Planetary global contraction tectonics physical modeling device and modeling method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of tectonic geology and planetary science physical simulation experiment, and particularly relates to a planetary global contraction tectonic physical simulation device and a simulation method. The simulation device comprises a support and guide structure, an elastic film, an isotropic force applying mechanism and a driving mechanism. The device is guided by a guide column, vertically moves an intermediate moving layer through a power source, and converts linear driving force into isotropic tangential tension acting on the elastic film by using an umbrella-shaped traction structure formed by circumferential connection of the intermediate moving layer and the elastic film. The present application has the advantages of uniform stress distribution, controllable boundary conditions and good repeatability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of structural geology and planetary science physical simulation experimental technology, and particularly relates to a physical simulation device and method for planetary global contraction tectonics. Background Technology

[0002] In planetary science and geology research, the thermal evolution history of celestial bodies is often accompanied by global volume changes. For example, the global contraction caused by internal cooling of Mercury or the Moon is a key dynamic mechanism for the formation of surface tectonic features such as reverse faults and ridges. A deep understanding of this process is crucial for revealing the geological evolution patterns of terrestrial planets.

[0003] Currently, research on global tectonic movements largely relies on remote sensing interpretation and numerical simulation. However, the boundary conditions and theoretical models used in numerical simulations still require verification through physical experiments. Existing tectonic physics simulation devices mostly focus on local compression (orogenic belt simulation) or extension (rift valley simulation) environments, or linear simulations of specific fault zones. For a uniform contraction process with a "global scale, curvature background, and isotropic properties," existing flat-plate compression devices cannot reproduce the stress distribution characteristics brought about by spherical geometry effects, and it is difficult to guarantee the uniformity of boundary forces.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an experimental device and supporting methods that can be precisely controlled, have good repeatability, and can simulate the isotropic uniform contraction environment of curved surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a physical simulation device and method for planetary global contraction tectonics. Through innovative design of mechanical structure, the linear driving input is transformed into an isotropic uniform tensile force acting on a curved elastic body, thereby physically simulating the geological process of global contraction on a laboratory scale.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution created by this invention is implemented as follows: A physical simulation device for planetary global contraction tectonics includes: The support and guide structure includes a base, a guide column vertically fixed to the center of the base, and a support seat fixed to the top of the guide column; the side wall of the support seat is a smoothly transitioning arc-shaped surface. An elastic membrane covers the support base, and the periphery of the elastic membrane has evenly distributed force connection points. An isotropic force-applying mechanism includes an intermediate moving layer sleeved on a guide column and sliding along the axial direction of the guide column, and a transmission connector connecting the force-bearing connection point of the intermediate moving layer and the elastic membrane. The drive mechanism includes a reversing component, a flexible traction component, and a power source symmetrically arranged with the guide column as the axis of symmetry, all mounted on the base. One end of the flexible traction component is connected to the power source, and the other end of the flexible traction component is connected to the intermediate moving layer after being guided by the reversing component. Observation equipment used to record the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation, or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic film surface.

[0007] Furthermore, the support base has a frustum-shaped or spherical crown-shaped structure, with the top diameter of the support base being smaller than the bottom diameter, and the sidewalls being smooth, convex arc surfaces.

[0008] Furthermore, the intermediate moving layer is a circular plate with a central opening, and its top and bottom surfaces are provided with evenly distributed upper and lower hanging points along the perimeter; the two ends of the transmission connector are respectively connected to the force connection point of the elastic film and the upper hanging point of the intermediate moving layer to form an umbrella-shaped traction structure; the flexible traction component is connected to the lower hanging point of the intermediate moving layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic membrane is made of rubber or silicone material, and the stress connection point is a metal ring with holes set around the periphery of the elastic membrane.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper and lower hanging points are seated lifting rings, and the transmission connection is an S-shaped metal hook.

[0011] Furthermore, the power source is a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0012] Furthermore, the reversing component is a fixed pulley.

[0013] Furthermore, the flexible traction component is a steel wire rope.

[0014] A physical simulation method for planetary global contraction tectonic structure, implemented using the aforementioned physical simulation device for planetary global contraction tectonic structure, includes the following steps: S1: Cover the upper surface of the support base with an elastic film, and connect the force connection points around the elastic film to the middle moving layer through the transmission connector to ensure that the elastic film is in a natural relaxed state or a slightly tense state. S2: Start the power source to rotate forward. By applying traction force to the flexible traction component, the middle moving layer moves downward along the guide column. The middle moving layer pulls the elastic film downward along the arc-shaped curved side wall of the support seat through the transmission connector, so that the elastic film generates isotropic uniform tensile stress on the upper surface of the support seat. S3: When the elastic film reaches the preset stretch amount, the power source is controlled to reverse and the traction force is released in the opposite direction at the preset rate, so that the middle moving layer is reset upward under the action of the elastic film's rebound force, and the elastic film retracts to the center by its own elastic potential energy; at the same time, the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic film surface are recorded by the observation equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S3, the preset speed is either a linear constant speed or a nonlinear variable speed.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: 1. The sidewall of the support base of the present invention adopts an arc-shaped curved surface structure design. Combined with the extension and retraction movement of the elastic film along the arc-shaped curved surface sidewall, the elastic film deforms under the curved surface boundary conditions, effectively eliminating the boundary effect of traditional plate experiments and truly reproducing the isotropic stress field under the background of global curvature.

[0017] 2. The support and guiding structure of the present invention takes the guide column as the core, and the middle moving layer slides along the axial direction of the guide column, which has a self-centering function. With the symmetrical arrangement of the power source, it effectively avoids the problem of uneven force caused by off-center loading. Each component adopts standardized mechanical connection, and the experimental parameters can be accurately recorded and reproduced, ensuring the high repeatability and comparability of the experimental results, and meeting the requirements of scientific research for the reliability of experimental data.

[0018] 3. This invention utilizes the self-centering function of the intermediate moving layer and the uniformly distributed transmission connectors on the periphery to form an umbrella-shaped traction structure, which uniformly decomposes the linear driving force in a single vertical direction into radial tension acting on the periphery of the elastic film, ensuring that the elastic film is subjected to consistent force in all directions and symmetrical in direction, thereby forming an isotropic uniform tension field on the surface of the elastic film, accurately simulating the essential characteristic of isotropic stress field during global contraction.

[0019] 4. This invention uses a stepper motor or servo motor as a power source. By precisely controlling the traction force, it achieves digital control of the elastic film's shrinkage magnitude (strain) and shrinkage rate (strain rate). It can simulate the planetary contraction process under different thermal evolution histories, such as linear uniform cooling or nonlinear variable speed cooling, providing an experimental means for comparative research on the influence of different cooling rates on the formation of structural features. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure described in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure described in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3A schematic flowchart illustrating the physical simulation method for planetary global contraction structure as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Guide column; 3. Support seat; 4. Elastic membrane; 41. Force connection point; 5. Intermediate moving layer; 5. Upper hanging point; 51. Lower hanging point; 52. Transmission connector; 6. Reversing assembly; 7. Flexible traction component; 8. Power source; 9. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure, including a support and guidance structure, an elastic membrane, an isotropic force application mechanism, a drive mechanism, and observation equipment.

[0028] The support and guide structure includes a base 1, a guide column 2, and a support seat 3. The bottom end of the guide column 2 is fixedly connected to the base 1, and the top end of the guide column 2 is fixedly connected to the support seat 3. The base 1 is a circular base plate. The guide column 2 is a cylindrical column. The support seat 3 has a frustum-shaped or spherical crown-shaped structure. The diameter of the top surface of the support seat 3 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface, and the sidewalls of the support seat 3 are machined into smooth, convex arc-shaped surfaces.

[0029] An elastic membrane 4 covers the upper surface of the support 3, representing the Earth's crust or lithosphere. The elastic membrane 4 is made of rubber elastic cloth or silicone elastic cloth. The overall shape of the elastic membrane 4 is circular.

[0030] The elastic film 4 has uniformly distributed stress connection points 41 around its edges. The stress connection points 41 can be metal eyelets (i.e., cornices) to prevent the edges of the elastic film 4 from being stretched and torn.

[0031] The isotropic force-applying mechanism includes an intermediate moving layer 5 and a transmission connector 6. The intermediate moving layer 5 is made of a circular plate, and a through hole with a diameter slightly larger than that of the guide column 2 is opened in the central area of ​​the intermediate moving layer 5. The intermediate moving layer 5 is fitted onto the guide column 2 and can slide up and down along the guide column 2. Upper hanging points 51 are evenly distributed along the perimeter of the top surface of the intermediate moving layer 5. One end of the transmission connector 6 is connected to the upper hanging point 51, and the other end of the transmission connector 6 is connected to the force-bearing connection point 41 of the elastic diaphragm 4. Lower hanging points 52 are evenly distributed along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the intermediate moving layer 5 for connecting to the drive mechanism. The upper hanging points 51 and lower hanging points 52 can be seated lifting rings. The transmission connector 6 uses an S-shaped metal hook, preferably a stainless steel hook. The intermediate moving layer 5 and the transmission connectors 6 evenly distributed around the periphery form an umbrella-shaped traction structure, which uniformly decomposes the linear driving force in a single vertical direction into radial tension acting on the periphery of the elastic film 4, ensuring that the elastic film 4 is subjected to consistent force in all directions and symmetrical in direction, thereby forming an isotropic uniform tension field on the surface of the elastic film, accurately simulating the essential characteristic of isotropic stress field during global contraction.

[0032] The drive mechanism includes a reversing assembly 7, a flexible traction component 8, and a power source 9. There are two reversing assemblies 7, two flexible traction components 8, and two power sources 9, all symmetrically distributed around the guide column. The reversing assembly 7 is mounted on the base 1. One end of the flexible traction component 8 is connected to the power source 9, and the other end of the flexible traction component 8, guided by the reversing assembly 7, extends vertically upward and connects to the lower hanging point 52 of the intermediate moving layer 5. The reversing assembly 7 is a fixed pulley. The flexible traction component 8 is a steel wire rope. The power source 9 uses a stepper motor or a servo motor to achieve precise control of the traction force.

[0033] The observation equipment (not shown in the figure) is used to record the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation, or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic thin film 4 surface. The observation equipment employs a high-speed camera or a full-field strain measurement system (Digital Image Correlation, DIC).

[0034] Since the support and guiding structure is centered on the guide column 2 and the intermediate moving layer 5 slides along the axis of the guide column 2, it has a self-centering function. Combined with the symmetrically arranged power source 9, it effectively avoids the problem of uneven force caused by off-center loading. Each component adopts standardized mechanical connection, and the experimental parameters can be accurately recorded and reproduced, ensuring the high repeatability and comparability of the experimental results and meeting the requirements of scientific research for the reliability of experimental data.

[0035] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the base 1 has a diameter of 40cm and a thickness of 4.1cm. The guide column 2 has a diameter of 6cm and a height of 50cm. The support base 3 has a top diameter of 29cm and a bottom diameter of 31cm. The elastic membrane 4 has a diameter of 40cm and a thickness of 1mm. There are 20 upper hanging points 51, using M5 specification 304 stainless steel lifting rings with seats. There are 2 lower hanging points 52, and each lower hanging point 52 uses two M6 specification 304 stainless steel lifting rings with seats. There are 20 transmission connecting parts 6, using M4 specification stainless steel hooks. There are two steel wire ropes, each steel wire rope passing through a fixed pulley to form a loop that engages with two corresponding 304 stainless steel lifting rings with seats.

[0036] This invention provides a method for simulating the global contraction structure of a planet using the aforementioned physical simulation apparatus. Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following steps: S1: Cover the upper surface of the support base with an elastic film, and connect the force connection points around the elastic film to the middle moving layer through the transmission connector to ensure that the elastic film is in a natural relaxed state or a slightly tense state.

[0037] The elastic membrane is placed over the upper surface of the support base. Twenty perforated metal rings along the edge of the elastic membrane are connected one-to-one with the 20 stainless steel hanging rings of the intermediate moving layer using S-shaped metal hooks. During connection, ensure the elastic membrane is in a naturally relaxed or slightly tense state, and that the center of the elastic membrane is well aligned with the center of the support base. If simulating a brittle crustal layer is required, a simulated material (such as gypsum slurry or a layer of quartz sand) can be sprayed or laid on the surface of the elastic membrane at this stage, and allowed to stand until the initial strength is achieved.

[0038] S2: Start the power source to rotate forward. By applying traction force to the flexible traction component, the intermediate moving layer moves downward along the guide column. The intermediate moving layer pulls the elastic film downward along the arc-shaped side wall of the support seat through the transmission connector, so that the elastic film generates isotropic uniform tensile stress on the upper surface of the support seat.

[0039] Two stepper motors are activated and move synchronously outward around the guide column, pulling the steel wire rope. After the steel wire rope reverses direction via a pulley, it applies a downward traction force to the intermediate moving layer, pulling it smoothly downward along the guide column. The intermediate moving layer, through an umbrella-shaped traction structure, causes the elastic membrane to extend downward along the curved sidewall of the support base. Due to the frustum-shaped or spherical shape of the support base, the elastic membrane experiences a uniformly distributed tangential tension on the support base surface, resulting in isotropic uniform tensile stress. Loading continues until the elastic membrane reaches the preset stretch amount. At this point, the elastic membrane stores elastic potential energy, thus simulating the initial stress state before planetary expansion.

[0040] S3: When the elastic film reaches the preset stretch amount, the power source is controlled to reverse and the traction force is released in the opposite direction at the preset rate, so that the middle moving layer is reset upward under the action of the elastic film's rebound force, and the elastic film retracts to the center by its own elastic potential energy; at the same time, the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic film surface are recorded by the observation equipment.

[0041] Once the elastic membrane reaches the preset stretching state, two stepper motors are controlled to retract synchronously inward around the guide column at a preset rate. At this time, the downward traction force applied to the intermediate moving layer is gradually released, and the elastic membrane retracts towards the center using its stored elastic potential energy, driving the intermediate moving layer to reset upward along the guide column. The elastic membrane retracts uniformly along the curved surface of the support, physically replicating the isotropic contraction environment under global cooling conditions.

[0042] The preset rate can be set according to experimental requirements, including linear uniform release (simulating uniform contraction under constant cooling rate) or nonlinear variable release (simulating non-uniform contraction under variable cooling rate), to simulate the planetary cooling and contraction process under different thermal evolution histories. By precisely controlling the displacement-time curve of the retraction, the structural response characteristics under different strain rate conditions can be obtained.

[0043] During the retraction of the elastic membrane, observation equipment is used to monitor and record the deformation of the elastic membrane surface in real time. If a brittle coating is pre-applied to the surface of the elastic membrane when a preset stretching amount is reached, the brittle coating will produce structural deformation textures such as reverse faults, folds, or fractures under uniform shrinkage. By analyzing the geometric morphology, development sequence, and spatial distribution of these structural features, the stress field evolution characteristics during global shrinkage can be inverted, providing physical experimental evidence for planetary geological research.

[0044] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this invention disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0045] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structures, characterized in that, include: The support and guide structure includes a base, a guide column vertically fixed to the center of the base, and a support seat fixed to the top of the guide column; the side wall of the support seat is a smoothly transitioning arc-shaped surface. An elastic membrane covers the support base, and the periphery of the elastic membrane has evenly distributed force connection points. An isotropic force-applying mechanism includes an intermediate moving layer sleeved on a guide column and sliding along the axial direction of the guide column, and a transmission connector connecting the force-bearing connection point of the intermediate moving layer and the elastic membrane. The drive mechanism includes a reversing component, a flexible traction component, and a power source symmetrically arranged with the guide column as the axis of symmetry, all mounted on the base. One end of the flexible traction component is connected to the power source, and the other end of the flexible traction component is connected to the intermediate moving layer after being guided by the reversing component. Observation equipment used to record the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation, or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic film surface.

2. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support base has a frustum-shaped or spherical crown-shaped structure. The diameter of the top surface of the support base is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface, and the side walls are smooth, convex arc surfaces.

3. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate moving layer is a circular plate with a central opening. Its top and bottom surfaces are provided with evenly distributed upper and lower hanging points along the perimeter. The two ends of the transmission connector are connected to the force-bearing connection point of the elastic diaphragm and the upper hanging point of the intermediate moving layer, forming an umbrella-shaped traction structure. The flexible traction component is connected to the lower hanging point of the intermediate moving layer.

4. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic membrane is made of rubber or silicone material, and the stress connection point is a metal ring with holes around the periphery of the elastic membrane.

5. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission connector is an S-shaped metal hook.

6. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power source is a stepper motor or a servo motor.

7. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reversing assembly is a fixed pulley.

8. The physical simulation device for planetary global contraction structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible traction component is a steel wire rope.

9. A method for physical simulation of planetary global contraction tectonics, implemented using the physical simulation apparatus for planetary global contraction tectonics as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Cover the upper surface of the support base with an elastic film, and connect the force connection points around the elastic film to the middle moving layer through the transmission connector to ensure that the elastic film is in a natural relaxed state or a slightly tense state. S2: Start the power source to rotate forward. By applying traction force to the flexible traction component, the middle moving layer moves downward along the guide column. The middle moving layer pulls the elastic film downward along the arc-shaped curved side wall of the support seat through the transmission connector, so that the elastic film generates isotropic uniform tensile stress on the upper surface of the support seat. S3: When the elastic film reaches the preset stretch amount, the power source is controlled to reverse and the traction force is released in the opposite direction at the preset rate, so that the middle moving layer is reset upward under the action of the elastic film's rebound force, and the elastic film retracts to the center by its own elastic potential energy; at the same time, the strain characteristics, wrinkle formation or fracture structure deformation texture of the elastic film surface are recorded by the observation equipment.

10. The physical simulation method for planetary global contraction tectonics according to claim 9, characterized in that, In step S3, the preset speed is either a linear constant speed or a nonlinear variable speed.

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