Abstract
To understand how an extremely low-density atmosphere could affect the fracture strength, fracture mode, and strain energy capacity of basalt rock, small cylindrical specimens of the rock were tested in compression in an ultra-high-vacuum environment (10−8 to 10−9 torr). Four groups of specimens were tested in the program: (1) specimens tested in air, (2) specimens subjected to bakeout and tested in air, (3) specimens subjected to bakeout and tested in moderate vacuum, and (4) specimens subjected to bakeout and tested in ultra-high vacuum. The mode of failure was found to be independent of the level of vacuum. Ultimate strength and strain energy capacity were increased significantly by the bakeout process, and both properties were also increased when testing took place in the ultra-high-vacuum environment. All indications are that a stress corrosion mechanism, involving water vapor, is responsible for the lower strength of the specimens tested under normal atmospheric conditions.
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