Numerical simulation of the influence of normal stress on sub-instability synergy of strike-slip faults

DAI Shuhong; SUN Zhaoyang

doi:10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025022

Volume 32 Issue 2

Apr. 2026

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DAI S H，SUN Z Y，2026. Numerical simulation of the influence of normal stress on sub-instability synergy of strike-slip faults[J]. Journal of Geomechanics，32（2）：1−13 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025022

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Numerical simulation of the influence of normal stress on sub-instability synergy of strike-slip faults

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025022

DAI Shuhong^,,
SUN Zhaoyang

School of Mechanics and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin 123000, Liaoning, China

Funds: This research is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China ( （Grant No.U1839211)）

More Information

Received: 2025-03-06
Revised: 2025-09-08
Accepted: 2025-09-08

Available Online: 2025-09-08

Published: 2026-04-28

Abstract

Abstract

Objective In order to reveal the synergy law of strike-slip faults under different normal stresses, this study systematically investigates the instability process of strike-slip faults through numerical simulation methods. Methods A numerical model of a strip-slip fault (elastic modulus 22.3 GPa, Poisson's ratio 0.25) is established using FLAC3D software and a frictional-hardening and frictional-softening model. Six normal stress schemes (0.1–3.5 MPa) are set, with a constant loading rate of 0.5 mm/min for all schemes. By comparing the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the shear strain field of strike-slip faults under different normal stress conditions, the influence of normal stress on the evolution of the shear strain field and fault displacement is discussed. Based on changes in the shear strain field and fault displacement, the degree of synergy is quantitatively determined. Results Under the same conditions, the normal strain perpendicular to the fault direction decreases with increasing time steps, while the shear strain parallel to the fault direction exhibits similar evolution patterns at different monitoring points, albeit with different mean values. The mean shear strain at monitoring point 1 is negative, that at monitoring point 11 is positive, and the mean values at monitoring points 2 to 10 tend to zero (monitoring points indicate locations where changes are observed). In the sub-instability stage, as fault stress accumulates to the critical point, the shear strain in weak areas increases significantly first. The concentrated shear strain area gradually expands and connects, eventually forming a continuous shear strain connection area. Normal stress is positively correlated with both coseismic displacement and shear strain, and the change in shear strain energy density is also positively correlated with stress. Normal stress has an important influence on displacement in the sub-unstable stage. As normal stress increases, the synergy coefficient gradually decreases, while the degree of synergy increases. In the sub-instability stage, the synergy coefficient shows a significant downward trend. Conclusions Normal stress significantly affects the degree of synergy in the sub-instability stage of strike-slip faults by regulating the spatial distribution and release process of shear strain energy. An increase in normal stress leads to an increase in co-seismic displacement and an accumulation of shear strain energy, which effectively improves the degree of fault synergy. The synergy coefficient can be used as a key indicator to quantify the degree of synergy before fault instability and has application value in identifying the sub-instability state of faults. [ Significance ] This study clarifies the positive correlation between normal stress and the degree of synergy of strike-slip faults, providing an important scientific basis for earthquake prediction, as well as fordisaster prevention and mitigation.
- sub-instability,
- synergy,
- normal stress,
- strike-slip fault,
- numerical simulation

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