Part 5/7:
With their setup in place, the team moved on to the practical aspect of their research. Safety was a priority; they used protective steel plates to guard the load cell and press, complemented by a plastic mesh that contained rock shards and allowed stable attachment of the bubble detectors. Prior to the main experiment, the team conducted tests on shock bubbles to ensure the integrity of their data collection methods with the detectors.
Upon beginning the experiment, they crushed local rock to familiarize themselves with the hydraulic press's operations while adhering to strict safety protocols. As noise and dust became problematic, additional safety gear, including face masks and earplugs, was added.