Fracturing and P-wave velocity alteration of rocks by rapid decompression boiling

Abstract

We tried to rapid decompression experiment using granite sample with hydrothermal condition. Experimental sample has a borehole, and rapid decompression is started in borehole. Experimental conditions are 600 ˚C - 45 MPa maximum. After the experiments, porosity of fractured sample was 3.3 %. P-wave velocity was decreased from intact sample. Some fractured sample has a very low P-wave velocity as water's one. These results suggest that rapid decompression can make the rock fracture.