Finite Element Modeling of Microstresses

Finite Element Modeling (FEM) is a powerful engineering tool that is used to predict mechanical and thermal behavior of materials at a wide range of scales. Pamela has used FEM to model sample assembly parts and the mechanical behavior of fluid inclusions in minerals.

Fluid Inclusion Studies

Inclusions within mineral grains are nearly ubiquitous in rocks of all types. Whether they are crystalline, glass, fluid, or gas, inclusions contain information about either the environment of formation of the host mineral grain or in the case of secondary fluid inclusions, conditions since the mineral grain was formed. If the temperature or pressure changes after the inclusion-host system forms, differences in thermal expansion or compressibility between the two will create differential stresses in the host and may cause it to permanently deform. In many situations, understanding the mechanics of the inclusion-host system is helpful for interpreting measurements made on the inclusion.

For the fluid inclusion experiments shown below, Pamela, working with Christian Schmidt, used a hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell (HDAC).

To measure the volume change of fluid inclusions in response to changes in internal pressure, we used MSC. MARC/Mentat, to create and analyze two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of fluid inclusions. All 3D model shapes have orthogonal symmetry.


We were able to match the observed expansions with models whose shape and aspect ratios are the same as those observed for the inclusion.


This inclusion is "u"-shaped. However, we are able to fit it with a cigar-shaped inclusion. This is because the channels are not close enough to interact.


This is the largest inclusion, it requires a slightly thicker inclusion to obtain a good fit, however this thickness is not unreasonable.

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This is the result we obtained - the stress concentrated at the corners of the inclusion and the biggest stress concentrations in the long direction around the corners from which the cracks in the real inclusion radiated. We also used FEM to look at the stresses that cause fluid inclusions to decrepitate when they are heated. We made a 2D model of a fluid inclusion.