Rock True-Triaxial Testing System with CT Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock true-triaxial testing systems face issues with insufficient rigidity, line entanglement, and radiation obstruction, which affect imaging quality and the accuracy of stress-strain curves during high-pressure rock tests.
Innovation Solution
A rock true-triaxial testing system incorporating a high-energy accelerator-based CT scanning system that rotates around a cubic rock sample, using piston extension rods and guide frames to maintain device alignment and reduce radiation attenuation, and loading pads made of low-density alloys to enhance rigidity and imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon fiber is used to make the true-triaxial host frame and components in the scanning area, then CT radiation attenuation is reduced, but the rigidity of the frame becomes insufficient causing great deformation under high loading force
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into multiple segments: a steel main frame providing overall rigidity, and localized carbon fiber components (loading pads, guide frames) in the scanning area that minimize radiation attenuation. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different locations: steel is used for the main frame structure where high strength and rigidity are needed, while carbon fiber is used locally for loading pads and guide frames where low radiation attenuation is critical. This local quality approach optimizes both structural integrity and imaging quality.
2Loss of information
If the CT scanning system rotates 360 degrees around the rock sample, then complete internal structure imaging is achieved, but grouting lines, hydraulic lines, and signal lines become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The line management system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial organization. Lines are routed vertically through guide frames and collected at the top, utilizing the vertical dimension to prevent entanglement during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide frames act as intermediary structures that organize and constrain the movement of hydraulic lines, grouting lines, and signal lines. These frames serve as mediators between the rotating CT system and the stationary line supply, preventing direct entanglement.
3Measurement precision
If rock samples are tested under high loading force to reach peak strength, then complete stress-strain curve acquisition is possible, but the carbon fiber frame deforms greatly and accumulates elastic potential energy that damages the rock sample
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is segmented into a rigid steel main frame for structural stability and localized carbon fiber loading pads for low attenuation. This allows the steel frame to bear high loads reliably while carbon fiber components remain in the scanning area for imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining steel and carbon fiber materials. The steel main frame provides high strength and rigidity for reliable high-loading tests, while carbon fiber loading pads and guide frames minimize radiation attenuation in the scanning area, achieving both measurement precision and frame reliability.
4Stress or pressure
If reaction frame and stress actuators surround the rock sample, then true-triaxial stress loading is achieved, but severe radiation attenuation occurs causing failure to image or extremely poor imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon fiber loading pads and guide frames are strategically placed in the scanning area where low radiation attenuation is critical, while the main frame structure uses steel for providing true-triaxial stress loading capability. This local quality differentiation optimizes both loading performance and imaging quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures clear imaging, reduces radiation obstruction, and prevents line entanglement, allowing for accurate stress-strain curve acquisition and improved testing efficiency under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a high-energy accelerator-based CT scanning system located inside the true-triaxial loading system and comprising a radiation source configured to emit an X-ray
Implementation Method 2
a piston extension rod configured to push the loading pad against the cubic rock sample
Data Source
AI summary
A rock true-triaxial testing system based on computerized tomography (CT) scanning aims to solve problems in the prior art, that is, the rigidity of the frame in the testing system is insufficient; high-pressure lines, wires, and signal lines are entangled when rotating; and the reaction frame and loading actuators obstruct the ray. The rock true-triaxial testing system includes a true-triaxial loading system and a high-energy accelerator-based CT scanning system, where the high-energy accelerator-based CT scanning system is located inside the true-triaxial loading system, and the high-energy accelerator-based CT scanning system is configured to image an internal structure of a cubic rock sample and continuously apply a stress to the cubic rock sample through a plurality of piston extension rods in the true-triaxial loading system. The rock true-triaxial testing system reduces radiation attenuation, and ensures imaging quality and a stable and smooth loading process.