Fractal approach in petrology: Small-angle neutron scattering experiments with volcanic rocks
Following Mandelbrot's pioneering work in 1977, we attempt to use the concept of fractal dimension in petrology. Fractal dimension is an intensive property of matter which offers a quantitative measure of the degree of surface roughness. Neutron scattering experiments have been performed on 18 volcanic rocks from different localities. The scattered intensity as a function of the momentum transfer obeys a power law whose exponent varies, for the rock samples presented, between -3 and -4. We conclude that, at the molecular level, our volcanic rocks are not fractal volumes. With regard to the particle-matrix interface, it is not possible to provide a determination at the present stage of research. Our findings suggest it is feasible to verify the degree of surface irregularity at a resolution which is relevant to many aspects of petrology.
- Research Organization:
- Istituto di Mineralogia, Petrografia e Geochimica, Universita di Palermo, via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- OSTI ID:
- 6753830
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States), Vol. 38:13
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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