Identification of trans- and intercrystalline image of the fracture surfaces of rock specimens
Abstract
One of the important aspects of the mechanism of brittle cracking is the geometry of fracture, i.e. its morphology and trans- or intercrystalline image. In the paper consideration has been given to fractures of dolomite and quartzite specimens obtained as a result of direct tensile test and brazilian test. Reconstruction of specimens was obtained by gluing. The linear stereological analysis was performed. Two groups of crystals have been identified: (1) crystals not adjacent to the fracture, (2) crystals adjacent to the fracture. It has been found in particular, that the mean intercept length of crystals in group 2 is significantly greater than the mean intercept length of crystals in group 1. Trans- or intercrystalline cracking depends not only on the type of the rock, but also on the mode of obtaining the fracture.