Abstract:
Volumetric studies of mica spatial distribution inside samples of Westerly and Czech granites
(Mrakotin, Liberec, and Brno syenite) were performed using a neutron tomography method.
A significant difference in the neutron attenuation coefficients of mica and other rock-forming
minerals of the granites studied yielded a large neutron radiography contrast and, as a result,
allowed us to perform a detailed analysis of three-dimension structural data based on the neutron
tomography reconstruction procedure. The morphology and spatial distribution of the mica phase
within studied granites were obtained. Tomography data were compared to results provided by
other experimental methods commonly used in rock mechanics research such as optical and
electron microscopy, as well as ultrasonic shear-wave measurements. The benefits and limitations
for application of the neutron tomography method for studies of granite like rocks are discussed.
