Descripción del proyecto
Nuevo modelo para la fractura de rocas con baja energía
Con frecuencia, las operaciones mineras se llevan a cabo en lugares remotos, lo cual aumenta la necesidad de disponer de fuentes de energía fiables sin necesidad de conexión a redes de distribución. Para lograr un impacto ambiental casi nulo y sostenibilidad, generar y usar la energía de una forma más limpia y eficiente es una máxima prioridad. Esto depende del desarrollo de técnicas mineras eficientes desde el punto de vista energético. En este contexto, el proyecto MICROCRACK, financiado con fondos europeos, desarrollará un modelo para la fractura anisótropa de rocas heterogéneas. Este modelo, que establecerá las bases científicas de la modelización micromecánica de la fractura de rocas, integrará los mecanismos que rigen la fractura de rocas heterogéneas mediante un nuevo enfoque interdisciplinario. Los resultados se divulgarán mediante una estrategia destinada a aumentar el impacto de los resultados de la investigación.
Objetivo
Mining is a huge industry that accounts for a very significant share of global energy consumption, with rock comminution being responsible for – at least – half of the total energy expenditure. There is, consequently, a strong need to develop innovative energy-efficient mining techniques, and this proposal will focus on this major opportunity.
A physically-based constitutive framework for anisotropic cracking of heterogeneous rocks will be developed, laying the scientific foundations for micromechanical modelling of rock fracture. The model will embed the mechanisms governing cracking of heterogeneous rocks in a novel and interdisciplinary approach. The complementary profile of the applicant and the host group is a strong asset, with their previous experience in micromechanics and fracture establishing the basis to successfully overcome the theoretical, numerical and experimental challenges of the project. The proposal builds upon the applicant’s background and involves new research areas, widening his competences and supporting development to academic maturity.
An appropriate work plan has been programmed to achieve the scientific objectives and ensure knowledge transfer. Milestones and deliverables have been established to monitor the progress of the project implementation and pertinent corrective measures projected. A detailed dissemination strategy has been proposed to communicate findings to the general public, and to increase the impact of the research outcomes in the scientific community and engineering practice.
The Cambridge Centre for Micromechanics provides an optimum environment for the project, containing the facilities required to perform the indispensable critical experiments and advanced numerical simulations. Moreover, it constitutes a unique platform to develop international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary recognition, supporting the applicant in achieving a breakthrough that will significantly impact his scientific career.
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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinador
CB2 1TN Cambridge
Reino Unido