Rock Dynamic Splitting Influenced by Weak Interfaces: Insights from Crack Propagation

This thesis presents the experimental and theoretical investigations of rock dynamic splitting containing weak interfaces in the aim of understanding the failure mechanism of inhomogeneous rock. Two processes, a dynamically propagating crack interaction with a pre-existing weak bedding or grain/inclusion boundary and the local splitting around a grain/inclusion induced by dynamic tension, are respectively studied from the perspective of crack propagation in this interface-containing rock structure. This research reveals the intrinsic mechanism of heterogeneous rock fracturing under dynamic tension, with broad applications to rock blasting, fault zone pulverisation, and rock mass failure under dynamic loading.