Rigid Block Research Articles

Изотермическое прессование в конической матрице релаксирующего материала

The relations for calculating the deformation mode and force conditions of isothermal extrusion of blanks made of high-strength metallic alloys are proposed. Under isothermal deformation, the material is hardened and softened, which is associated with the manifestation of the viscous properties of the material (creep). In this regard, the state of viscoplasticity is taken on. The deformation state is accompanied by stress relaxation, which is greater the lower the speed (longer duration) of the operation. Based on the mechanics of deformation, the dependence of moulding conditions (deformation, force, damage to the work material) is expressed by analytical relations. The power balance of activity of forces results in a pressure estimation for isothermal exposure. In this case, a discontinuous field of path velocities is used, which consists of a block of deformations and rigid blocks. The blocks are separated by slip surfaces. Deformations occur in the deformation block and on slip surfaces. Since pressing leads to the occurrence of micro-damages, the damage rate of the coating material was estimated. In this case, the criteria of fracture kinetics are used: energy and deformation equations. The damage rate of the material depends on the speed and degree of deformation, or solely on the degree of deformation. For a number of materials, reducing the speed helps to reduce damage and, consequently, the possibility of increasing the degree of shaping of the primary blank. The relations for stiffness analysis of the stress pattern are given, on which the damage also depends. Calculations of the pressure and damage of the material under compaction for blanks made of titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys have been performed. It is shown that at low operation speeds on the appropriate hydraulic forging equipment, the exposure pressure decreases significantly. The aluminum alloy damaging is also reduced, and for titanium it depends only on the degree of forming.

Formation mechanism and structural evolution of recumbent fold nappes: New insights from the bizerte area, northern Tunisia

The structural analysis of the Bizerte area in northern Tunisia, utilizing well data and field observations, reveals a complex arrangement of fold structures characterized by recumbent fold nappes to local sheath-like fold structures, indicative of a deep detachment phenomenon. The genesis and present geometry of these fold structures unravel a multifaceted structural history: (i) In the Tortonian folding phase, a detachment mechanism may have initiated the formation of a horizontal shearing plane at the base of the Paleocene marls. The gradual evolution of syn-shear recumbent fold nappes into sheath folds within sedimentary to pseudo-metamorphic rocks is attributed to a flow perturbation process analogue to “layer-parallel shearing,” dictating the geometric configuration of folds subsequent to a simple shear inducing perturbations in pre-existing layer disturbances. (ii) During the Late Quaternary shortening phase, a NW-trending right lateral shear zone emerged, delineated by the reactivation of pre-existing faults under compression. The reorientation of the anterior fold axes is attributed to the counterclockwise rotation of rigid blocks within the framework of P-type conjugate fractures. (iii) The transition to thin-skinned tectonics, characterized by the uplift of previously buried material, was characterized by a significant increase in shortening during Neogene events, encompassed in the broader regional geodynamic context of continental collision. From the Lower Quaternary onward, the structural model exhibits a combination of layer-parallel and layer-normal shear processes.

Shake table tests on a rigid block isolated with high-damping unbonded fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators

Fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) represent a relatively recent type of elastomeric device. In contrast to traditional steel-reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREIs), FREIs are constructed with multiple layers of rubber pads and fiber layers instead of steel laminas. This choice is aimed at cost reduction during the manufacturing and installation process. To enhance cost-efficiency, FREIs can also be used in unbonded applications (UFREIs), where the device is placed between the foundation and the superstructure without bonding or fastening. This approach helps to further minimize installation expenses. Furthermore, the lateral rollover deformation, a characteristic feature of this configuration, improves energy dissipation. This study investigates the seismic isolation capabilities of high-damping unbonded FREIs for low-rise masonry buildings. Specifically, unidirectional cyclic and shake table tests of a rigid block isolated with two UFREIs are discussed. The primary goals of this experimental study include evaluating the effectiveness of UFREIs in reducing seismic demands, analyzing the response of UFREIs under unidirectional ground-motion excitation, confirming the ability of UFREIs to withstand major unidirectional excitation without sustaining damage, and exploring the limitations of this isolation system under a range of seismic inputs and low axial loads.

A Receding Contact Problem of Two Layers one of Functionally Graded, Loaded by Circular Rigid Block and Resting on a Pasternak Foundation

In this study, frictionless receding contact problem of two elastic layers which one is functionally graded material (FGM) resting on a Pasternak foundation is considered. The external load is applied to the homogeneous elastic layer by means of a circular rigid block and the functionally graded layer rests on a Pasternak foundation. The effect of gravity forces is neglected, and only compressive normal tractions can be transmitted through the interfaces. Displacement and stress expressions for the layers are obtained using the theory of elasticity and integral transformation technique. By applying the boundary conditions for the problem, reduced to two integral equations in which the contact stresses and contact lengths are unknown. The system of integral equations is numerically solved by making use of appropriate Gauss Chebyshev integration formulas. The equilibrium conditions are satisfied in the solution and the contact stresses and contact distances related to the problem are obtained for various dimensionless quantities.

An investigation of force and pressure analysis during the process of equal channel angular pressing to M1 copper using finite element and upper-bound methods

This article presents two methods to determine pressing forces to the M1 copper plate. The first approach employs the upper-bound method, and the second method combines numerical simulation with a central composite design. The upper-bound method uses physical analysis to determine the deformation zone and establish the division of the rigid block model. The findings were identical to the slip-line solution method. The results obtained from the three-dimensional simulation performed using Qform software combined with a central composite design have provided regression equations that help determine the force and punching pressure. The impact of each parameter on the pressing force is similar in both approaches, and the difference between the two methods is insignificant and falls within a dependable range.

Dating metamorphic processes and identifying 87Sr/86Sr inheritance using volume-coupled Rb/Sr geochronology and geochemistry of in situ white mica: A demonstration with HP/LT rocks from Syros, Greece

High-pressure/low-temperature rocks from two well-studied outcrops of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit on Syros are used to demonstrate the advantages of volume-coupled 87Rb/87Sr geochronology and geochemistry of in situ white mica. Single-spot Rb/Sr dates are interpreted based on the microstructural position of white mica combined with its chemical information, and the results are discussed within the tectonic framework of the island. The first outcrop on Katerghaki cape exposes rigid blocks of foliated eclogite within well-foliated blueschist, whereas the second outcrop on Delfini peninsula comprises massive eclogitic blocks, likely of metasomatic origin, hosted within blueschist that are interlayered with white mica schists. The rheological contrasts exhibited in both outcrops preserve (near-)peak HP/LT metamorphism/metasomatism (eclogites) followed by retrogression and deformation in lower P-T conditions (blueschist, micaschist). The white mica in eclogite from both outcrops are in equilibrium with the HP/LT mineral assemblages, do not show chemical zoning nor systematic chemical variations, and yield uniform single-spot Rb/Sr dates. Weighted averages of the Rb/Sr dates are 48.2 ± 3.7 Ma (MSWD: 0.9, n: 34; Katerghaki) and 44.5 ± 3.1 Ma (MSWD: 0.7, n: 28; Delfini), interpreted as (near-)peak HP/LT metamorphism and metasomatism, respectively, overlapping with published garnet LuHf and SmNd geochronology of the corresponding outcrops. White mica in the Katerghaki blueschist and the Delfini micaschist exhibit significant chemical zoning and correlations of Ti with major and trace elements (Al, Fe, Mg, Rb, Sr, Zn, Ba, Nb). Weighted age averages were calculated from Rb/Sr dates corresponding to high-Ti and low-Ti white mica compositions. The blueschist yields ages of 56.0 ± 10.6 Ma (MSWD: 2.2, n: 20/80) and 36.3 ± 2.1 Ma (MSWD: 0.9, n: 20/80), whereas the micaschist produced ages of 43.7 ± 3.5 Ma (MSWD: 0.5, n: 14/53) and 31.9 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD: 1.0, n: 13/53), respectively. These results are interpreted to resolve the timing of fluid-mediated isotopic re-equilibration of white mica during deformation and retrogression (low-Ti), and reflect 87Sr/86Sr inheritance from the earlier HP/LT history (high-Ti). Overall, the results demonstrate that coupling 87Rb/87Sr geochronology with geochemistry of white mica in situ is advantageous for evaluating Rb/Sr datasets that may possess a single mica population (eclogites) or are affected by 87Sr/86Sr inheritance (blueschist, micaschist) in order to interpret geologically meaningful ages.

Large-Scale Laboratory Experiments On The Wave Generation Due To The Collapse Of Partially And Fully Submerged Granular Columns

Landslides that occur in coastal environments can drive cascading consequences such as wave forces, flooding, and infrastructure damage to coastal communities. It can be difficult to classify these slides as subaerial or submarine, and the mechanics of wave generation associated with partially submerged failures are not well understood. Limited physical modelling has been conducted that encompasses both the triggering of granular landslides and subsequent waves associated with partially and fully submerged mass movements. To date, laboratory work investigating tsunamis generated by submarine landslides has focused on the wave formed in the direction of the mass movement (seaward direction) for rigid block experiments (eg. Rzadkiewicz, 1997) and deformable slide masses (e.g. Grilli et al., 2017, Takabatake, 2020, Bullard et al., 2023). From these experimental data sets, predictive relationships connecting slide acceleration, mass, and initial submergence depth to the amplitude of the wave formed have been presented for the seaward wave. Such relationships have not been presented for the landward directed wave, which propagates in the opposite direction of the submarine landslide motion. Further, not all landslides are easily classified as either subaerial or submarine. Consider the 2018 Anak Krakatoa landslide in which the sliding surface was estimated to be 100 m below sea level (Pakoksung et al., 2020), resulting in one third of the total collapse being submerged. In comparison to the end-member conditions of subaerial and submarine failures, the mechanics of wave generation associated with partially submerged failures is much less clear. Granular column collapse experiments provide an idealized experimental framework to explore momentum transfer processes and the resulting waves generated in partially submerged and fully submerged conditions. Work by Cabrera et al., (2020) made use of granular collapse experiments of partially to fully submerged columns to derive a continuous momentum-based function to estimate the maximum seaward wave amplitude based on the initial column submergence ratio (Hw/Ho). However, these experiments were conducted at a small-scale (Ho = 0.15 m) with a width of one particle (2.4 mm diameter). To address this research gap, a series of 22 large-scale granular collapse experiments were conducted by releasing columns of river stone (0.75 m and 0.50 m high) into a laboratory flume reservoir with water depths ranging up to 1.10 m to explore the wave generation and runup processes in both seaward and landward directions. The columns were released by a rapid pneumatically actuated vertical rising gate designed to enable the near instantaneous loss of support of the source volumes resulting in granular collapse. The failure mechanics were captured with high-speed cameras (Figure 1a,b) and wave amplitudes were measured using wave capacitance gauges (Figure 1c,d). This work also provides the first experimental data set of the landward propagating wave and runup associated with submerged granular collapse experiments. Overall, the seaward wave amplitudes measured in these highly-instrumented, large-scale physical models agree with empirical relationships developed in a previous study using smaller-scale models.

Flexible and rigid block copolymers from recyclable polyesters

The paper addresses a study on the thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) that can be synthesized using monomers retrieved from the chemically recycled semi-aromatic polyesters, such as terephthalic acid from low value stream recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). In contrast to PET, because of their physical and mechanical properties, TPEs are often used as an engineering polymer in automotive and consumer goods. The understanding of the crystallization and phase behavior of these materials is crucial to fine-tune the molecular structure and properties. We explore the interplay between the crystallization and phase separation in these materials by performing experiments on model thermoplastic elastomers consisting of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF). A common denominator in the synthesis of PBT is terephthalic acid that can be obtained from Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) or recycling used PET. We show that by varying the compositions and block length of different blocks, in PBT-PTHF block copolymers, morphological variations from spherulites to dendrites can be induced, which could be captured using optical microscopy. By performing rheological and small angle X-ray scattering studies, we correlate these morphological variations at microscopic length scales, to the chain architecture at nanometer length scales. Our observations reveal that at the higher rigid PBT content, the process of phase separation strongly influences the crystallization kinetics that promotes the lamellar structure of the semi-crystalline polymer, observed at room temperature. On the other hand, in the presence of higher soft block content, the crystal growth occurs with minimal influence of the microphase separation. In broader generality, no morphological differences in the TPEs synthesized using the terephthalic acid from rPET are found. However, when the monomer from rPET is used, enhancement in crystallization rate occurs in the TPEs having similar molar mass and molecular configuration. We attribute the enhanced crystallization rate to the catalyst residues present in the terephthalic acid obtained fom rPET.

Non-Linear Dynamics of Simple Elastic Systems Undergoing Friction-Ruled Stick–Slip Motions

The stick–slip phenomenon is a jerking motion that can occur while two objects slide over each other with friction. There are several situations in which this phenomenon can be observed: between the slabs of the friction dampers used to mitigate vibrations in buildings, as well as between the components of the base isolation systems used for seismic protection. The systems of this kind are usually designed to work in a smooth and flawless manner, but under particular conditions undesired jerking motions may develop, yielding complex dynamic behavior even when only a few degrees of freedom are involved. A simplified approach to the problems of this kind leads to the mechanical model of a rigid block connected elastically to a rigid support and at the same time with friction to a second rigid support, both the supports having a prescribed motion. Despite the apparent simplicity of this model, it is very useful for studying important features of the non-linear dynamics of many physical systems. In this work, after a suitable formulation of the problem, the equations of motion are solved analytically in the sticking and sliding phases, and the influence of the main parameters of the system on its dynamics and limit cycles is investigated and discussed.

DEM investigation on sandy soil behaviors under the influence of particle shape

The mechanical properties of sandy soil, a prevalent material in engineering construction, are affected by several factors, including the particle shape. This study utilized a rigid block unit for particle simulation and established specimens reflecting the real particle appearance based on μCT scanning geometry. Four simple particle types with varying roundness were designed according to the roundness definition, and corresponding numerical test models were developed. These models were employed to examine the effect of particle roundness on the macroscopic mechanical properties of sandy soil using triaxial shearing simulation tests, disregarding other shape parameters. The results demonstrate that particle roundness significantly affects the mechanical properties of sandy soil. Within a roundness range of [0,1], samples with varying particle roundness displayed different deviatoric stress–strain curves. As the roundness increases, the peak deviatoric stress decreases, and both the cohesive strength and friction angle of the samples reduce.

Study of an adiabatic and free rotation of a block around a fixed axis using videoanalysis

This work is a proposal for a basic physics class in which the statics and dynamics of a rigid body are approached simultaneously using a single experimental apparatus. A mechanical system was used to study the rotation of a rigid prismatic block around one of its edges. In the first part of this study (statics), the block is subjected to the action of a variable external force, the intensity of which decreases as the inclination of the block increases. The external force produces a slow rotation (adiabatic rotation) until it is in an unstable equilibrium configuration. The experiment allows data to be collected on the external force as a function of the block’s angle to the support surface. The graph of the theoretical force relative to the angle of the block with the surface is presented together with the experimental points. From the analytical expression of the force, the work is obtained and compared with the work of the weight force. In the graphical representation of work as a function of angle, a symmetry is identified in the curve drawings. In the second part (dynamics), the block is moved to rotate freely. The falling time is calculated considering two types of independent initial conditions. The first condition is a perturbation in angular velocity and the other in the initial angle. The graphs of the falling times as a function of the predicted perturbations are presented and the concordance between the experimental data and the respective theoretical curves can be checked. All equations obtained from the physical modelling are verified experimentally, through laboratory testing, image analysis and videoanalysis. The experimen-tal techniques and results are presented in detail throughout this paper. The practices described in this work are in harmony with active learning in physics teaching.

Rocking block stability under periodic and random perturbations

We analyze the dynamics of a rigid block subject to ground acceleration, simulating the effects of both an earthquake and the emergence of an eventual earthquake replica. For a single pulse, we find that the escape time τ (elapsed time for the block overturning) shows a periodic dependence with the pulsed duration time. This behavior reveals an asymmetric pattern in the parameter space for the direction of the block overturning. Fixing τ to its maximum value, a second pulsed perturbation (replica) is simulated via two protocols: one describing a kick of fixed amplitude and another described by a perturbation of variable amplitude chosen from a random distribution, which can be considered first with only positive values, and second with positive and negative values. The first protocol does not enhance τ unless the kick is applied immediately after turning off the first pulse. However, using the variable amplitude perturbation, a remarkable enhancement of the duration of the sustained vibrations of the block is observed. More interestingly, we show the emergence of revivals of the rocking motion after the system has initially ceased to vibrate. A frequency–amplitude phase diagram indicates that the system possesses a preferred operational range of parameters from which valuable information could be extracted. This could improve our understanding of the rocking performance of the system.

Functionalization of rubbery domains in SBS triblock copolymers for anion exchange membrane applications with enhanced robustness

A series of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on hydrogenated poly (styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (h-SBS) triblock copolymers were prepared via thiol-ene click reaction of the mid-block polybutadiene with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, followed by hydrogenation of the remaining double bonds, direct bromination of the pendant alcohol group, and substitution of with trimethylamine (TMA). The thiol-ene click reaction provided a facile and effective control of degree of functionalization up to 50 mol% of total CC bonds in the polymer. Membrane properties of the TMA-functionalized h-SBS for AEM applications were investigated by measuring ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, and ion conductivity. h-SBS-TMA-1.83 with 24% degree of functionalization of polybutadiene block exhibited an IEC of 1.83 mequiv./g and the highest hydroxide ion conductivity of 93 mS/cm at 80 °C. IEC and hydroxide ion conductivity of all h-SBS AEMs were preserved after treatment with aq. 1 M NaOH solution at 80 °C for 4 weeks, demonstrating good alkaline stability. The h-SBS AEMs with quaternary ammonium groups tethered to the rubbery polybutadiene block of SBS showed better mechanical properties, lower water uptake, less water swelling under humidified conditions, and higher and more stable hydroxide conductivity at 80 °C than the ones tethered to the rigid polystyrene block of hydrogenated SBS AEMs. These results suggest that ionic group functionalization at the rubbery block of SBS provides mechanically more robust AEMs and is better AEM material design than that of glassy block functionalized AEM.

Synthesis of PEG-Polycycloether Block Copolymers: Poloxamer Mimics Containing a Rigid Helical Block.

Poloxamers are amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) segments. Their self-assembly and interfacial properties are tied to the relative hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of each block and can therefore be adjusted by changing block lengths. Here, a series of PEG-polycycloether block copolymers is synthesized that have the same structure as a poloxamer, but they encompass a rigid polycyclic backbone as the hydrophobic block. A variety of polymer structures are synthesized, for example diblock or triblock architectures, with/without olefinic units, atactic or isotactic backbone, and different block lengths. Due to their amphiphilicity, self-assembly into spherical aggregates (diameters ranging from 64 to 132nm) at low concentrations (critical aggregation concentration as low as 0.04mgmL-1) is observed in water. Low surface tensions (as low as 26.7 mNm-1) are observed as well as the formation of stable high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) irrespective of the oil/water ratio. This contrasts with the properties of the commonly used poloxamers P188 or P407 and illustrates the significance of the rigid polycycloether block. These new colloidal properties offer new prospects for applications in emulsion formulations for biomedicine, cosmetics, and the food industry.

A Hybrid Discrete-Finite Element method for continuous and discontinuous beam-like members including nonlinear geometric and material effects

This paper introduces a novel formulation, called Hybrid Discrete-Finite Element (HybriDFEM) method, for modelling one-directional continuous and discontinuous planar beam-like members, including nonlinear geometric and material effects. In this method, the structure is modelled as a series of distinct rigid blocks, connected to each other through contact pairs distributed along the interfaces. Each of those contact pairs are composed of two nonlinear multidirectional springs in series, which can represent either the deformation of the blocks themselves, or the deformation of their interface. Unlike the Applied Element Method, in which contact pairs are composed of one single spring, the current approach allows capturing phenomena such as sectional deformations or relative deformations between two blocks composed of different materials. This method shares similarities with the Discrete Element Methods in its ability to model contact interfaces between rigid or deformable units, but does not require a numerical time-domain integration scheme. More importantly, its formulation resembles that of the classical Finite Elements Method, allowing one to easily couple the latter with HybriDFEM. Following the presentation of its formulation, the method is benchmarked against analytical solutions selected from the literature, ranging from the linear-elastic response of a cantilever beam to the buckling and rocking response of continuous flexible columns, and rigid block stackings. One final example showcases the coupling of a HybriDFEM element with a linear beam finite element.

A Conjugated Phenylene Nanocage with a Guest-Adaptive Deformable Cavity.

The highly strained, phenylene-derived organic cages are typically regarded as very rigid entities, yet their deformation potential and supramolecular properties remain underexplored. Herein, we report a pliable conjugated phenylene nanocage by synergistically merging rigid and flexible building blocks. The anisotropic cage molecule contains branched phenylene chains capped by a calix[6]arene moiety, the delicate conformational changes of which endow the cage with a remarkably deformable cavity. When complexing with fullerene guests, the cage showcases excellent guest-adaptivity, with its cavity volume capable of swelling by as much as 85 %.

A Conjugated Phenylene Nanocage with a Guest‐Adaptive Deformable Cavity

AbstractThe highly strained, phenylene‐derived organic cages are typically regarded as very rigid entities, yet their deformation potential and supramolecular properties remain underexplored. Herein, we report a pliable conjugated phenylene nanocage by synergistically merging rigid and flexible building blocks. The anisotropic cage molecule contains branched phenylene chains capped by a calix[6]arene moiety, the delicate conformational changes of which endow the cage with a remarkably deformable cavity. When complexing with fullerene guests, the cage showcases excellent guest‐adaptivity, with its cavity volume capable of swelling by as much as 85 %.

A multi‐level approach to predict the seismic response of rigid rocking structures using artificial neural networks

AbstractThis paper explores the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the rocking problem. The paper adopts rigid rocking blocks of different sizes and slenderness, which undergo rocking motion without sliding and bouncing when subjected to recorded earthquakes. This research focuses on the cases where the blocks overturn or safely return to their initial (rest) position at the end of the ground shaking. An ANN model is trained to efficiently categorise the response into overturning or safe rocking using the structural parameters, ground motion characteristics, and the coefficient of restitution as input. The results show the substantial contribution of velocity and frequency characteristics of the ground motion to overturning. In addition, ANN is used to predict the response amplitude and identify the most critical input variables that govern safe rocking. The analysis reveals that rocking amplitude is governed by a combination of duration, frequency, and intensity characteristics of the ground excitation. Interestingly, the maximum incremental velocity (MIV), a novel intensity measure for the rocking literature, shows a substantial correlation with the rocking amplitude. In this context, this paper proposes closed‐form expressions using the most influential input variables to provide a quick, yet adequately accurate, response prediction. Finally, this study pays special attention to the contribution of the coefficient of restitution, which, in general, is less critical to the peak safe rocking response, while it becomes more important to the overturning response.

Tuning the persistence lengths of main chain towards colorless and transparent polyimide with low dielectric loss and excellent general properties

Colorless transparent polyimide (CPI) film simultaneously combining with low dielectric loss at high frequency, excellent thermal, mechanical properties and folding resistance is urgently required in nowadays flexible electronics industry. Inspired by liquid-crystal elastomers containing both soft and hard segments, one rigid and flexible single block copolymerization strategy was designed by introducing the hard segments of liquid-crystal-like PI into the flexible perfluorinated CPI, where it was found that tuning the persistence lengths of hard segments of liquid-crystal-like PI can significantly improve the general properties of CPI films. With the persistence lengths of main chain of CPI films increased from 2.17 ± 0.07 Å to 16.56 ± 0.12 Å, the transmittance of CPI films at 550 nm remained above 85%, while the dielectric loss at 10 GHz of CPI films reduced from 0.00479 to 0.00407 with decreasement of 15.1% due to the increased chain rigidity limits friction work. Besides, CPI film with the persistence length of 16.56 ± 0.12 Å also exhibited well mechanical properties like thermal expansion coefficients of 24.8 ppm/K, tensile strengths of 162.5 MPa and Young's moduli of 4.88 GPa, which were 30.1%, 25.8% and 49.7% better than that of the CPI film with the persistence length of 2.17 ± 0.07 Å. Furthermore, this type of CPI films with tunable elasticity also had better folding resistance properties. Therefore, tuning the persistence lengths of main chain of CPI films can meet the application of high frequency/speed communication, flexible display and other fields at the same time.

Spatial distribution of mid-lower crustal flow in the SE Tibetan Plateau revealed by P-wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy beneath the Lijiang–Xiaojinhe fault and its vicinity

SUMMARY The Lijiang–Xiaojinhe fault (LXF) and its vicinity are located in the transition zone among the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the South China block and the Indochina block. Researchers believe that this area has acted as a key tectonic zone during the evolution of the TP. Owing to the continuous growth and SE-ward expansion of the TP, the LXF and its vicinity have experienced intense deformation. Although different models, such as the rigid block extrusion and mid-lower crustal flow models, have been proposed to explain this intense deformation, a consensus has not yet been achieved. To better understand the deformation of the LXF and its vicinity, a high-resolution image of the subsurface structure must be constructed. In this study, we construct images of P-wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy structures by using an eikonal equation-based traveltime tomography method. We collect high-quality seismic data from 276 broad-band seismic stations and manually pick a total of 48 037 first arrivals for the tomography study. Our tomographic results reveal a strong low-velocity body below the LXF and its vicinity. In addition, a strong azimuthal anisotropy structure with an N–S-oriented fast velocity direction is distributed along the low-velocity body. These features indicate the occurrence of mid-lower crustal flow, that penetrates across the LXF and extends to the Dianzhong block (DZB). In addition, we find obvious low-velocity perturbations in the mid-lower crust and uppermost mantle beneath the DZB. The low velocities may be attributed to the upwelling of hot materials from the upper mantle. We consider the limited distribution of mid-lower crustal flow on the margin of the SE TP, and mid-lower crustal flow may not play a significant role in the expansion of the TP.