Catalogue of radiation-induced damage of rock aggregates identified by RBSM analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a catalogue of possible radiation-induced damage of rock aggregates, which was compiled using the relevant literature and confirmed numerically. The catalogue describes two common and six specific cases of rock aggregate damage. Additionally, the catalogue is supported by a validated numerical model, which is based on Rigid-Body Spring Model. The detailed numerical analysis and the result description of all the cases shown in the catalogue are presented in this paper. The main dependencies are also discussed and the related conclusions are drawn, of which the most important are that the damage of the rock can be delayed and increased rapidly after the delay; even a small amount (1%) of a highly expansive mineral leads to a significant reduction of mechanical properties of the rock; and a partial recovery of the elastic modulus of the rocks is possible even for significantly damaged rocks. It is believed that this paper will help to predict the radiation-induced degradation of rock aggregates as well as support the future development of related analytical models.