Deformation of Rocks under High Confining Pressures: I. Experiments at Room Temperature

Abstract

A series of experiments was performed to investigate the physical processes underlying rock deformation. The apparatus used took advantage of recent developments in high-pressure technique by Bridgman to carry the range of pressure investigation to four times the amount of confining pressure available in the apparatus of F. D. Adams. Also, an entirely different technique was used, which obviated some of the inherent defects of Adams' apparatus. The relation between strength and confining pressure was investigated up to 11,000 atmospheres confining pressure. Strength was also investigated as a function of time. The effect of confining pressure on fracture and flow was particularly studied. The effect of deformation on the fabric of a rock is briefly described in the case of marble. Quartz was tested under pressures up to 12,000 atmospheres. Tension and torsion tests under high pressure gave paradoxical results. Plans for future work are discussed.