Micro-deformation of quartz under the dynamic action and its applications

Abstract

Laboratory-controlled shock experiments on samples from two types of granite were carried out by use of a series of high explosive lenses differing in peak pressures. Microdeformation features (e.g., Micro-fractures, shock lamellae and changes in refractive index (No) in ordinary light) were observed under the petrographic microscope for quartz selected from the shocked granite samples. According to our observations, we have related the microdeformation of quartz with peak pressures. Similar studies of the micro-deformation of quartz was also performed from the granite medium in which underground nuclear explosion had been carried out. By comparing the deformation features of quartz subjected to nuclear-explosion-induced shock with those mentioned above, we have deduced the stress distribution in the free-field in the underground-nuclear-explosion medium. Based upon the above results, together with some other data, damaged zones in the free-field in respect to this underground nuclear explosion can be distinguished in terms of micro-deformation features.