Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process

Rao, P; Feng, W; Ouyang, P; Cui, J; Nimbalkar, S; Chen, Q

Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process

Rao, P Feng, W Ouyang, P Cui, J Nimbalkar, S

Chen, Q

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Publisher:: IOP Publishing Ltd
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Physica Scripta, 2024, 99, (1)
Issue Date:: 2024-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Rao, P
dc.contributor.author	Feng, W
dc.contributor.author	Ouyang, P
dc.contributor.author	Cui, J
dc.contributor.author	Nimbalkar, S https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1538-3396
dc.contributor.author	Chen, Q
dc.date.accessioned	2025-03-18T00:27:29Z
dc.date.available	2025-03-18T00:27:29Z
dc.date.issued	2024-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Physica Scripta, 2024, 99, (1)
dc.identifier.issn	0031-8949
dc.identifier.issn	1402-4896
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/185945
dc.description.abstract	In the context of rock fragmentation, the application of high voltage electric pulses results in the transfer of electrical energy onto the surface of the rock material, leading to a rapid electrical breakdown and the formation of a plasma channel. The ionized plasma expands at a fast velocity, generating a shock wave that causes significant damage to the rock’s integrity. In this study, we develope a numerical model that couples electrical, thermal, and mechanical forces to simulate the formation of plasma channels within rocks due to high-voltage electric pulses. The model’s accuracy is verified through field tests, and the results indicate that the configuration of the high-voltage pulse waveform, electrode spacing, and conductor particles within the rock impact the pathway of plasma channel formation. Prior to the formation of the plasma channel, minimal changes are observed in temperature and stress levels, with the majority of electric pulse energy dedicated to the creation of the plasma channel. Following the establishment of the plasma channel, the application of the electric pulse continues, resulting in notable alterations in temperature and stress levels. When the duration of the action reaches 105 ns, the temperature and stress levels surpass 104 K and 50 MPa, respectively, leading to fracture and extensive damage to the rock. The outcomes derived from the numerical model’s calculations can help to facilitate the cross-integration between physics and civil engineering and contribute to a deeper understanding of the rock fragmentation process under high voltage electric pulses.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	IOP Publishing Ltd
dc.relation.ispartof	Physica Scripta
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1088/1402-4896/ad1239
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess
dc.subject	01 Mathematical Sciences, 02 Physical Sciences
dc.subject.classification	General Physics
dc.subject.classification	49 Mathematical sciences
dc.subject.classification	51 Physical sciences
dc.title	Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	99
utslib.for	01 Mathematical Sciences
utslib.for	02 Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Transport Research Centre (TRC)
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Centre for Advanced Modelling and Geospatial lnformation Systems (CAMGIS)
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Centre for Built Infrastructure Resilience (CBIR)
utslib.copyright.status	in_progress	*
dc.date.updated	2025-03-18T00:27:27Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	99
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

In the context of rock fragmentation, the application of high voltage electric pulses results in the transfer of electrical energy onto the surface of the rock material, leading to a rapid electrical breakdown and the formation of a plasma channel. The ionized plasma expands at a fast velocity, generating a shock wave that causes significant damage to the rock’s integrity. In this study, we develope a numerical model that couples electrical, thermal, and mechanical forces to simulate the formation of plasma channels within rocks due to high-voltage electric pulses. The model’s accuracy is verified through field tests, and the results indicate that the configuration of the high-voltage pulse waveform, electrode spacing, and conductor particles within the rock impact the pathway of plasma channel formation. Prior to the formation of the plasma channel, minimal changes are observed in temperature and stress levels, with the majority of electric pulse energy dedicated to the creation of the plasma channel. Following the establishment of the plasma channel, the application of the electric pulse continues, resulting in notable alterations in temperature and stress levels. When the duration of the action reaches 105 ns, the temperature and stress levels surpass 104 K and 50 MPa, respectively, leading to fracture and extensive damage to the rock. The outcomes derived from the numerical model’s calculations can help to facilitate the cross-integration between physics and civil engineering and contribute to a deeper understanding of the rock fragmentation process under high voltage electric pulses.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/185945