a rather mundane, seemingly simple, numerical model can tell you quite a lot if you just stop to really examine it in some detail (Part II). I present my case in point: a 2D discrete element model of simple horizontal contraction, section initially 20 km x 1.25 km, frictional-cohesive cover, base v. low friction. Not a lot more to say really, total of 2000 m contraction in this movie, so only 10% shortening. Deliberately so, I wanted to see maybe just a simple forward propagation of some thrust faults. This (rather speedy) movie shows the (longer than 1st post) evolution at 2 m intervals (after initial equilibration) firstly expressed as rather ordinary geometry and secondly expressed in terms of incremental max. shear strain calculated at each element over the previous 2 m of displacement. (slow it down to speed x0.5 if it seems too fast)

download movie here