Abstract
In the framework of EGS, using hydraulic stimulation increases pore
pressure into the existing fracture networks and can be responsible for
slip reactivations. In order to predict the seismic or aseismic
character of these slips, it is important to determine the influence of
the gouge characteristics on the slip behaviour. Lab or in-situ testing
can be very helpful, but experience has shown that it is complicated to
install local sensors inside a mechanical contact and that some data
remains impossible to obtain. In this study, we are focusing on the
physics of the contact inside a granular gouge to understand the
mechanisms of slip triggering by using numerical modelling. We implement
a 2D granular fault gouge with Discrete Element Modelling (DEM). The
model involves two rough surfaces representing the rock walls separated
by a granular gouge with realistic angular particles created by the wear
of previous slips. A displacement-driven model with dry contact is
primarily studied to observe the peak of static friction (shape, slope
or duration). In order to spotlight the aseismic and seismic patterns, a
second model is carried out to add the stiffness of the rocks (or
loading apparatus). Dedicated post processing tools are also used in
order to analyse the spatial distribution of the solid fraction and the
force chains patterns bringing a new understanding of physics from a
granular point of view. Representing realistic morphology of particles
(angular shapes) brings an additional level of control with respect to
most of the simulations reported in the literature using circular
grains. Angular grains lead to higher friction coefficients with
different global behaviours. The initial solid fraction of the gouge
appears to be a good indicator of the friction peak we have at a slip
triggering (Fig.). The more compacted the gouge is, the more effort is
needed to disturb the initial grains assembly and to reach a steady
state regime. With fractal size distribution, we have also studied the
mechanical contribution of small particles in the media. Friction
coefficient results let us conclude that the presence or not of very
small particles is not as influent as the initial solid fraction of the
gouge. Finally, adding a stiffness on the upper rock wall provides
information on the transition from stable sliding to
slow-slip/stick-slip behaviour.