Title:
Microcrack Network Development in Salt-Rock During Cyclic Loading at Low Confining Pressure
Microcrack Network Development in Salt-Rock During Cyclic Loading at Low Confining Pressure
Author(s)
Ding, Jihui
Chester, Frederick M.
Chester, Judith S.
Xianda, Shen
Arson, Chloé
Chester, Frederick M.
Chester, Judith S.
Xianda, Shen
Arson, Chloé
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Abstract
Triaxial compression tests of synthetic salt-rock are conducted to investigate microfracture development in a
semibrittle polycrystalline aggregate. The salt-rock is produced from uniaxial consolidation of granular halite at 150 °C. Following
consolidation, the sample is deformed by cyclic loading at room temperature and low confining pressure (Pc = 1 MPa). Load cycles
are performed within the elastic regime, up to yielding, and after successive increments of steady ductile flow. At the tested
conditions, the samples exhibit ductile behavior with slight work hardening. The microstructure at different stages of deformation
indicates that grain-boundary cracking is the dominant brittle deformation mechanism. Microcracking is influenced by the loading
configuration and the geometric relationships between neighboring grains. These microcracks display a preferred orientation
parallel to the load axis. With cyclic loading, microcracks increase in density and form linked arrays parallel to the direction of
loading. As the linked arrays lengthen, grain contacts are progressively opened, which eventually leads to loss of cohesion along
surfaces parallel to the loading direction. The observations of crack-network development in salt-rock can improve our
understanding of progressive damage and spalling at salt cavern walls.
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Date Issued
2017-06
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