Numerical investigation of thermal spallation drilling using an uncoupled quasi-static thermoelastic finite element formulation. Issue 9 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, T.; May, D. A.; von Rohr, Ph. Rudolf
• Is Part Of: Journal of thermal stresses. Volume 39:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 1138
• Page End: 1151
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Finite element modeling -- flame-jet drilling -- spallation -- thermal stresses; Thermal stresses -- Periodicals; 620.1121
• DOI: 10.1080/01495739.2016.1193417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-5739

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this work, we examine thermal spallation drilling through finite element modeling of the uncoupled quasi-static thermoelastic problem describing the stresses induced by rapid and localized heating of a uniaxially pre-stressed rock core. The numerical procedure is verified using the method of manufactured solutions, and the optimal order of accuracy is demonstrated. From a series of numerical experiments, we present the temperature and stress profiles along the centerline of the rock core which are discussed qualitatively with respect to the corresponding laboratory experiments. Our numerical results, in agreement with the experiments, emphasize that the efficiency of thermal spallation drilling increases linearly with the vertical stress.