Abelian threshold models and forced weakening

Abstract

Mean field slider block models have provided an important entry point for understanding the behavior of discrete driven threshold systems. We present a method of constructing these models with an arbitrary frictional weakening function. This `forced weakening' method unifies several existing approaches, and multiplies the range of possible weakening laws. Forced weakening also results in Abelian rupture propagation, so that an avalanche size depends only on the initial stress distribution. We demonstrate how this may be used to accurately predict the long-time event statistics of a simulation.