Physical Properties of Rocks and Their Relationships to the Thermal Conductivity Coefficient

Abstract

Abstract The thermal conductivity coefficient is an important physical feature of rocks that determines the rate at which heat is transported through a specific rock type. It is a measure of a rock's ability to conduct heat and is determined by a variety of physical characteristics. The relationship between a rock's physical qualities and its thermal conductivity coefficient is complex since it varies based on rock type, mineral composition, porosity, moisture content, and temperature Because ultrasonic techniques are nondestructive and simple to use, VP-wave velocity measurements are utilized both in situ and in the laboratory to explain the dynamic characteristics of rocks. Several factors influence the seismic properties of rock types, including density, grain size and shape, porosity, direction dependency, pore water, clay concentration, compression pressure, and temperature. A rock's acoustic VP-wave velocity is closely related to its velocity in its natural environment, which represents the intact rock's characteristics, structure, and texture. Research has demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of porous rock is primarily determined by its porosity, mineral composition, the presence of fluids filling the pores, and the temperature and pressure of the surrounding environment. Porosity and thermal conductivity impact fluid-rock interactions and define building materials. Physical qualities such as porosity and thermal conductivity coefficient are essential factors in determining the quality of building blocks. In this work, the thermal conductivity coefficient, VP wave velocity, porosity, density, pressure resistance, and other properties of rocks were assessed using laboratory measurements of the thermal conductivity coefficient and acoustic VP wave velocity. The correlations among physical properties were investigated.