Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2021) 136: 830
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01825-x

Regular Article

Integrated model for planet stress–strain state development: main hypotheses for planet solid crust formation and growth

N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia

^a rob-turusov@yandex.ru

Received: 12 July 2021
Accepted: 31 July 2021
Published online: 12 August 2021

Abstract

In contrast to the generally accepted lithospheric plate movement theory, some other mechanisms for planet development are suggested in this paper. This paper suggests an initial integrated dynamic mechanical model, first in terms of the growth of an originally liquid-body planet, and then as applied to planet’s solid crust growth using the Earth as an example. The model concept is based on three generally accepted facts in evidence, namely: (1) the Earth’s crust thickness is about 70 to 80 km under the continents, while being considerably thinner—about 2 to 4 km—under the ocean; (2) there are long-length mid-ocean mountain ranges under the ocean; (3) the youngest crust lies under the ocean mountain ranges. The fourth fundamental point is the front-growing liquid/solid body mechanics as addressed by the author. It is supposed that once upon a time the Earth was liquid. The mass of the planet was equal to the present one. Under gravity, its growth resulted in appearance of high pressures. Of great importance was the atom behavior under high pressures. On a liquid planet, there was a possibility of appearance of various substances. Then the solid crust began to grow. Under gravity, the solid crust growth process can only originate from a substance when the solid-state density of the substance is less than its liquid-state one. Development of the solid crust’s strain–stress state results from changes in the substance density at the crust’s growth front. A distinctive feature of the front-growing body mechanics is the necessity of setting the strain tensor at the front. Here, as a first step, the growing crust effect on the planet’s stress–strain state kinetics is demonstrated, considering that the stress–strain state results in a decrease in the subcrust pressure, which would inevitably lead to an increase in the planet volume, followed by breakage of the newly formed crust. The second part of the paper addresses the stress–strain state kinetics of the growing crust in interaction with the gravity. Results of mathematical simulation confirm the validity of the original hypotheses put forward by the author. It should be noted that the author considers the suggested model of planet development, where the planet crust began to form, as an intermediate model. It is a planet formed by hydrogen atoms at zero temperature that should be assumed to be an initial model. However, this would inevitably bring about the question of the temperature and planet expansion. These questions will be addressed in a separate study to be performed by the author.