Global Frictional Equilibrium via Stochastic, Local Coulomb Frictional Slips

Based on the assumption that fault slip dominates in stress relaxation brittle crust, Coulomb theory allows for crustal estimation with an empirical frictional coefficient. However, natural variability of friction and uncertainty exist Earth's crust. To address extent to which heterogeneous slips influence its evolution, we establish a quasi-static, 2D model represent fractured rock mass. The consists randomly oriented fractures distribution coefficients. global mechanical response is quantitatively related cascades local under specific boundary conditions. temporal evolution explicitly modeled by iterative process where simple law assumed critical fractures. We particularly illustrate normal faulting regime, considering different distributions All cases indicate decrease differential manifests as self-organized process, eventually leading equilibrium final state upon jointly depends orientation coefficient all therein. informs stochastic system can depart substantially from deterministic via This corroborates extends notion equilibrium, reveals far more profound heterogeneity evolution.