Development of New Features for the PyLith Finite Element Code to Enable Innovative Research In Multiple Earthquake Cycle Simulations

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY

Investigators

Abstract

Funding from this grant will support a two-year effort to develop code enhancements to the existing PyLith version 1.0 crustal dynamics modeling package. PyLith is currently maintained and supported through the NSF/EAR supported Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG) facility but this support addresses code enhancements not currently targeted by CIG for future development. Enhancements will include: 1) coupling of quasi-static and dynamic solutions to allow for complete simulation of the earthquake cycle, including the dynamic rupture process; 2) development of nonlinear solvers to enable simulation of realistic crustal material behavior (e.g., viscoelastic, elastoplastic, elasto-viscoplastic); 3) automatic computation of gravitational prestresses; and 4) development of the capability to use a spherical mesh finite element framework for modeling the dynamics of large spatial areas. The work will involve no-cost collaborations with CIG funded personnel (Matt Knepley, Argonne National Lab), the USGS (Brad Aagaard) and a Caltech Ph.D. student. The code developments will be open-source and maintained in the CIG repository.