scholarly journals Joint Elasticity Effect on the Failure Behaviours of Rock Masses using a Discrete Element Model

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2968
Author(s):  
Yong Yuan ◽  
Changtai Zhou ◽  
Zhihe Wang ◽  
Jifang Du

It is widely accepted that the mechanical properties and failure behaviours of a rock mass are largely dependent upon the geometrical and mechanical properties of discontinuities. The effect of joint elasticity on the failure behaviours of rock masses is investigated using a discrete element model, namely, the synthetic rock mass model. Here, uniaxial compression tests of the numerical model are carried out for the rock mass model with a persistent joint to analyse the role of joint elasticity in the failure process with various joint orientations, β. A strong correlation between the joint elasticity and failure strength is found from the simulation results: a positive relationship when the joint orientation β < φ j ; a negative relationship when the joint orientation φ j < β < 90 ° ; and a very limited effect when the joint orientation β = 90 ° . Additionally, it is shown that the joint elasticity is the governing factor in the transition of failure modes, especially from the sliding failure mode along the joint to the mixed sliding-tensile failure mode.

Author(s):  
Alfredo Gay Neto ◽  
Peter Wriggers

AbstractWe present a version of the Discrete Element Method considering the particles as rigid polyhedra. The Principle of Virtual Work is employed as basis for a multibody dynamics model. Each particle surface is split into sub-regions, which are tracked for contact with other sub-regions of neighboring particles. Contact interactions are modeled pointwise, considering vertex-face, edge-edge, vertex-edge and vertex-vertex interactions. General polyhedra with triangular faces are considered as particles, permitting multiple pointwise interactions which are automatically detected along the model evolution. We propose a combined interface law composed of a penalty and a barrier approach, to fulfill the contact constraints. Numerical examples demonstrate that the model can handle normal and frictional contact effects in a robust manner. These include simulations of convex and non-convex particles, showing the potential of applicability to materials with complex shaped particles such as sand and railway ballast.


2016 ◽  
Vol 858 ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Ying Kong ◽  
Hua Peng Shi ◽  
Hong Ming Yu

With the slope unstable rock masses of a stope in Longsi mine, Jiaozuo City, China as the target, we computed and analyzed the stability of unstable rock masses using a limit equilibrium method (LEM) and a discrete element strength reduction method (SRM). Results show that the unstable rock masses are currently stable. Under the external actions of natural weathering, rainfall and earthquake, unstable rock mass 1 was manifested as a shear slip failure mode, and its stability was controlled jointly by bedding-plane and posterior-margin steep inclined joints. In comparison, unstable rock mass 2 was manifested as a tensile-crack toppling failure mode, and its stability was controlled by the perforation of posterior-margin joints. From the results of the 2 methods we find the safety factor determined from SRM is larger, but not significantly, than that from LEM, and SRM can simulate the progressive failure process of unstable rock masses. SRM also provides information about forces and deformation (e.g. stress-strain, and displacement) and more efficiently visualizes the parts at the slope that are susceptible to instability, suggesting SRM can be used as a supplementation of LEM.


2014 ◽  
Vol 577 ◽  
pp. 108-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Qiu ◽  
Mei Lin Gu ◽  
Feng Guang Zhang ◽  
Zhi Wei

The discrete element method (DEM) is applied to glass micromachining in this study. By three standard tests the discrete element model is established to match the main mechanical properties of glass. Then, indentating, cutting, micro milling process are simulated. Results show that the vertical damage depth is prevented from reaching the final machined surface in cutting process. Tool rake angle is the most remarkable factor influencing on the chip deformation and cutting force. The final machined surface is determined by the minimum cutting thickness per edge. Different cutting thickness, cutter shape and spindle speed largely effect on the mechanism of glass.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen T. McClain ◽  
Jason M. Brown

The discrete-element model for flows over rough surfaces was recently modified to predict drag and heat transfer for flow over randomly rough surfaces. However, the current form of the discrete-element model requires a blockage fraction and a roughness-element diameter distribution as a function of height to predict the drag and heat transfer of flow over a randomly rough surface. The requirement for a roughness-element diameter distribution at each height from the reference elevation has hindered the usefulness of the discrete-element model and inhibited its incorporation into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. To incorporate the discrete-element model into a CFD solver and to enable the discrete-element model to become a more useful engineering tool, the randomly rough surface characterization must be simplified. Methods for determining characteristic diameters for drag and heat transfer using complete three-dimensional surface measurements are presented. Drag and heat transfer predictions made using the model simplifications are compared to predictions made using the complete surface characterization and to experimental measurements for two randomly rough surfaces. Methods to use statistical surface information, as opposed to the complete three-dimensional surface measurements, to evaluate the characteristic dimensions of the roughness are also explored.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (05) ◽  
pp. 1350102 ◽  
Author(s):  
WEI GAO ◽  
YUANQIANG TAN ◽  
MENGYAN ZANG

A 3D discrete element model (DEM model) named cubic arranged discrete element model is proposed. The model treats the interaction between two connective discrete elements as an equivalent "beam" element. The spring constants between two connective elements are obtained based on the equivalence of strain energy stored in a unit volume of elastic continuum. Following that, the discrete element model proposed and its algorithm are implemented into the in-house developed code. To test the accuracy of the DEM model and its algorithm, the vibration process of the block, a homogeneous plate and laminated plate under impact loading are simulated in elastic range. By comparing the results with that calculated by using LS-DYNA, it is found that they agree with each other very well. The accuracy of the DEM model and its algorithm proposed in this paper is proved.


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