Basic Operational Parameters of an Automated Plug and Feather Rock Splitter.

摘要

An attempt was made to find novel methods of rock fragmentation using heat to fracture rock,first on the surface and then internally. The research phase described here was planned to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of conventional rock splitters,to test a variety of high pressure lubricants,to quantitize the splitting force,to evaluate the effects of the metal properties of the wedges and feathers,to determine the effectiveness of auto-lubrication,and to evaluate the effects of longitudinal impact on the wedge in terms of effective reduction of friction,increase of lateral pressure,and possible beneficial effects upon rock fracture. The overall purpose was to determine: (1) the level of performance parameters of the splitter; (2) whether performance parameters can be improved; (3) the specific factors which can be improved;and (4) the research and development required for their improvement. Appendix A includes a metallurgical examination of Darda feather,wedge,and feather inlay.