Physical and simulation modelling of solid media fracturing by means of explosive charges of different cross-sectional shapes

Purpose is to evaluate experimentally and theoretically a mechanism of solid media fracturing by means of explosive charges varying in their cross-sectional shapes. Methods. The Mohr-Coulomb strength condition has been applied to describe rock transition to the disturbed state. The condition has become a basis to develop a mathematical model of explosion ( i.e. shock and detonation wave) of the concentrated borehole charges. The simulation explosion was modelled while adequate load applying at the points belonging to the outline of both cylindrical charge and at the charging angles in the shapes of triangular and square prisms. The evaluation mechanism of solid media fracturing by means of explosive charges, varying in their shapes, used the models made of optically active materials. A method of high-speed photorecording of the process was involved; the method was combined with the photoelastic technique of stress analysis. Findings. Taking into consideration rock transition to the disturbed state, the Mohr-Coulomb strength condition was applied with the possibility to simulate failures resulting from shear as well as from separation according to the developed mathematical model. The calculation results have helped identify distribution of a geomechanical parameter (Q) at different time points (time iterations). Dependencies of changes in the maximum component of the main stress tensor sigma(1) /gamma H along the axis passing through the charge centres perpendicularly to its flat surface for different time iterations have been developed. It has been defined that the maximal stresses are concentrated on the top of both triangular and square prisms helping shape a denser crack network within the zones. Originality. It has been identified that at the initial explosion stage, the maximum values of the main stress tensor component sigma 1 /gamma H along the axis passing through the charge centre perpendicularly to its flat surface, experience certain change depending upon a power law with the increasing distance to the charge outline. At the same time, if the charge is of a square prism shape then time iteration being i = 5 makes the main stress decrease according to a linear dependence. Practical implications. The research may be used as the basis for the development of rational parameters of the resourcesaving methods applied to separate hard complex rocks in terms of open pits where building materials are mined.