Available technologies for improving energy efficiency and safety in rock blasting

Based on the research performed, a set of methodological and engineering solutions has been proposed, which aims to introduce automation in blasting operations performed in particularly challenging conditions and to enhance workplace safety. The novelty and relevance of the proposed solutions are confirmed by patents and test results. This article presents: (1) a robotic technology to form borehole charges with variable energy density and sensitivity; (2) a methodology for creating digital twins of simulation composite models of the blasted media, test bench charge configurations, and blasting conditions at the test site. The developed methodology makes it possible to analyze various methods used to redistribute the harmful energy of the blast impact on the environment into useful forms of energy that can be utilized. Studies were conducted using physical tests and a modified (extended) smoothed particle method to assess the patterns of change in the stress state parameters of the blasted media, as well as the processes of pre-failure and fragmentation. The research revealed fundamental relationships between the displacement velocity vector of the rock fragments and the explosive properties of the rock disintegration means. It was established that the relationship between the rock displacement velocity and the explosive energy of the charge is polynomial in nature. This article presents diagrams showing changes in the internal energy of the ammonium nitrate granules with different morphologies.