Transparent Rock Specimen Laser Crack Propagation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring rock breakage during uniaxial compression tests, such as infrared testing, acoustic emission, and CT scanning, are limited in their ability to provide detailed information on internal crack propagation due to surface observation, environmental noise interference, and discontinuous testing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a uniaxial rock loading device with laser emitters and receiving plates to monitor crack propagation in transparent rock specimens composed of epoxy resin and PMMA particles, where laser light intensity data is acquired and processed to form three-dimensional diagrams of crack propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared testing is used to observe the outer surface of a specimen, then the observation of surface changes is improved, but the ability to test internal changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the rock specimen by making it transparent (using epoxy resin mixed with rock particles). This parameter change enables laser light to penetrate through the specimen, allowing internal crack propagation to be detected by measuring light intensity changes on the surface, thus resolving the contradiction between surface observation and internal change detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser light as an intermediary to detect internal crack propagation. The laser light passes through the transparent specimen and its intensity changes indicate internal crack development, serving as a mediator that bridges surface observation with internal structure monitoring
2Measurement precision
If acoustic emission testing is used to detect rock breakage, then the detection of crack events is improved, but the detail information on cracks deteriorates due to environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic emission method (mechanical wave-based) with an optical method using laser light transmission. This substitution eliminates the interference from environmental noise that affects acoustic detection, while providing detailed spatial information about crack propagation through light intensity measurements
3Loss of information
If CT scanning is used to test rock breakage, then the internal structure visualization is improved, but the continuity of monitoring deteriorates due to discontinuous testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by maintaining constant laser light transmission through the transparent specimen during the entire loading process. The system continuously records light intensity changes, providing real-time information on crack propagation without the need for intermittent scanning, thus achieving continuous temporal coverage
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
Enables continuous, non-contact monitoring of crack propagation and analysis of breakage starting points and paths within the rock specimen, providing qualitative insights into the loading process.
Implementation Method 1
laser light emitted by the laser emitter passes through the transparent rock specimen
Implementation Method 2
laser receiving plates for receiving the laser light emitted by the laser emitters
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring crack propagation of a transparent rock specimen monitors a breakage process of a specimen loading process. In the system and method for monitoring crack propagation of a transparent rock specimen, under the condition of no contact with a rock specimen, intensity changes of laser light passing through the transparent rock specimen in a loading state are determined, such that a computer (5) forms, according to laser intensity change data, a three-dimensional diagram of crack propagation of the transparent rock specimen (4) in a continuously loaded state at a plurality of set time points. This is used to analyze a breakage starting point and a crack propagation path and process of the transparent rock specimen (4) in the loading state, and achieve the purpose of qualitative analysis of the rock specimen.