Experimental Rock Deformation Lab

Dr. Gleason uses the solid/liquid media piston-cylinder rock deformation apparatus, more commonly know as the Griggs Rig, to investigate the strength of rocks as they are deformed.  This apparatus can subject rock samples to conditions similar to those found in the mid to lower continental crust, where rocks will flow ductily.
The apparatus was originally designed by Dr. David Griggs at the University of California at Los Angeles.
The rig in Dr. Gleason's lab is one of the originals made at UCLA. 

Initially the confining media were soft solids like talc, glass, pyrophyllite, or salt.  Now days mixtures of salts can be used which will melt at the experimental conditions needed, creating a liquid confining medium.  A liquid medium improves the resolution of the measurement of the rock strength.  

Refurbishing of the rig is complete.  Much thanks goes to students Jim Christopher, Elizabeth Hensel, Jason Newton, Carolina O'Connor, and Jon Zabron for lending a hand!

Grigg's Rig Frame draining oil to remove pressure chamber and ram	Grigg's Rig frame without the pressure chamber
Pressure Chamber and Pressure Ram on bench for O-ring replacement	Testing the motor wiring
Control panels: Motor and Alarms on top, Temperature (by N. Humeny) on bottom	Back of Motor and Alarms panel. Schematics
Lab sink and slow-speed saw	Drying oven for salt assembly pieces
The rig back together. Just need to calibrate a few things...	Lab drill press and arbor press

Research Interests:

• Experimental studies of the rheology of geologic materials
• Deformation mechanisms in the continental crust
• Crystallographic preferred orientation patterns
• Faults and fractures in New York State
• Deformation mechanisms in partially molten rock and their mechanical behavior
• Interaction of metamorphism and deformation

Student Research:

Junior and senior students interested in conducting research are encouraged to seek out a professor to mentor them.  
Students interested in learning more about how rocks deform, the structures rocks make, and the ramifications of geologic
structures on other aspects of geology can work with Dr. Gleason.  Students may earn credit while conducting research
resulting in a presentation at the campus-wide Scholar's Day or even a presentation at a professional meeting away from
campus.  On occassion, the research is incorporated into a professional publication. 

Page Created: April, 2009; Last modified: May, 2009

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