Paleozoic Accretion-Collision Events and Kinematics of Ductile Deformation in the Eastern Part of the Southern-Central Tianshan Belt, China

The Tianshan range could have been built by both late Early Paleozoicaccretion and Late Paleozoic collision events. The late Early Paleozoic Aqqikkudug-Weiya suture ismarked by Ordovician ophiolitic melange and a Silurian flysch sequence, high-pressure metamorphicrelics, and mylonitized rocks. The Central Tianshan belt could principally be an Ordovician volcanicarc; whereas the South Tianshan belt, a back-arc basin. Macro- and microstructures, along withunconformities, provide some kinematic and chronological constraints on 2-phase ductile deformation.The earlier ductile deformation occurring at ca. 400 Ma was marked by north-verging ductileshearing, yielding granulite-bearing ophiolitic melange blocks and garnet-pyroxene-facies ductiledeformation, and the later deformation, a dextral strike-slip tectonic process, occurred during theLate Carboniferous-Early Permian. Early Carboniferous molasses were deposited unconformably onpre-Carboniferous metamorphic and ductilely sheared rocks, implying the end of the early orogeny.The large-scale ductile strike-slip along the Aqqikkudug-Weiya zone was possibly caused by thesecond tectonic event, the Hercynian collision between the northern Tarim block and the southernSiberian block. Late Paleozoic granitic magmatism and superimposed structures overprinted this EarlyPaleozoic deformation belt. Results of geometric and kinematic studies suggest that the primaryframework of the Southern-Central Tianshan belt, at least the eastern part of the Tianshan belt, wasbuilt by these two phases of accretion events.

Late Caledonian Ductile Thrusting Deformation in the Central East Kunlun Belt, Qinghai, China and Its Significance: Evidence from Geochronology

A high-angle ductile thrusting deformation with top-to-the-north movement penetratively developed in the Proterozoic-Early Paleozoic metamorphic rocks along the Central East Kunlun belt. The deformed rocks suffered epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphism. On the basis of our previous study, we present more data in this paper to further support that the ducdle thrust deformation occurred in the later Caledonian and more detailed information about the deformation. A zircon U-Pb concordant age of 446±2.2 Ma of a deformed granodiorite in the ductile thrust zone was obtained and can be interpreted as the lower limit of the deformation. A syntectonically crystallized and also strongly deformed hornblende Ar/ Ar dating gives an Ar/Ar plateau age of 426.5±3.8 Ma, which represents the deformation age. A strongly orientated muscovite gives an Ar/Ar plateau age of 408±1.6Ma, representing the cooling age after the peak temperature, constraining the upper limit of the ductile thrust deformation. This ductile thrust deformation can be interpreted as the result of the closing of the Central East Kunlun archipelago ocean. To the north, Ar/Ar plateau ages of 382.9±0.2 Ma and 386.8±0.8 Ma of muscovite in the deformed Xiaomiao Group represent the uplift cooling ages of deeper rocks after the thrusting movement. The original thrusting foliation has a low angle. A rotation model was put forward to explain the development of the foliation from the original low-angle to present high-angle dipping.

The Ductile Deformation Characteristics of Caledonian Intracontinental Orogeny in the Northeastern Jiangshan-Shaoxing Tectonic Zone:Insights from Magnetic Fabric Study and Its Geodynamic Implication

The Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone was the northeastern boundary between the Yangtze Block and the Cathaysia Block during the Neoproterozoic and was an intracontinental orogenic belt during late of the early Paleozoic. In this tectonic zone, there develops a lot of mylonite underwent strong ductile deformation and schist, gneiss, and amphibolite with medium and high grade metamorphism which was formed during the late of early Paleozoic. The research of geometry and kinematic of ductile deformation in Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone is very important to reveal the tectonic process of intracontinental orogeny. This paper uses the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility （AMS） to determine the ductile deformation geometry and kinematic of Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone combing with the field survey. In this study, 190 specimens of 19 locations and 221 specimens of 23 locations from Wangjiazhai section and Lipu-Sizhai section were analyzed. The magnetic foliation over magnetic lineation in both Wangjiazhai and Lipu-Sizhai sections together with the field observations indicated a compressional deformation pattern. 3 and 4 strong ductile deformation zones can be established in the Wangjiazhai section and the Lipu-Sizhai section, respectively. According to the magnetic fabric and petro-fabric studies, the Northeastern Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone suffered two kinds of deformation patterns during the late early Paleozoic, i.e., the thrusting deformation followed by sinistral shear deformation.

Geochronology Constraints on Transformation Age from Ductile to Brittle Deformation of the Shangma Fault and Its Tectonic Significance,Dabieshan,Central China

By a detailed investigation of geometry and kinematics of the Shangma （商麻） fault in Dabieshan （大别山）, three different crust levels of extension movement have been recognized in sequence from the deep to the shallow：① low-angle ductile detachment shearing with top to the NW; ② low-angle normal fault with top to the NW or NWW in brittle or brittle-ductile transition domain; ③ high-angle brittle normal fault with top to the W or NWW. Two samples were chosen for zircon U-Pb age dating to constrain the activity age of the Shangma fault. A bedding intrusive granitoid pegmatite vein that is parallel to the foliation of the low-angle ductile detachment shear zone of the country rock exhibits a lotus-joint type of boudinage deformation, showing syn-tectonic emplacing at the end of the ductile deformation period and deformation in the brittle-ductile transition domain. The zircon U-Pb dating of this granitoid pegmatite vein gives an age of （125.9±4.2） Ma, which expresses the extension in the brittle-ductile transition domain of the Shangma fault. The other sample, which is collected from a granite pluton cutting the foliation of the low-angle ductile detachment shear zone, gives a zircon U-Pb age of （118.8±4.1） Ma, constraining the end of the ductile detachment shearing. Then the transformation age from ductile to brittle deformation can be constrained between 126-119 Ma. Combined with the previous researches, the formation of the Luotian （罗田） dome, which is locatedto the east of the Shangma fault, can be constrained during 150-126 Ma. This study gives a new time constraint to the evolution of the Dabie orogenic belt.

Late-Stage Ductile Deformation in Xiongdian-Suhe HP Metamorphic Unit, North-Western Dabie Shan, Central China

New structural and petrological data unveil a very complicated ductile deformation history of the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, north-western Dabie Shan, central China. The fine-grained symplectic amphibolite-facies assemblage and coronal structure enveloping eclogite-facies garnet, omphacite and phengite etc., representing strain-free decompression and retrogressive metamorphism, are considered as the main criteria to distinguish between the early-stage deformation under HP metamorphic conditions related to the continental deep subduction and collision, and the late-stage deformation under amphibolite to greenschist-facies conditions occurred in the post-eclogite exhumation processes. Two late-stages of widely developed, sequential ductile deformations D 3 and D 4, are recognized on the basis of penetrative fabrics and mineral aggregates in the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, which shows clear, regionally, consistent overprinting relationships. D 3 fabrics are best preserved in the Suhe tract of low post-D 3 deformation intensity and characterized by steeply dipping layered mylonitic amphibolites associated with doubly vergent folds. They are attributed to a phase of tectonism linked to the initial exhumation of the HP rocks and involved crustal shortening with the development of upright structures and the widespread emplacement of garnet-bearing granites and felsic dikes. D 4 structures are attributed to the main episode of ductile extension (D 1 4) with a gently dipping foliation to the north and common intrafolial, recumbent folds in the Xiongdian tract, followed by normal sense top-to-the north ductile shearing (D 2 4) along an important tectonic boundary, the so-called Majiawa-Hexiwan fault (MHF), the westward continuation of the Balifan-Mozitan-Xiaotian fault (BMXF) of the northern Dabie Shan. It is indicated that the two stages of ductile deformation observed in the Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit, reflecting the post-eclogite compressional or extrusion wedge formation, the subhorizontal ductile extension and crustal thinning as well as the top-to-the north shearing along the high-angle ductile shear zones responsible for exhumation of the HP unit as a coherent slab, are consistent with those recognized in the Dabie-Sulu UHP and HP metamorphic belts, suggesting that they were closely associated in time and space. The Xiongdian-Suhe HP metamorphic unit thus forms part of the Triassic (250-230 Ma) collision orogenic belt, and can not connect with the South Altun-North Qaidam-North Qinling UHP metamorphic belt formed during the Early Paleozoic (500-400 Ma).

Strain Localized Deformation Variation of a Small-Scale Ductile Shear Zone

A continental-scale strike-slip shear zone frequently presents a long-lasting deformation and physical expression of strain localization in a middle to lower crustal level.However,the deformation evolution of strain localization at a small-scale remains unclear.This study investigated<10 cm wide shear zones developing in undeformed granodiorites exposed at the boundary of the continental-scale Gaoligong strike-slip shear zone.The small-scale ductile shear zones exhibit a typical transition from protomylonite,mylonite to extremely deformed ultramylonite,and decreasing mineral size from coarse-grained aggregates to extremely fine-grained mixed phases.Shearing sense indicators such as hornblende and feldspar porphyroclasts in the shear zone are the more significantly low-strain zone of mylonite.The microstructure and EBSD results revealed that the small-scale shear zone experienced ductile deformation under medium-high temperature conditions.Quartz aggregates suggested a consistent temperature with an irregular feature,exhibiting a dominated high-temperature prism <a> slip system.Additionally,coarse-grained aggregates in the mylonite of the shear zone were deformed predominantly by dislocation creep,while ultra-plastic flow by viscous grain boundary sliding was an essential deformation process in the extremely fine-grained(~50μm)mixed-phases in the ultramylonite.Microstructural-derived strain rates calculated from quartz paleopiezometry were on the order of 10^(-15) to 10^(-13) s^(-1)from low-strain mylonite to high strained ultramylonite.The localization and strain ratelimited process was fluid-assisted precipitation presenting transitions of compositions as hydrous retrogression of hornblende to mica during increasing deformation and exhumation.Furthermore,the potential occurrence of the small-scale shear zone was initiated at a middle-deep crust seated crustal condition dominated by the temperature-controlled formation and rheological weakening.

Crustal deformation and tectonic levels of Nujiang Gorge since the Miocene

Crustal deformation shows different patterns at different depths due to changes in the physical properties of rock.Tectonic levels can be defined based on the geometry and deformation mechanisms of crustal deformation patterns. Nujiang Gorge, with a high riverbed drop, great erosion depth, and strong deformation, has rock exposures at different tectonic levels and thus provides an ideal lab for deformation study. This paper takes the Nujiang Gorge from Chawalong to Fugong as the object to identify structural deformation patterns at different depths through field study and deformation analysis. At depth, the primary form of deformation is flow deformation, as shown on the outcrops at Maji. Ductile shear deformation can be found in many outcrops within the study region, e.g., the Gaoligong dextral shear zone and Puladi-Songta sinistral shear zone that lie to the south and north of Maji, respectively. Further to the north of Puladi, the dominated deformation pattern is similar fold and dense sub-vertical foliation. In addition, brittle faults, as evidence of shallow deformation, can be seen overprinting on the deeper deformation features all over the region. Based on those observations, this paper identifies four tectonic levels from depth to the surface: flow deformation, ductile shear deformation, similar fold, and brittle fault deformation, all of which result from the NEE-SWW compressive stress field. Further evidence from studies on the region′s thermal evolution and regional tectonics suggests that the development of different tectonic levels is closely linked to the discrepant uplift or denudation since the Miocene(~21 Ma).

On the material dependence of experimental shear fracture orientation

It is not uncommon to observe shear fractures in ductile rocks oriented at more than 45° with respect to the maximum compression direction. Since these orientations cannot be explained with the classic Mohr-Coulumb or Tresca yield criteria, Zheng et al.(Journal of Structural Geology, 35: 1394–1405, 2011) proposed the maximum effective moment(MEM) failure criterion. This rule suggests that shear fractures in ductile rocks form at ?55° with the maximum compression axis and that this orientation is material-independent and, therefore, universal. Zheng et al.(Science China: Earth Sciences, 57(11): 2819–2824, 2014) used data from our own experiments as supporting evidence of their failure criterion. In this contribution we discuss why shear fracture formation in ductile rocks indeed strongly depends on the mechanical properties of the deforming medium, and why experimental data should not be taken to prove the validity of the MEM criterion. The formation mechanisms and orientations of shear fractures in our experiments significantly vary depending on the material strength and degree and type of anisotropy(composite and intrinsic). We therefore demonstrate using experimental data that a universal failure angle in ductile and anisotropic rocks does not apply. Additionally, we highlight some inconsistencies of the MEM criterion.

Bimodal microstructure – A feasible strategy for high-strength and ductile metallic materials

Introducing a bimodal grain-size distribution has been demonstrated an efficient strategy for fabricating high-strength and ductile metallic materials, where fine grains provide strength, while coarse grains enable strain hardening and hence decent ductility. Over the last decades, research activities in this area have grown enormously, including interesting results onfcc Cu, Ni and Al-Mg alloys as well as steel and Fe alloys via various thermo-mechanical processing approaches. However, investigations on bimodal Mg and other hcp metals are relatively few. A brief overview of the available approaches based on thermo- mechanical processing technology in producing bimodal microstructure for various metallic materials is given, along with a summary of unusual mechanical properties achievable by bimodality, where focus is placed on the microstructure-mechanical properties and relevant mechanisms. In addition, key factors that influencing bimodal strategies, such as compositions of starting materials and processing parameters, together with the challenges this research area facing, are identified and discussed briefly.

Low Temperature Impact Toughness and Fracture Analysis of EN-GJS-400-18-LT Ductile Iron under Instrumented Impact Load

The impact toughness of EN-GJS-400-18-LT ductile iron was measured by Charpy V-notch impact test at temperature between-80 and 20℃.The fracture properties were tested under instrumented impact loading.Total impact fracture energy,crack initiation and propagation energy,dynamic loads and the ductile to brittle temperature were measured.Three-dimensional reconstruction of impact fracture morphology was accomplished by confocal laser scanning microscope.The results of quantitative fractography indicate that cleavage fracture produces flatter fracture surfaces accompanying with less absorbed energy during the impact fracture process.It indicates that fracture roughness has a close relationship with crack propagation energy at low temperature.