Occurrence of rock fracture under the rapid decompression boiling condition of water

Abstract

 In our previous experimental results, ”Hydrothermally Derived Fracture (HDF)” were progressed under the high temperature and low-pressure condition. The result of detailed observation, it was thought that the thermal stress occurred with rapid cooling of rock/mineral sample surface by low temperature condensed vapor dew contact. similarly, rapid decompression in the high-temperature/pressure state causes the rapid temperature decline by latent/sensible heat effect. And when such situation has happened around the rock/mineral samples, HDF may occur under the hydrothermal condition. When this decompression fracturing mechanism is elucidated, it may be useful for Enhanced Geothermal System or understanding of mineral vain formation.