ROCK BREAKAGE BY LIGHT-GAS GUN PROJECTILES

The report discusses hypervelocity impact on rock targets using a light-gas gun with Zelux projectiles (solid and water-filled). The specific energies for rock breakage range from 120 to 260 joules/cc (1,400 to 3,200 ft-lb/cu in.) for Indiana limestone, and from 80 to 120 joules/cc (900 to 1,500 ft-lb/cu in.) for Milford Pink granite. Rock descriptions and strength properties are included. Previous work on basalt by Gault (NASA) and Moore (USGS) is included. The specific energies compared to specific energies incurred by other potential drilling techniques indicates that high velocity solid impact is a potential method to increase drilling rates. A potential method is developed to calculate hydrodynamic crater volumes for given impact energies. The general problem is outlined whereby the strong shocks generating the hydrodynamic crater can be extended to include spall and fracture effects. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  IIT Research Institute

  10 West 35th Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Authors:
  • Gregson, VGJ
  • Singh, M M
• Publication Date: 1969-1-22

Media Info

• Pagination: 129 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Excavating equipment; Intelligent transportation systems; Mining; Tunnels
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039144
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: IITRI-D600-FR-06 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-3-0171
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM