Effect of rock properties on cracking and the electromagnetic radiation mechanism

Abstract The influence of rock mechanical properties on the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) mechanism of rock fracturing is an important research topic in solid mechanics and earthquake prediction. In this study, an EMR model of rock fracturing considering the fracture factor, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, radiation distance and crack length is derived based on the Hertz oscillator array assumption. An experimental system, including an electromagnetic shielding module, an EMR signal induction and transmission module, a signal recording module and a loading module, is developed to understand the EMR characteristics of four different rocks. The validity of the EMR theoretical model is verified and the relationships between the rock cracking morphology and the EMR waveform, amplitude and frequency are revealed. It is found that rock mechanical properties have obvious influences on the EMR waveform, amplitude and frequency during rock fracturing. This study provides a better understanding on the EMR mechanism of rock fracturing and can help to improve the accuracy of rock disaster prediction based on EMR.