An Overview and Recent Developments of Distinct Lattice Spring Model on Dynamic Fracturing of Rock

This paper presents some recent developments of the Distinct Lattice Spring Model (DLSM) on dynamic fracturing of rock. The DLSM is a micromechanics based discrete numerical model for rock dynamics problems. It provides an alternative tool for rock mechanics study. Compared with the classical Discrete Element Model (DEM), the DLSM can directly use macroscopic parameters without any requirement for calibration process. Another significant advantage is that the DLSM uses only half of the degree of freedoms, and therefore, is more computational efficient. Because of these advantages, it has been used in a number of fields, e.g., dynamic fracturing, wave propagation, and nuclear waste disposition. In this work, the basic principles of the DLSM and its latest developments will be outlined.