离散单元法在裂纹扩展模拟中的应用

In this paper, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to study how cracks propagate in rocks subjected to a uniaxial compressive stress. In order to obtain immediate response to the loading, the convergence of DEM is firstly discussed with respect to the mass scaling method. Secondly, the bonded crack propagation criterion based on Mohr-Coulomb criterion is suggested. Thirdly, the DEM results were compared with those obtained in laboratory samples. The laboratory tests used rock samples with two cracks inclined at varying angles with respect to the compressive stress. The DEM and the laboratory results compared very well. Also, the results show that the DEM is a very successful approach for the visualization of secondary crack formations and its propagation in the simulated samples.