Abstract
A thermodynamic model for grain-boundary diffusion induced by a pressure gradient in deep-seated rock is presented. Two assumptions are made: (1) The dispersed phase may be treated as a separate phase for purposes of phase equilibria. (2) The dispersed phase can support a pressure gradient. The model is developed in terms of potential. When the compositions of the solid phases are held constant, diffusion takes place in the dispersed phase in response to gradients of chemical potential within the dispersed phase. A gradient of concentration is stabilized parallel to the pressure gradient as the system adjusts to a lower energy state. Disequilibrium between the solid and dispersed phases can be increased, even though the free energy of the system is lowered by migration in the dispersed phase. When the solid phases are allowed to change composition (for example, by stress-induced recrystallization), there may be damping effect on diffusion, but there also may be an enhancement of diffusion. Even...
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