Simulation material for lithosphere scale model and application thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a simulation material for a lithosphere scale model and application of the simulation material. The lithosphere scale model comprises an upper crust, a lower crust, a lithosphere ground curtain and a soft flow circle ground curtain. The simulation material of the supercrust comprises the following raw materials: silica powder, quartz sand and carborundum; the simulation materials of the lower earth crust and the lithosphere mantle comprise the following raw materials: silica gel, quartz sand and carborundum; the simulation material of the soft flow ring mantle comprises any one of syrup, honey or a sodium iodide solution. The simulation material provided by the invention can quantitatively complete a lithosphere scale structure physical simulation experiment, and scans a lithosphere scale model through an industrial CT technology to obtain a structure evolution process image, so that the structure evolution characteristics are analyzed, the rheological structure and layered stretching deformation characteristics of the lithosphere can be better simulated, and the simulation material can be applied to the field of lithosphere engineering. And an effective technical means is provided for researching development and evolution of lithosphere structural deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of physical simulation technology of tectonic deformation, and relates to a simulation material for lithosphere-scale models and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Because geological processes are extremely lengthy, geologists cannot directly observe the entire deformation process. They can only obtain intuitive characteristics at a certain moment in the evolution process, thus enabling reasonable extrapolation on a broader spatiotemporal scale to clarify the evolutionary framework of the entire geological process. Currently, tectonic simulation experiments are a physical experimental method for studying and simulating the deformation characteristics, formation mechanisms, and dynamic processes of geological tectonic phenomena in nature; they are also known as tectonic physical simulation experiments.

[0003] Structural physics simulations, by selecting appropriate experimental materials, scale up natural geological entities to a specific ratio and apply suitable boundary conditions, reproducing their deformation processes within finite time and spatial scales. This allows for the characterization and verification of tectonic deformation patterns, and further, the exploration of controlling factors and dynamic mechanisms of tectonic deformation. The scaling advantage of structural physics simulations at three-dimensional or even four-dimensional (including the time dimension) scales makes them widely used in research fields such as structural geology and petroleum geology. Like other simulation techniques (such as numerical simulation), structural physics simulations do not precisely reproduce geological processes, but rather systematically explore several specific factors influencing deformation mechanisms by simplifying complex geological models.

[0004] Furthermore, for a structural physics simulation experiment to represent a natural geological process, it must achieve geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity to the original geological prototype. This requires the experimental model to be a scaled-down replica of the geological prototype, with identical lengths and angles (geometric similarity), and the stress field (rheology) and boundary conditions must be appropriately scaled. Geometric similarity requires that corresponding lengths and velocities be proportional and angles consistent between the experimental model and the geological prototype. Dynamic similarity requires that the stresses in the model (including gravity, inertia, viscosity, elasticity, and friction) be constant compared to the geological prototype, ensuring similarity in stress magnitude and trajectory. Geometric and dynamic similarity provide a complete kinematic similarity, thus allowing the model's evolution to match the natural prototype even when scaled to a smaller scale and occurring on a faster timescale.

[0005] Currently, structural physics simulation experiments can dynamically reproduce the deformation process of geological structures, understand the formation mechanism and evolution law of structures, and provide a scientific basis for oil and gas exploration. With the continuous deepening of research, the depth and scale of research are constantly developing, and lithospheric-scale physical simulation experiments are receiving increasing attention. However, due to the increase in depth, the various physical properties of rocks differ significantly from those in shallower layers, and the increase in scale also presents new ideas for simplifying model processing methods.

[0006] In experiments simulating lithospheric-scale rheological structures and tectonic deformation, the complexity of continental deformation depends on the complexity of its rheological structure (vertical stratification and lateral heterogeneity of continental lithosphere rheology). Lateral rheological structure determines the continental tectonic pattern, while vertical rheological structure determines lithospheric deformation behavior. Both lateral and vertical rheological structures jointly determine the complexity of continental tectonics. Therefore, deep basin physical simulations (lithospheric and crustal scales) differ from physical simulations limited to thin-skinned tectonic deformation in the upper crust (<10 km); both require consideration of the overall rheological structure of the continental lithosphere.

[0007] Therefore, based on the rheological structure and physical properties of the lithosphere, it is necessary to provide a suitable simulation material and quantitatively complete the physical simulation experiment of tectonic deformation at the lithosphere scale. This will not only better simulate the rheological structure and layered extensional deformation characteristics of the lithosphere, but also provide an effective technical means for studying the development and evolution of tectonic deformation in the lithosphere. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simulation material for lithospheric-scale models and its application. The simulation material can quantitatively complete lithospheric-scale tectonic physical simulation experiments, and obtain images of the tectonic evolution process by scanning the lithospheric-scale model using industrial CT technology, thereby analyzing the tectonic evolution characteristics. It can not only better simulate the rheological structure and layered extensional deformation characteristics of the lithosphere, but also provide an effective technical means for studying the development and evolution of lithospheric tectonic deformation.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a simulation material for a lithosphere-scale model, the lithosphere-scale model comprising the upper crust, lower crust, lithosphere mantle, and asthenosphere mantle;

[0011] The simulated material for the upper crust includes the following raw materials: silica powder, quartz sand, and corundum;

[0012] The materials used to simulate the lower crust and lithospheric mantle include the following raw materials: silica gel, quartz sand, and corundum.

[0013] In this invention, the upper crust is a brittle upper crust; the lower crust is a plastic lower crust; the lithospheric mantle is a plastic lithospheric mantle; and the corundum in the upper crust serves as a marker layer for imaging devices and industrial CT scan images.

[0014] In this invention, based on the principle of similarity between the geological parameters of the study area and the tectonic physical simulation experiment, the specific proportions of each raw material in the simulation material of each layer are determined.

[0015] The lithospheric-scale model provided by this invention uses simulation materials based on the rheological structure and physical properties of the lithosphere. After optimization, silica fume and quartz sand are selected as simulation materials for the brittle upper crust, and silica gel, quartz sand, and corundum are selected as simulation materials for the lower crust and lithospheric mantle. This ensures that the physical properties are adjusted simultaneously according to the correct similarity ratio to simulate each layer. This allows for a better simulation of the rheological structure and tectonic deformation characteristics of the lithosphere, improving the understanding of the evolution of deep and complex tectonic deformation.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the average particle size of the silicon micro powder is 800-1200 mesh, for example, it can be 800-1000 mesh, 900-1100 mesh, 900-1050 mesh, 950-1100 mesh, 1000-1100 mesh or 1000-1200 mesh, etc., but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the average particle size of the quartz sand is 40-120 mesh, for example, it can be 40-60 mesh, 40-80 mesh, 40-100 mesh, 50-80 mesh, 50-100 mesh, 60-100 mesh, 80-100 mesh, 90-110 mesh, 90-120 mesh or 100-120 mesh, etc., but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the average particle size of the corundum is 40-120 mesh, for example, it can be 40-60 mesh, 40-80 mesh, 40-100 mesh, 50-80 mesh, 50-100 mesh, 60-100 mesh, 80-100 mesh, 90-110 mesh, 90-120 mesh or 100-120 mesh, etc., but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the viscosity of the silicone is 20,000-100,000 mPa·s, for example, it can be 30,000 mPa·s, 40,000 mPa·s, 50,000 mPa·s, 60,000 mPa·s, 70,000 mPa·s, 80,000 mPa·s or 90,000 mPa·s, etc., but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the simulated material for the upper crust also includes glass beads.

[0021] In this invention, glass beads can be used to simulate brittle slip layers or simulate pre-defined faults in specific research areas.

[0022] Preferably, the average particle size of the glass beads is 60-120 mesh, for example, it can be 60-80 mesh, 70-90 mesh, 60-100 mesh, 80-110 mesh, 90-110 mesh, 90-120 mesh or 100-120 mesh, etc., but is not limited to the listed values, and other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the simulation material of the asthenospheric mantle includes any one of syrup, honey or sodium iodide solution.

[0024] In this invention, the syrup includes glucose syrup; the required simulation material is determined based on the density and viscosity parameters of the asthenospheric mantle in the study area.

[0025] Secondly, the present invention provides an experimental method for simulating lithospheric-scale tectonic deformation using the simulation material described in the first aspect, the experimental method comprising the following steps:

[0026] (1) Based on the principle of similarity between geological parameters and tectonic simulation in the study area, a lithosphere-scale model is determined;

[0027] (2) The asthenospheric mantle, lithospheric mantle, lower crust and upper crust were laid in layers from bottom to top in the experimental setup;

[0028] (3) After setting the operating parameters of the experimental device, start the experimental device and simultaneously use a camera device and an industrial CT to record the deformation process of the lithosphere-scale model.

[0029] (4) After the experiment, the lithosphere-scale model was frozen and sliced ​​in sequence, and the internal structural deformation characteristics of the lithosphere-scale model were evaluated.

[0030] In this invention, based on the principle of similarity between geological parameters and tectonic simulation of the study area, the lithospheric-scale model and the geological prototype are ensured to maintain similarity in geometry, kinematics, and dynamics.

[0031] In this invention, the construction of the experimental apparatus is not specifically limited, and those skilled in the art can choose the experimental sand box provided by the prior art.

[0032] The experimental method provided by this invention determines the layered structural characteristics and thickness ratio of the lithospheric-scale model, as well as the proportional relationship between the raw materials of the simulation material, based on the rheological structure and physical property parameters at the lithosphere scale. It quantitatively completes the physical simulation experiment of lithospheric-scale structure and obtains images of the tectonic evolution process by scanning the lithospheric-scale model using industrial CT technology, thereby analyzing the tectonic evolution characteristics and improving the understanding of the deformation and evolution of deep complex structures.

[0033] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the method for preparing the lithospheric mantle in step (2) includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand and corundum according to the density and viscosity parameters of the lithospheric mantle in the study area, and then leveling for 2-3 hours to obtain the first sand-glue.

[0034] Preferably, the method for preparing the lower crust in step (2) includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand and corundum according to the density and viscosity parameters of the lower crust in the study area, and then leveling for 2-3 hours to obtain a second sand-adhesive mixture.

[0035] In this invention, based on the density and viscosity parameters of the study area, different proportions of quartz sand, corundum, and silica gel are mixed to prepare sand-adhesive mixtures with different physical properties. The method for laying the lithospheric mantle and lower crust includes: after the asthenospheric mantle has stabilized, the lithospheric mantle and lower crust are placed sequentially.

[0036] In this invention, the leveling time is 2-3 hours, for example, it can be 2.1 hours, 2.2 hours, 2.3 hours, 2.4 hours, 2.5 hours, 2.6 hours, 2.7 hours, 2.8 hours or 2.9 hours, but is not limited to the listed values. Other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0037] Preferably, the method for laying the asthenospheric mantle in step (2) includes: pouring simulated asthenospheric mantle material into the experimental device according to the density and viscosity parameters of the asthenospheric mantle in the study area.

[0038] Preferably, the method for laying the upper crust in step (2) includes: based on the density parameters of the upper crust in the study area, first laying a layer of corundum on the lower crust, and then alternately laying a mixture of quartz sand and silica powder and corundum on the corundum.

[0039] In this invention, corundum in the upper crust serves as a marker layer for the imaging device and industrial CT scan images. Therefore, corundum is laid between the layers in the upper crust, and the simulated materials at the top and bottom of the upper crust are both corundum.

[0040] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the operating parameters in step (3) include operating speed and operating distance.

[0041] In this invention, no specific limits are made on the operating speed and operating distance. Those skilled in the art can make reasonable settings based on the actual situation of the research area and the recording requirements.

[0042] Preferably, in step (3), a camera device is used to take timed photos of the side and top surfaces of the lithosphere-scale model.

[0043] Preferably, in step (3), industrial CT is used to scan and image the internal profile of the lithosphere-scale model.

[0044] Preferably, the freezing temperature in step (4) is <0°C, for example, it can be -1°C, -2°C, -3°C, -4°C, -5°C, -6°C or -8°C, but is not limited to the listed values. Other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0045] Preferably, the freezing time in step (4) is ≥12h, for example, it can be 13h, 14h, 15h, 16h, 17h, 18h or 20h, but is not limited to the listed values. Other values ​​within the range are also applicable.

[0046] In this invention, after processing slices of a lithosphere-scale model, the structural deformation characteristics of the internal cross-section of the model are analyzed and compared with industrial CT images.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0048] (1) This invention uses specific simulation materials for lithospheric scale model simulation, which can better simulate the characteristics of the rheological structure and layered tectonic deformation of the lithosphere, improve the accuracy of the model and thus enhance the reliability of the experiment, providing an effective technical means for studying the development and evolution of lithosphere tectonic deformation.

[0049] (2) The experimental method provided by the present invention determines the layered structural characteristics and thickness ratio of the lithosphere-scale model and the proportional relationship between the raw materials of the simulation material based on the rheological structure and physical property parameters at the lithosphere scale. It quantitatively completes the physical simulation experiment of the lithosphere-scale structure and obtains the image of the tectonic evolution process by scanning the lithosphere-scale model with industrial CT technology, thereby analyzing the tectonic evolution characteristics and improving the understanding of the deformation and evolution of deep complex structures. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, all raw materials used in the embodiments of this invention were obtained through purchase. In the following embodiments and comparative examples, the proportions of each raw material in the simulation materials of each layer are not specifically limited, and the specific proportions are determined based on the principle of similarity between the geological parameters of the study area and the tectonic physical simulation experiment.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a simulation material for a lithospheric-scale model and its application. The lithospheric-scale model includes a brittle upper crust, a plastic lower crust, a plastic lithospheric mantle, and an asthenospheric mantle.

[0054] The simulated material for the brittle upper crust includes the following raw materials: silica powder with an average particle size of 800-1000 mesh, quartz sand with an average particle size of 60-120 mesh, and corundum with an average particle size of 60-120 mesh.

[0055] The simulated material for the plastic lower crust includes the following raw materials: silica gel with a viscosity of 30,000 mPa·s, quartz sand with an average particle size of 60-100 mesh, and corundum with an average particle size of 60-100 mesh.

[0056] The simulated material for the plastic lithospheric mantle includes the following raw materials: silica gel with a viscosity of 30,000 mPa·s, quartz sand with an average particle size of 60-100 mesh, and corundum with an average particle size of 60-100 mesh.

[0057] The simulated material for the asthenospheric mantle is a sodium iodide solution;

[0058] This embodiment also provides an experimental method for simulating lithospheric-scale tectonic deformation using simulated materials, the experimental method comprising the following steps:

[0059] (1) Based on the principle of similarity between geological parameters and tectonic simulation in the study area, a lithosphere-scale model is determined;

[0060] (2) In the experimental setup, the asthenospheric mantle, plastic lithospheric mantle, plastic lower crust and brittle upper crust were laid layer by layer from bottom to top;

[0061] The method for preparing the plastic lithospheric mantle includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand, and corundum in the required proportion according to the density and viscosity parameters of the plastic lithospheric mantle in the study area, and then leveling for 2.5 hours to obtain a first sand-gel; the method for preparing the plastic lower crust includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand, and corundum in the required proportion according to the density and viscosity parameters of the plastic lower crust in the study area, and then leveling for 2.5 hours to obtain a second sand-gel.

[0062] The laying method specifically includes: pouring sodium iodide solution into the experimental device, placing the first sand glue after it stabilizes, then placing the second sand glue on the first sand glue, then laying a layer of diamond abrasive on the second sand glue, and finally alternately laying a mixture of quartz sand and silicon micro powder in a mass ratio of 1:1 and diamond abrasive, with the topmost simulated material being diamond abrasive.

[0063] (3) After setting the operating parameters of the experimental device, start the experimental device and simultaneously use a camera device and an industrial CT to record the deformation process of the lithosphere-scale model.

[0064] The operating parameters include operating speed and operating distance; taking timed photos of the side and top surfaces of the lithosphere-scale model using a camera device; and scanning the interior of the lithosphere-scale model using an industrial CT scanner.

[0065] (4) After the experiment, the lithosphere-scale model was frozen at -4℃ for 12 hours and sliced, and the internal structural deformation characteristics of the lithosphere-scale model were evaluated.

[0066] The simulation materials and their applications provided in this embodiment determine the types and proportions of simulation raw materials based on the rheological structure and physical properties at the lithosphere scale. This quantitatively completes the lithospheric-scale tectonic physical simulation experiment. Furthermore, industrial CT technology is used to scan the lithosphere-scale model to obtain images of the tectonic evolution process, thereby analyzing the tectonic evolution characteristics. This not only better simulates the rheological structure and layered tectonic deformation characteristics of the lithosphere, improving the accuracy of the lithosphere-scale model and thus enhancing the reliability of the experiment, but also improves the understanding of the deformation and evolution of deep and complex structures.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] This embodiment provides a simulation material for a lithospheric-scale model and its application. In addition to adjusting the brittle upper crust simulation material, it also includes glass beads with an average particle size of 80-120 mesh; the simulation material for the asthenospheric mantle is glucose syrup; and glass beads are used to simulate the brittle slip layer when laying the brittle upper crust; all other conditions are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0069] The simulation materials and their applications provided in this embodiment determine the types and proportions of simulation raw materials based on the rheological structure and physical properties at the lithosphere scale. This quantitatively completes the lithospheric-scale tectonic physical simulation experiment. Furthermore, industrial CT technology is used to scan the lithosphere-scale model to obtain images of the tectonic evolution process, thereby analyzing the tectonic evolution characteristics. This not only better simulates the rheological structure and layered tectonic deformation characteristics of the lithosphere, improving the accuracy of the lithosphere-scale model and thus enhancing the reliability of the experiment, but also improves the understanding of the deformation and evolution of deep and complex structures.

[0070] Comparative Example 1

[0071] This comparative example provides a simulation material for a lithospheric-scale model and its application. Except that the raw material of the brittle upper crust simulation material does not contain silica powder, all other conditions are the same as in Example 1.

[0072] In this comparative example, because the raw materials of the brittle upper crust simulation material do not contain silica powder, the strength of the simulation material in the specific area to be investigated does not meet the corresponding requirements, thus making it impossible to quantitatively complete the lithospheric-scale tectonic physics simulation experiment in that area.

[0073] The applicant declares that the detailed structural features of the present invention are illustrated through the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above detailed structural features, that is, it does not mean that the present invention must rely on the above detailed structural features to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to the present invention, equivalent substitutions for the components selected in the present invention, additions of auxiliary components, selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A simulation material for a lithospheric-scale model, characterized in that, The lithospheric-scale model includes the upper crust, lower crust, lithospheric mantle, and asthenospheric mantle; The simulated material for the upper crust includes the following raw materials: silica powder, quartz sand, and corundum; The materials used to simulate the lower crust and lithospheric mantle include the following raw materials: silica gel, quartz sand, and corundum.

2. The simulation material for the lithosphere-scale model according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average particle size of the silicon micropowder is 800-1200 mesh.

3. The simulation material for lithospheric-scale models according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The average particle size of the quartz sand is 40-120 mesh.

4. The simulation material for lithospheric-scale models according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The average particle size of the corundum is 40-120 mesh.

5. The simulation material for lithospheric-scale models according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The viscosity of the silicone is 20,000-100,000 mPa·s.

6. The simulation material for lithospheric-scale models according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The simulated material for the upper crust also includes glass beads; Preferably, the average particle size of the glass beads is 60-120 mesh.

7. The simulation material for lithospheric-scale models according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The simulated material for the asthenospheric mantle includes any one of syrup, honey, or sodium iodide solution.

8. An experimental method for simulating lithospheric-scale tectonic deformation using the simulation material according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The experimental method includes the following steps: (1) Based on the principle of similarity between geological parameters and tectonic simulation in the study area, a lithosphere-scale model is determined; (2) The asthenospheric mantle, lithospheric mantle, lower crust and upper crust were laid in layers from bottom to top in the experimental setup; (3) After setting the operating parameters of the experimental device, start the experimental device and simultaneously use a camera device and an industrial CT to record the deformation process of the lithosphere-scale model. (4) After the experiment, the lithosphere-scale model was frozen and sliced ​​in sequence, and the internal structural deformation characteristics of the lithosphere-scale model were evaluated.

9. The experimental method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method for preparing the lithospheric mantle in step (2) includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand and corundum according to the density and viscosity parameters of the lithospheric mantle in the study area, and then leveling for 2-3 hours to obtain the first sand-gel. Preferably, the method for preparing the lower crust in step (2) includes: mixing silica gel, quartz sand and corundum according to the density and viscosity parameters of the lower crust in the study area, and then leveling for 2-3 hours to obtain a second sand-adhesive mixture; Preferably, the method for laying the asthenospheric mantle in step (2) includes: pouring simulated asthenospheric mantle material into the experimental device according to the density and viscosity parameters of the asthenospheric mantle in the study area; Preferably, the method for laying the upper crust in step (2) includes: based on the density parameters of the upper crust in the study area, first laying a layer of corundum on the lower crust, and then alternately laying a mixture of quartz sand and silica powder and corundum on the corundum.

10. The experimental method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The operating parameters mentioned in step (3) include operating speed and operating distance; Preferably, in step (3), a camera device is used to take timed photos of the side and top surfaces of the lithosphere-scale model; Preferably, in step (3), industrial CT is used to scan and image the interior of the lithosphere-scale model; Preferably, the freezing temperature in step (4) is <0°C; Preferably, the freezing time in step (4) is ≥12h.