A finite element method for studying the transient non‐linear thermal creep of geological structures

Abstract

AbstractA finite element theory, suitable for describing the long‐term transient thermal creep of geomechanical structures where the material obeys an arbitrary type of creep law, is presented. The method takes into account large deformation effects, is stable for the large time steps required to model geophysical phenomena and accurately simulates changing, incompressible, plastic flow fields. Applications of the theory to the prediction of long‐term creep and creep rupture of simple engineering structures, are given. The theory is also applied to predict the thermal creep of layered media to study the mechanics of folding and rift formation.