articleThermal Science and Engineering ProgressJan 13, 2026HYBRID OA

Fracture evolution of granite under cyclic thermal shocks: effects of liquid nitrogen cooling on strength, toughness, and acoustic emission characteristics

Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology · Xi'an University of Technology · +2 more institutions

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Abstract

• Three different lab tests were conducted on granite subjected to different high-temperature heating and LN 2 cooling cycles. • Explored the evolution of microcracks and macroscopic fractures in granite under different test modes using AE technology. • After approximately nine LN 2 cycles, further increases in damage and cracking are negligible. • The damage induced by LN 2 cold shock can be attached to the microstructure of granite, resulting in higher peak frequencies of AE signals (>700 kHz). Liquid nitrogen (LN 2 )–assisted fracturing has emerged as a promising technique to enhance reservoir permeability and stimulate geothermal energy extraction. This study investigates the progressive degradation of…

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