Modeling rock fracturing in bench-blasting problems

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6940886

Kuszmaul, J S

A computational model of rock blasting is being developed to examine the blasting problems associated with in situ oil shale processing. This model, however, will also be useful as a design tool for the traditional problems in rock blasting. The model includes fundamental treatment of both shock-wave propagation and the accumulation of brittle fracture in the rock. As a result, the model accurately predicts the degree and extent of fracturing as functions of design parameters. The model has proven useful for making parametric studies and for evaluation of alternate blast designs. This paper demonstrates the use of the numerical model to simulate the fracturing induced by the detonation of a vertical explosive column near a bench. The fracturing induced by three different explosives indicate that (in the chosen geometry) the most efficient breakage is done by a column of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixture (ANFO) used with a toe charge of aluminized ANFO. There was too much unfractured rock left when ANFO was used alone; aluminized ANFO used for the entire explosive column caused excessive fracturing. A final case involves ANFO used alone to fracture a different rock type. This case points out that in a different rock type, the ANFO will not leave excessive unfractured rock.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6940886
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-1525C; CONF-870248-1; ON: DE87005534
• Resource Relation: Conference: 3. mini-symposium on explosives and blasting research, Miami, FL, USA, 5 Feb 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ROCKS
BLAST EFFECTS
OIL SHALES
SHOCK WAVES
WAVE PROPAGATION
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COMMINUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUELS
MATERIALS
450100* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
040300 - Oil Shales & Tar Sands- Drilling
Fracturing & Mining