Creep Processes of Continental Slope and Rise Sediments

研究的总体目标是了解 蠕变的机制，并能够预测的幅度和速率 海底斜坡的位移。 前三年计划 提供了地质基础、广泛的实验数据库， 徐变有限元程序的建立 斜坡的过程。 实验室测试将侧重于进一步开发 沉积物的蠕变本构关系分析 大陆坡和海隆。 有限元代码将是 扩大和改进，以纳入更广泛的材料 行为，并适用于更复杂的斜坡配置。 在 实验室物理模型部分的程序，其中实际 实验刚刚开始，仪器将得到改进， 提供额外的监控能力， 测量. 这项研究在科学上是相关的， 了解广泛的斜坡过程，并具有重要的 对斜坡上海上设施选址的影响。

The overall objective of the research is to understand the mechanisms of creep and be able to predict the magnitudes and rates of displacements of submarine slopes. The previous 3-year program provides the geological basis, extensive experimental data base, and foundation of a finite element code for studying creep processes of slopes. The laboratory testing will focus on further development of analytical creep constitutive relationships for sediments found on the continental slope and rise. The finite element code will be expanded and improved to incorporate a wider range of material behavior and applied to more complex slope configurations. In the laboratory physical model portion of the program, in which actual experiments are just beginning, the apparatus will be improved to provide additional monitoring capabilities and more precise measurements. The research is scientifically relevant in terms of understanding a broad range of slope processes and has important implications to the sitting of offshore installations on slopes.