Physics for Geologists, Second edition
Physics for Geologists, Second edition
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