Numerical Investigations of the Single-Mode Microwave Treatment Effects on Rock Breakage

In this study, a rock model which consists of a conceptual block (host rock and ore sample) is numerically modeled by using the finite element method. The rock model is subjected to several single-mode microwave treatments with different power levels, distances from the antenna, and exposure times in order to calculate and compare the corresponding effects including temperature distribution and mechanical stress/damage profiles. The main objective of the present study is to analyze the distribution of temperature and mechanical stress at the boundary of two different attached rocks when exposed to microwaves. This enables comparing the intensity of the distribution with respect to the applied microwave input operating parameters and, consequently, understanding rock preconditioning. The results of the present study verify that an increase in temperature by microwave treatment facilitates the rock weakening process. Also, a more efficient selection of the distance from the antenna and the power level can maximize the overall impact of the microwave treatment on rock preconditioning which ultimately helps with the rock breakage mechanism.