Mjölnir: a miniature triaxial rock deformation apparatus for 4D synchrotron X‐ray microtomography. (16th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butler, Ian; Fusseis, Florian; Cartwright-Taylor, Alexis; Flynn, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of synchrotron radiation. Volume 27:Part 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1681
• Page End: 1687
• Publication Date: 2020-10-16
• Subjects: synchrotron X‐ray microtomography -- experimental geoscience -- rock deformation; Synchrotron radiation -- Periodicals; Free electron lasers -- Periodicals; 539.73505
• DOI: 10.1107/S160057752001173X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0909-0495

Abstract

Abstract : The design, construction and assembly details for an X‐ray transparent triaxial deformation cell for 4D investigations of rock deformation and coupled chemical–mechanical processes in the geosciences are presented. The portability and flexibility of the cell are demonstrated by deployment on four different synchrotron beamlines. Abstract : An X‐ray transparent experimental triaxial rock deformation apparatus, here named `Mjölnir', enables investigations of brittle‐style rock deformation and failure, as well as coupled thermal, chemical and mechanical processes relevant to a range of Earth subsurface environments. Designed to operate with cylindrical samples up to 3.2 mm outside‐diameter and up to 10 mm length, Mjölnir can attain up to 50 MPa confining pressure and in excess of 600 MPa axial load. The addition of heaters extends the experimental range to temperatures up to 140°C. Deployment of Mjolnir on synchrotron beamlines indicates that full 3D datasets may be acquired in a few seconds to a few minutes, meaning full 4D investigations of deformation processes can be undertaken. Mjölnir is constructed from readily available materials and components and complete technical drawings are included in the supporting information.