Finite element models of folding

Abstract The finite element method presents numerous advantages in the modelling of geological deformations. The incompressibility condition must be taken into account. Examples of axisymmetric phenomena in which body forces dominate (salt domes) and of planestrain phenomena in which surface forces dominate show that high viscosity materials bend in beam-like fashion while low viscosity materials undergo longitudinal flow. A non linear viscosity further concentrates the strains where they were already largest. Some laminated structures show chevron-like folds, a behavior not easily predictable by other methods.