Raw Data: Nucleation of frictional sliding by coalescence of microslip

Abstract

The numerical simulations model the nucleation process of sliding along a frictional interface governed by a linear slip-weakening friction law. The interface is characterized by a (deterministic or stochastic) heterogeneous strength profile. A uniform load is applied and slowly increased until global sliding occurs. The nucleation process occurs through the growth of localized slip patches, which coalesce and eventually lead to a critical nucleation patch propagating dynamically across the entire interface. The characteristic length scale of the strength profile is varied.