# From Stress Chains to Acoustic Emission

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical approach using combined finite-discrete element methods to model stress chains and acoustic emissions in an earthquake system, enabling remote monitoring of granular layer failure.

## Contribution

It presents a novel numerical scheme to simulate stress chain dynamics and acoustic emissions in earthquake models, linking microscopic failure to observable signals.

## Key findings

- Stress chains form under shear in granular layers.
- Acoustic emissions correlate with stress chain failure.
- The model enables remote monitoring of earthquake precursors.

## Abstract

A numerical scheme using the combined finite-discrete element methods (FDEM) is employed to study a model of an earthquake system comprising a granular layer embedded in a formation. When the formation is driven so as to shear the granular layer, a system of stress chains emerges. The stress chains endow the layer with resistance to shear and on failure launch broadcasts into the formation. These broadcasts, received as acoustic emission, provide a remote monitor of the state of the granular layer, of the earthquake system.