Mechanism and dynamics of the disintegration calcite shock waves

Luminescence spectra associated with calcite disintegration under the action of an electric-discharge-induced shock wave and under friction have been obtained. It has been found that, in these cases, the destruction mechanisms differ. Under the action of the wave, the crystal lattice of calcite decomposes into positively charged calcium, carbon, and oxygen ions. During friction, calcite disintegrates due to microcrack accumulation. The fraction of the volume that decomposes into ions depends on the electrical discharge energy. The percentage of decomposed calcite exceeds 60% when the energy is roughly equal to 80 J and is no higher than several fractions of a percent when the energy equals 0.2 J. In the latter case, disintegration localizes at grain boundaries, as follows from the time-resolved luminescence study (a time resolution of 2 ns).