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On the Role of Laser Pulses on Spallation of Granite

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Abstract

Laser spallation is one of the thermal methods under study as an alternative to mechanical drilling mainly due to high power capabilities and non-contact nature. Spallation has been attributed to stress generated on the rock due to large temperature gradient and thermal expansion of the rock. It is necessary to determine the effect of pulsing of the laser as well as convective cooling on spallation, in a bid to increase the efficiency of laser spallation. In this paper, analysis of thermal stresses during pulsed laser spallation of granite is carried out. The effect of convective cooling at the end of the heating period on stress and crack propagation is also examined. A two dimensional finite element model is developed. It is observed that on cooling, tensile stresses generated during heating are inverted to compressive stresses, increasing the rate of spallation. Results also indicate that residual stresses on the rock due to pulsing are much higher. Finally, increased rate of crack propagation is observed when the rock is subjected to sudden cooling.

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Acknowledgements

This research is funded through the Mobility to Enhance Training of Engineering Graduates in Africa (METEGA) program and conducted at the University of Botswana.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0061, Gaborone, Botswana

    Rehema Ndeda, Sebusang E. M. Sebusang & Rapelang Marumo

  2. Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya

    Erich O. Ogur

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  1. Rehema Ndeda
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  2. Sebusang E. M. Sebusang
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Correspondence to Rehema Ndeda.

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Ndeda, R., Sebusang, S.E.M., Marumo, R. et al. On the Role of Laser Pulses on Spallation of Granite. Lasers Manuf. Mater. Process. 4, 60–75 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40516-017-0037-z

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