Experimental Study of the Mechanism of the Formation of Microdefects in Rocks when Exposed to High-Voltage Nanosecond Pulses

New results are presented from experimental studies of the nonthermal effect high-power (high-voltage) nanosecond electromagnetic pulses have on the development of microdefects in rock samples. Scanning electron microscopy is used to assess microstructural modifications in samples, along with X-ray microtomography for coal. Sizes of the gaps in microcracks are measured, their structural features are analyzed, and a possible mechanism of miсrodefect formation is discussed.