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Physics for Geologists, Second edition

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These three elastic constants are related by<br />

and each can be expressed in terms of LamC's parameters:<br />

Stress and strain 89<br />

51 (331 + 2G) ,ML-~T-~l<br />

Young's modulus of elasticity: E = - =<br />

El (1 + G)<br />

t<br />

Modulus of rigidity, or shear modulus: G = - [ML-~T-~]<br />

Y<br />

E2 X<br />

Poisson's ratio: v = - = [dimensionless] or [0]<br />

El 2(X + G)<br />

Bulk modulus: K =<br />

See Jaeger and Cook (1979) <strong>for</strong> a full analysis of these constants and their<br />

derivation, and the propagation of elastic waves through rocks; and Ramsay<br />

(1967, pp. 283f.).<br />

Friction<br />

The laws of thermodynamics were once wittily as<br />

You cannot win: at best you can draw.<br />

You can only draw if you can get to Absolute Zero (0 K).<br />

You cannot get to Absolute Zero.<br />

Friction is a <strong>for</strong>ce that dissipates all <strong>for</strong>ms of kinetic energy, trans<strong>for</strong>ming<br />

some of it to heat. Even in space (but not in a perfect vacuum) artificial<br />

satellites lose their kinetic energy very slowly, and eventually will return<br />

to Earth. The frictional resistance on return to the atmosphere slows the<br />

satellite down and generates spectacular heat against which passengers and<br />

sensitive equipment must be shielded. The total energy is conserved.<br />

Friction is involved in the flow of fluids, gases to a lesser extent than liquids.<br />

This is the practical meaning of viscosity. Friction is critical in the design of<br />

aeroplanes because that is the main cause of loss of energy in flight. It is<br />

also important in the design of motor cars <strong>for</strong> similar reasons. In both cases,<br />

the changing fuel consumption with speed, per unit of distance travelled,<br />

is a measure of the increasing losses due to frictional resistance of the air.<br />

Curiously, air resistance, whatever the shape of the solid, generally increases<br />

as the square of the speed or velocity.<br />

1 I regret having been unable to trace the author of this.<br />

Copyright 2002 by Richard E. Chapman

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