Rate-controlling processes in the brittle failure of rock
The present report is concerned with rate controlling processes in the deformation of rock above strain rates of about 10/sup 2//s. A preliminary analysis is described which assesses the importance of elastic crack deformation, crack growth and coalescence, fracture initiation and acceleration, thermal activation, and transition to plastic flow in rate dependent deformation and failure of competent rock. We conclude that several of these processes are quite important and the analysis suggests possible functional dependence of fracture initiation and failure stress on strain rate in certain strain rate regions. Some supporting experimental evidence in terms of controlled high strain-rate shock-wave experiments and dynamic tensile failure experiments on select rocks is also presented.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-04-0789
- OSTI ID:
- 7322769
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-76-0659
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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