Experimental study on artificially induced crack patterns and their consequences on mechanical excavation processes

This paper discusses the influence of pre-conditioning by microwave irradiation of granite on crack formation and subsequent mechanical cutting of granite with UCS of 210 MPa and CAI of 4.2. With the help of micro- and macroscopic analyses (CT-scans, linear cutting test rig) it will be shown how high-power microwave irradiation with 24 kW influences the structure of the rock and leads to local damage directly in the area of the beam and to...