title: Finite width of shear zones.
abstract: We present some experimental and numerical results based on a simple model designed to give an estimate for the width of a shear zone. We conclude that the observed finite size of the shear zone can be associated with the propagation of the force lines inside the medium. The model, based on a simple argument on the force distribution and dilatancy, predicts a width of about ten grain diameters.
authors.affiliation: PMMH-ESPCI, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Francois
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lacombe
authors.forename: Hans J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Herrmann