Animations of dynamic recrystallization with the numerical modelling system Elle

The visualization of the development of microstructures during progressive deformation is a powerful tool both in geological education and in the advancement of understanding of processes. In this contribution a numerical modelling system is briefly explained. The use of this program is illustrated by two sets of numerical animations simulating the effect of dynamic recrystallization on the microstructural development of a quartzite are shown. The movies depict the changes in grain shape, grain size, dislocation density and crystallographic orientation of grains during progressive deformation. Such simulations can help to gain a better understanding of the interaction of concurrent processes on the microstructural development of a rock and vice versa. With this better understanding, microstructures observed in rocks may now be interpreted in a more quantitative way.