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Fractal geometry and fracture of rock

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Abstract

The irregular and rough profile of fracture surfaces of rock can be regarded as having self-similarity statistically. The authors apply a new geometry—fractal geometry to describe this irregularity. Fractal models of the transgranular fracture and the combined intergranular and transgranular fracture are established. The fractal character of fracture surface of rock is examined by electron scanning and optical fractographic analyses. Finally, the relation between fractal dimension and macromechanics quantities of rock fracture is obtained.

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Heping, X., Zhida, C. Fractal geometry and fracture of rock. Acta Mech Sinica 4, 255–264 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02486657

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02486657

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