Shattering Rock with Intense Bursts of Energetic Electrons

It has been successfully demonstrated that intense bursts of energetic electrons cause significant rock spalling for modest energy inputs. The corresponding temperature rise per pulse in the bombarded volume of rock is only ~ 200° C, or so. Some analytical predictions and experimental evidence of this novel accelerator application are presented. The promise of this technique for more rapid and economical tunneling through rock is also examined.