Petrology Lunch - Advancing High-Pressure Rock Deformation Measurements with Piezoelectric Stress Sensing: A New Method for Mantle Condition Simulations - Jonathan Dolinschi

We are pleased to announce a Petrology Lunch with Jonathan Dolinschi on the topic of: Advancing High-Pressure Rock Deformation Measurements with Piezoelectric Stress Sensing - A New Method for Mantle Condition Simulations.

Abstract:

Understanding the flow properties of rocks deep in the Earth is essential to studying how tectonic plates move and how the Earth’s mantle behaves. Traditional experiments can only measure these properties under pressures up to 2 GPa, but Earth's mantle conditions are much higher. Large volume presses (LVPs) can generate these pressures, but their current measurement methods have high uncertainty and require specialized facilities.

This project introduces a new approach to measure stress in high-pressure experiments using piezoelectric crystals—materials that generate an electric charge under force. By embedding a piezoelectric disk within the press, we can directly measure the applied force and, therefore, the stress. This approach is more accurate than traditional X-ray methods, allowing measurements down to very low stress levels with fewer limitations.

After testing various crystals, the material CTGS was chosen for its stability under high temperatures and pressures and for avoiding issues, like electrical interference, that affect other crystals. The method was validated through deformation tests on common mantle minerals, such as olivine, showing consistent results with X-ray measurements but with much greater sensitivity.

This novel technique enables more precise and accessible measurements in high-pressure experiments, which could expand our understanding of how rocks deform under mantle-like conditions without the need for synchrotron facilities.

For Zoom link:

Meeting ID: 925 6504 5675

Passcode: 171682