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ZENODO
Doctoral thesis . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Thesis . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Thesis . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Fracture mechanics in diamond-hosted inclusion systems: Numerical modelling for geobarometric applications

Authors: Alvaro, Matteo; Reali, Alessandro;

Fracture mechanics in diamond-hosted inclusion systems: Numerical modelling for geobarometric applications

Abstract

Minerals trapped inside diamonds during their formation deep within the Earth preserve high residual pressures — a natural record of their entrapment conditions. Accurately decoding these pressures is fundamental to geobarometry, the science of estimating the depth and conditions of rock formation. However, a persistent discrepancy exists: numerical models consistently overestimate residual pressures compared to natural observations. This thesis investigates fracture mechanisms as a key pressure-release pathway, combining two advanced computational frameworks: XFEM (Extended Finite Element Method) — simulating brittle fracture propagation Phase-Field Modeling (PFM) — capturing complex brittle and quasi-brittle fracture behaviour in 3D Results reveal that while fractures significantly influence pressure relaxation, they alone cannot fully reconcile models with nature. Key findings highlight the role of inclusion geometry, fracture coalescence in multi-inclusion systems, and quasi-brittle behaviour in enhancing relaxation. These findings point toward additional mechanisms — fluid-mediated weakening, viscous deformation, and pre-existing defects — as critical missing links, directly motivating ongoing research into hydro-mechanical modelling of these systems.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average