Scaling of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics without inertia for quantitative modelling of rock flow due to gravity (including the concept of rheological similarity)

Abstract

Scale model theory for constructing dynamically scaled analogue models of rock flowing in the solid state has until now assumed that the natural and model flows were both viscous. In viscous flows, at the very low Reynolds numbers ( Re ⪡ 1) common in solid rocks, geometrical similarity is sufficient to achieve dynamic similarity between a homogeneous material (scale) model and its natural prototype. However, experiments on the rheology of natural rocks suggest that they flow predominantly as non-Newtonian strain rate softening materials at the characteristic geological strain rate 10 −14 s −1. Non-dimensionalisation of both the equation of motion and the constitutive flow law of non-Newtonian flows is carried out to investigate what criteria are required to achieve dynamic similarity. It is shown that dynamic similarity of non-Newtonian flows at low inertia (e.g., a rock with Re ⪡ 1 and its model analogue) can only be attained if the steady-state flow curves of the model materials and the various rocks in the prototype have mutually similar shapes and slopes, and if these flows operate on similar parts of their respective flow curves. We term this the requirement of rheological similarity. Dynamic similarity of low inertia flows ( Re ⪡ 1) in non-Newtonian continua is achieved if they are rheologically and geometrically similar. Additional criteria for dynamic similarity of low inertia flows in inhomogeneous media (with Newtonian or non-Newtonian subregions, or both) are formulated in section 5. Scaling of thermal properties is not included. Steady-state flow curves of common rocks are compiled in log stress-log strain rate space together with analogue materials suitable for modelling of solid state rock deformation. This compilation aids the selection of model materials with flow curves geometrically similar to those of rocks in the prototype. Laboratory scale models of rock flow should generally be constructed of materials which strain rate soften during flow at the convenient shear rate 10 −2 s −1.