Numerical Estimation of Radiation Induced Volumetric Expansion of Igneous Rocks

Abstract

This study presents an estimation of the radiation-induced volumetric expansion of three different igneous rocks which are commonly used as aggregates in ordinary concrete, namely, gabbro, diabase and granite. The numerical analysis was performed using Voronoi-based improved 2D Rigid-Body Spring Model. The total radiation-induced volumetric expansion of rocks was obtained based on the rock mineral composition. The used Rigid-Body Spring Model together with the radiation-induced volumetric expansion model are described in this study. According to the results of the numerical simulation, the radiation-induced volumetric expansion of gabbro varies within the limits of 4.6 % - 18.4 %, the radiation-induced volumetric expansion of diorite varies within the limits of 9.3 % - 21.6 % and the radiation- induced volumetric expansion granite varies within the limits of 16.4 % - 25.2 %. A high scatter of the radiation-induced volumetric expansion of specific rocks indicates the necessity of knowledge of exact mineral composition of the rocks which are used as aggregates in irradiated concrete.