To analyze the differences in the transport and distribution of different types of proppants and to address issues such as the short effective support of proppant and poor placement in hydraulically intersecting fract...To analyze the differences in the transport and distribution of different types of proppants and to address issues such as the short effective support of proppant and poor placement in hydraulically intersecting fractures,this study considered the combined impact of geological-engineering factors on conductivity.Using reservoir production parameters and the discrete elementmethod,multispherical proppants were constructed.Additionally,a 3D fracture model,based on the specified conditions of the L block,employed coupled(Computational Fluid Dynamics)CFD-DEM(Discrete ElementMethod)for joint simulations to quantitatively analyze the transport and placement patterns of multispherical proppants in intersecting fractures.Results indicate that turbulent kinetic energy is an intrinsic factor affecting proppant transport.Moreover,the efficiency of placement and migration distance of low-sphericity quartz sand constructed by the DEM in the main fracture are significantly reduced compared to spherical ceramic proppants,with a 27.7%decrease in the volume fraction of the fracture surface,subsequently affecting the placement concentration and damaging fracture conductivity.Compared to small-angle fractures,controlling artificial and natural fractures to expand at angles of 45°to 60°increases the effective support length by approximately 20.6%.During hydraulic fracturing of gas wells,ensuring the fracture support area and post-closure conductivity can be achieved by controlling the sphericity of proppants and adjusting the perforation direction to control the direction of artificial fractures.展开更多
Wellbore breakout is one of the critical issues in drilling due to the fact that the related problems result in additional costs and impact the drilling scheme severely.However,the majority of such wellbore breakout a...Wellbore breakout is one of the critical issues in drilling due to the fact that the related problems result in additional costs and impact the drilling scheme severely.However,the majority of such wellbore breakout analyses were based on continuum mechanics.In addition to failure in intact rocks,wellbore breakouts can also be initiated along natural discontinuities,e.g.weak planes and fractures.Furthermore,the conventional models in wellbore breakouts with uniform distribution fractures could not reflect the real drilling situation.This paper presents a fully coupled hydro-mechanical model of the SB-X well in the Tarim Basin,China for evaluating wellbore breakouts in heavily fractured rocks under anisotropic stress states using the distinct element method(DEM)and the discrete fracture network(DFN).The developed model was validated against caliper log measurement,and its stability study was carried out by stress and displacement analyses.A parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of the characteristics of fracture distribution(orientation and length)on borehole stability by sensitivity studies.Simulation results demonstrate that the increase of the standard deviation of orientation when the fracture direction aligns parallel or perpendicular to the principal stress direction aggravates borehole instability.Moreover,an elevation in the average fracture length causes the borehole failure to change from the direction of the minimum in-situ horizontal principal stress(i.e.the direction of wellbore breakouts)towards alternative directions,ultimately leading to the whole wellbore failure.These findings provide theoretical insights for predicting wellbore breakouts in heavily fractured rocks.展开更多
The homogeneity of aggregate blend has a significant influence on the performance of asphalt mixture.The composition of aggregate blend,including the size combination and the mass ratio between each size particles(MRE...The homogeneity of aggregate blend has a significant influence on the performance of asphalt mixture.The composition of aggregate blend,including the size combination and the mass ratio between each size particles(MRESP),is an important factor affecting the homogeneity.This study investigated the influence of the size combination and MRESP on the distribution homogeneity of particles in aggregate blend using discrete element method(DEM).An indicator quantifying the distribution homogeneity was established according to the coefficient of variation(CV)for particle number.Two-size,three-size,and four-size aggregate blends with various compositions were designed.Laboratory tests show the DEM simulation is feasible.The particle distribution homogeneity in various blends was analyzed.The results showed the distribution homogeneity of each size particles in a blend is closely related to their mass fraction.The higher the mass fraction of the particles,the more homogeneous the distribution of them.The MRESP has no significant influence on the homogeneity of the blend composed of only coarse aggregates.However,the homogeneity of the blend composed of coarse and fine aggregates improves gradually with the increase of the mass fraction of fine aggregates.The smaller the maximum particle size in a blend,the better the homogeneity.It is suggested that the mass fraction of fine aggregates should be between 33%and 50%for achieving good homogeneity of aggregate blends.The research results can provide a reference for gradation design of asphalt mixture.展开更多
Nonuniform track support and differential settlements are commonly observed in bridge approaches where the ballast layer can develop gaps at crosstie-ballast interfaces often referred to as a hanging crosstie conditio...Nonuniform track support and differential settlements are commonly observed in bridge approaches where the ballast layer can develop gaps at crosstie-ballast interfaces often referred to as a hanging crosstie condition.Hanging crossties usually yield unfavorable dynamic effects such as higher wheel loads,which negatively impact the serviceability and safety of railway operations.Hence,a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause hanging crossties and their effects on the ballast layer load-deformation characteristics is necessary.Since the ballast layer is a particulate medium,the discrete element method(DEM),which simulates ballast particle interactions individually,is ideal to explore the interparticle contact forces and ballast movements under dynamic wheel loading.Accurate representations of the dynamic loads from the train and track superstructure are needed for high-fidelity DEM modeling.This paper introduces an integrated modeling approach,which couples a single-crosstie DEM ballast model with a train–track–bridge(TTB)model using a proportional–integral–derivative control loop.The TTB–DEM model was validated with field measurements,and the coupled model calculates similar crosstie displacements as the TTB model.The TTB–DEM provided new insights into the ballast particle-scale behavior,which the TTB model alone cannot explore.The TTB–DEM coupling approach identified detrimental effects of hanging crossties on adjacent crossties,which were found to experience drastic vibrations and large ballast contact force concentrations.展开更多
The glutenite reservoir is strongly heterogeneous due to the random distribution of gravels, making it challenging to perform hydraulic fracturing effectively. To solve this issue, it is essential to study interaction...The glutenite reservoir is strongly heterogeneous due to the random distribution of gravels, making it challenging to perform hydraulic fracturing effectively. To solve this issue, it is essential to study interaction behavior between hydraulic fractures(HFs) and gravels. A coupled hydro-mechanical model is proposed for HF propagation in glutenite using a grain-based discrete element method. This paper first investigates the dynamic evolution of HFs in glutenite, then analyzes the influences of various factors such as horizontal stress difference(Δσ), minimum horizontal stress(σh), gravel content(Vg), gravel size(dg), and stiffness ratio of gravel to matrix(Rs) on HF propagation geometries. Results show that penetrating the gravel is the primary HF-gravel interaction behavior, which follows sequential and staggered initiation modes. Bypassing the gravel is the secondary behavior, which obeys the sequential initiation mode and occurs when the orientation of the gravel boundary is inclined to the maximum horizontal stress(σH). An offset along the gravel boundary is usually formed while penetrating gravels, and the offsets may cause fracture widths to decrease by 37.8%-84.4%. Even if stress dominates the direction of HF propagation, HFs still tend to deflect within gravels. The deviation angle from σH decreases with rising Δσand increases with the increase of dgand Rs. Additionally, intra-gravel shear HFs(IGS-HFs) are prone to be generated in coarse-grained glutenite under high Δσ, while more gravel-bypassing shear HFs(GBSHFs) tend to be created in argillaceous glutenite with high Rsthan in sandy glutenite with low Rs. The findings above prompt the emergence of a novel HF propagation pattern in glutenite, which helps to understand the real HF geometries and to provide theoretical guidance for treatments in the field.展开更多
Steep bedding slopes are widely distributed in Southwestern China’s mountainous regions and have complex seismic responses and instability risks,causing casualties and property losses.Considering the high-seismic-int...Steep bedding slopes are widely distributed in Southwestern China’s mountainous regions and have complex seismic responses and instability risks,causing casualties and property losses.Considering the high-seismic-intensity environment,the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism of high-steep bedding slopes are simulated via the discrete element method and shaking table test.The dynamic response characteristics and cumulative failure effects of slopes subjected to continuous ground motion are investigated.The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of slopes under continuous earthquakes are influenced by geological and topographic conditions.Elevation has a distinct impact on both the slope interior and surface,with amplification effects more pronounced on the surface.The weak interlayers have different influences on the dynamic amplification effect of slopes.Weak interlayers have dynamic magnification effects on the slope surface at relative elevations of 0-0.33 and 0.82-1.0 but have weakening effects between 0.33 and 0.82.Moreover,the weak interlayers also have controlling effects on the dynamic instability mode of slopes.The characteristics of intergranular contact failure,fracture propagation,and displacement distribution are analyzed to reveal the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism through the discrete-element model.The dynamic instability process of slopes includes three stages:fracture initiation(0-0.2g),fracture expansion(0.2g-0.3g),and sliding instability(0.3g-0.6g).This work can provide a valuable reference for the seismic stability and reinforcement of complex slopes.展开更多
Ceramic spheres,typically with a particle diameter of less than 0.8 mm,are frequently utilized as a critical proppant material in hydraulic fracturing for petroleum and natural gas extraction.Porous ceramic spheres wi...Ceramic spheres,typically with a particle diameter of less than 0.8 mm,are frequently utilized as a critical proppant material in hydraulic fracturing for petroleum and natural gas extraction.Porous ceramic spheres with artificial inherent pores are an important type of lightweight proppant,enabling their transport to distant fracture extremities and enhancing fracture conductivity.However,the focus frequently gravitates towards the low-density advantage,often overlooking the pore geometry impacts on compressive strength by traditional strength evaluation.This paper numerically bypasses such limitations by using a combined finite and discrete element method(FDEM)considering experimental results.The mesh size of the model undergoes validation,followed by the calibration of cohesive element parameters via the single particle compression test.The stimulation elucidates that proppants with a smaller pore size(40μm)manifest crack propagation evolution at a more rapid pace in comparison to their larger-pore counterparts,though the influence of pore diameter on overall strength is subtle.The inception of pores not only alters the trajectory of crack progression but also,with an increase in porosity,leads to a discernible decline in proppant compressive strength.Intriguingly,upon crossing a porosity threshold of 10%,the decrement in strength becomes more gradual.A denser congregation of pores accelerates crack propagation,undermining proppant robustness,suggesting that under analogous conditions,hollow proppants might not match the strength of their porous counterparts.This exploration elucidates the underlying mechanisms of proppant failure from a microstructural perspective,furnishing pivotal insights that may guide future refinements in the architectural design of porous proppant.展开更多
Hydraulic fracturing technology has played an important role in the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas resources,however,its application to gas hydrate reservoirs has been rarely studied.Currently,there is sti...Hydraulic fracturing technology has played an important role in the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas resources,however,its application to gas hydrate reservoirs has been rarely studied.Currently,there is still limited understanding of the propagation and extension of fractures around the wellbore during the fracturing process of horizontal wells in hydrate reservoirs,as well as the stress interference patterns between fractures.This study simulates hydraulic fracturing processes in hydrate reservoirs using a fluidsolid coupling discrete element method(DEM),and analyzes the impacts of hydrate saturation and geological and engineering factors on fracture extension and stress disturbance.The results show that hydraulic fracturing is more effective when hydrate saturation exceeds 30%and that fracture pressure increases with saturation.The increase in horizontal stress differential enhances the directionality of fracture propagation and reduces stress disturbance.The distribution uniformity index(DUI)reveals that injection pressure is directly proportional to the number of main fractures and inversely proportional to fracturing time,with fracturing efficiency depending on the spacing between injection points and the distance between wells.This work may provide reference for the commercial exploitation of natural gas hydrates.展开更多
Gas storage in abandoned mines is one way to reuse waste space resources.The surrounding rock of gas storage reservoirs in underground roadways undergoes damage and deformation under the cyclic loading of gas charging...Gas storage in abandoned mines is one way to reuse waste space resources.The surrounding rock of gas storage reservoirs in underground roadways undergoes damage and deformation under the cyclic loading of gas charging and discharging,which can pose a risk to the safety of the reservoirs.This study establishes a true triaxial numerical model of rock mass with the discrete element method(DEM)and explores the crack evolution of surrounding rock of underground gas storage during cyclic loading and unloading.Also,a damage evolution model in numerical analysis considering residual deformation is developed to explain the experimental results.As was revealed,cyclic loading and unloading resulted in fatigue damage in the specimen and caused strength deterioration of the specimen.During the loading process,the uniformly distributed force chains of the rock mass redistributed,evolving gradually to mostly transverse force chains.This contributed to the appearance of blank areas in the force chains when through cracks appear.The ratio of tensile cracks to shear cracks gradually decreases and finally stabilizes at 7:1.The damage evolution model considering residual strain can be mutually verified with the numerical simulation results.Based on the DEM model,it was found that there was a certain threshold of confining pressure.When the confining pressure exceeded 30 MPa,the deformation to ductility of sandstone samples began to accelerate,with a greater residual strength.This study provides a theoretical basis for analyzing the long-term mechanical behavior of surrounding rock of gas storage in abandoned mines.展开更多
In order to investigate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures from discontinuity, the virtual rutting test of asphalt mixtures is developed by the discrete element method （DEM）. A digital specimen g...In order to investigate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures from discontinuity, the virtual rutting test of asphalt mixtures is developed by the discrete element method （DEM）. A digital specimen generation procedure considering aggregate gradation and irregular shape is developed based on the probability theory and the Monte Carlo method. The virtual rutting test is then conducted based on the generated digital specimen. In addition, on the basis of the time-temperature superposition （TTS） principle, a calculation method is used to reduce the computation time of the virtual rutting test. The simulation results are compared with the laboratory measurements. The results show that the calculation method based on the TFS principle in the discrete element （DE） viscoelastic model can significantly reduce the computation time. The deformation law of asphalt mixtures in the virtual rutting test is similar to the laboratory measurements, and the deformation and the dynamic stability of the virtual rutting test are slightly greater than the laboratory measurements. The two-dimensional virtual rutting test can predict the permanent deformation performance of asphalt mixtures.展开更多
COREX process is one of the earliest industrialized smelting reduction ironmaking technology.A numerical simulation model based on discrete element method ( DEM ) has been developed to analyze the burden distribution ...COREX process is one of the earliest industrialized smelting reduction ironmaking technology.A numerical simulation model based on discrete element method ( DEM ) has been developed to analyze the burden distribution in the melter gasifier of COREX process.The DEM considering the collisions between particles can directly reproduce the charging process.The burden trajectory , the location and the burden surface profile are analyzed in melter gasifier with a mixing charging of coal and direct reduction iron ( DRI ) at the same time.Considering the porosity of packed bed has an important effect on the gas flow distribution of melter gasifier , a method to calculate porosity has been proposed.The distribution of DRI and coal and the porosity in the radial direction are given under different charging patterns , which is necessary to judge the gas flow distribution and provide base data for further researching the melter gasifier for the next work in the future.The research results can be used to guide the operation of adjusting charging and provide important basis for optimizing the charging patterns in order to obtain the reasonable gas distribution.展开更多
The mechanical properties of solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)can limit their mechanical stability and lifespan.Understanding the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous electrode is ess...The mechanical properties of solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)can limit their mechanical stability and lifespan.Understanding the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous electrode is essential for enhancing the performance and durability of SOFCs.Accurate prediction of mechanical properties of porous electrode can be achieved by microscale finite element modeling based on three-dimensional(3D)microstructures,which requires expensive 3D tomography techniques and massive computational resources.In this study,we proposed a cost-effective alternative approach to access the mechanical properties of porous electrodes,with the elastic properties of La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.2)Fe_(0.8)O_(3-δc)athode serving as a case study.Firstly,a stochastic modeling was used to reconstruct 3D microstructures from two-dimensional(2D)cross-sections as an alternative to expensive tomography.Then,the discrete element method(DEM)was used to predict the elastic properties of porous ceramics based on the discretized 3D microstructures reconstructed by stochastic modeling.Based on 2D microstructure and the elastic properties calculated by the DEM modeling of the 3D reconstructed porous microstructures,a convolutional neural network(CNN)based deep learning model was built to predict the elastic properties rapidly from 2D microstructures.The proposed combined framework can be implemented with limited computational resources and provide a basis for rapid prediction of mechanical properties and parameter estimation for multiscale modeling of SOFCs.展开更多
Shield tunnel,composed of several segments,is widely used in urban underground engineering.When the tunnel is under load,relative displacement occurs between adjacent segments.In the past,distributed optical fiber sen...Shield tunnel,composed of several segments,is widely used in urban underground engineering.When the tunnel is under load,relative displacement occurs between adjacent segments.In the past,distributed optical fiber sensing technology was used to perform strain monitoring,but there is an urgent need to determine how to transform strain into displacement.In this study,optical frequency domain reflectometry was applied in laboratory tests.Aiming at the shear process and center settlement process of shield tunnel segments,two kinds of quantitative calculation methods were put forward to carry out a quantitative analysis.Meanwhile,the laboratory test process was simulated numerically utilizing the discrete element numerical analysis method.Optical fiber,an atypical geotechnical material,was innovatively applied for discrete element modeling and numerical simulation.The results show that the measured displacement of the dial gauge,the calculated results of the numerical model,and the displacement quantitatively calculated from the optical fiber data agree with each other in general.The latter two methods can potentially be utilized in engineering application of deformation monitoring at shield tunnel joints,but need to be further calibrated and adjusted in detail.展开更多
Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. Wh...Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. While local experience, field monitoring, and informed data-rich analysis are some of the tools commonly used to manage the hazards and the associated risks, advanced numerical techniques based on discontinuum modelling have also shown potential in assisting in the assessment of rockbursting. In this study, the hybrid finite-discrete element method(FDEM) is employed to investigate the failure and fracturing processes, and the mechanisms of energy storage and rapid release resulting in bursting, as well as to assess its utility as part of the design process of underground excavations.Following the calibration of the numerical model to simulate a deep excavation in a hard, massive rock mass, discrete fracture network(DFN) geometries are integrated into the model in order to examine the impact of rock structure on rockbursting under high in situ stresses. The obtained analysis results not only highlight the importance of explicitly simulating pre-existing joints within the model, as they affect the mobilised failure mechanisms and the intensity of strain bursting phenomena, but also show how the employed joint network geometry, the field stress conditions, and their interaction influence the extent and depth of the excavation induced damage. Furthermore, a rigorous analysis of the mass and velocity of the ejected rock blocks and comparison of the obtained data with well-established semi-empirical approaches demonstrate the potential of the method to provide realistic estimates of the kinetic energy released during bursting for determining the energy support demand.展开更多
Utilizing the Discrete Element Method,this research studied the stiffness distribution of gap-graded soils by modifying the conventional static method.By acknowledging the inherent particle property disparity between ...Utilizing the Discrete Element Method,this research studied the stiffness distribution of gap-graded soils by modifying the conventional static method.By acknowledging the inherent particle property disparity between coarser and finer particles,this research differentiates the stiffness distribution of gap-graded soils from the perspective of contact and particle types.Results indicate that particle property disparity significantly influence the small-strain stiffness characteristics,consequently altering the overall stiffness distribution in gap-graded soil specimens.Specifically,with the equivalent coarser particle property,an increase in particle Young's modulus of finer particles results in an augmentation of small-strain stiffness values,alongside an increased stiffness distribution contribution from finer particles.Nevertheless,this study reveals that even with a higher particle Young's modulus of finer particles,the proportion of small-strain stiffness transferred by finer particles remains consistently lower than their volume fraction.Furthermore,the proportion of stiffness transferred by finer particles may fall below their contribution to stress transmission.This investigation accentuates the subtle yet significant effects of particle property variations on small strain stiffness and its subsequent distribution,providing a foundation for advancing the significance of particle property disparities in evaluating soil responses.展开更多
Discrete element method(DEM)-based numerical models in the YADE environment are used to simulate the constitutive response of uncemented and bio-cemented sands to investigate the influence of boundary conditions,loadi...Discrete element method(DEM)-based numerical models in the YADE environment are used to simulate the constitutive response of uncemented and bio-cemented sands to investigate the influence of boundary conditions,loading and testing conditions,and material types.Both the classical DEM model and the pore scale finite volume(PFV)-coupled DEM model are used to simulate the response of saturated uncemented and lightly cemented sands with a rigid wall boundary under both drained and undrained triaxial compression.A DEM model with flexible boundaries created using particle facet(PFacet)elements is used to simulate undrained triaxial compression of moderately cemented sands,including the influence of confining stress.The PFacet-based model is used to predict the transition from barreling failure to shear banding when the confining stress or the cementation degree increases.The classical DEM model with cohesive bonds of uniform strength is also used to successfully simulate the uniaxial compression response of a sand with an extremely high degree of cementation.Finally,this paper presents a particle-packing model consisting of multiple solid phases for cemented sands based on the understanding that not all particle types will have the same cohesive properties.This multiple solidphase model is a refinement of the classical DEM model that represents the particle physics more realistically,especially for heterogeneous systems.A preliminary parametric study is carried out considering varying cohesive properties and volume fractions for the different solid phases.展开更多
The particulate discrete element method(DEM) can be employed to capture the response of rock,provided that appropriate bonding models are used to cement the particles to each other.Simulations of laboratory tests are ...The particulate discrete element method(DEM) can be employed to capture the response of rock,provided that appropriate bonding models are used to cement the particles to each other.Simulations of laboratory tests are important to establish the extent to which those models can capture realistic rock behaviors.Hitherto the focus in such comparison studies has either been on homogeneous specimens or use of two-dimensional(2D) models.In situ rock formations are often heterogeneous,thus exploring the ability of this type of models to capture heterogeneous material behavior is important to facilitate their use in design analysis.In situ stress states are basically three-dimensional(3D),and therefore it is important to develop 3D models for this purpose.This paper revisits an earlier experimental study on heterogeneous specimens,of which the relative proportions of weaker material(siltstone) and stronger,harder material(sandstone) were varied in a controlled manner.Using a 3D DEM model with the parallel bond model,virtual heterogeneous specimens were created.The overall responses in terms of variations in strength and stiffness with different percentages of weaker material(siltstone) were shown to agree with the experimental observations.There was also a good qualitative agreement in the failure patterns observed in the experiments and the simulations,suggesting that the DEM data enabled analysis of the initiation of localizations and micro fractures in the specimens.展开更多
Piled embankments are widely used in highway and railway engineering due to their economy and efficiency inovercoming several issues encountered in constructing embankments over weak soils. Soil arching, caused by the...Piled embankments are widely used in highway and railway engineering due to their economy and efficiency inovercoming several issues encountered in constructing embankments over weak soils. Soil arching, caused by the pile-subsoilrelative displacement （△s）, plays an important role in reducing the embankment load falling on weak soil, however, the funda-mental characteristics （e.g., formation and features） of soil arching remain poorly understood. In this study, a series of discreteelement method （DEM） modellings are performed to study the formation and features of soil arching with the variation of As inpiled embankments with or without geosynthetic reinforcement. Firstly, calibration for the modelling parameters is carried out bycomparing the DEM results with the experimental data obtained from the existing literature. Secondly, the analysis of the macro-and micro-behaviours is performed in detail. Finally, a parametric study is conducted in an effort to identify the influences of threekey factors on soil arching： the friction coefficient of the embankment fill （f）, the embankment height （h）, and the pile clear spacing（s-a）. Numerical results indicate that △s is a key factor governing the formation and features of soil arching in embankments. Tobe specific, soil arching gradually evolves from two inclined shear planes at a small △s to a hemispherical arch at a relatively largeAs. Then, with a continuous increase in △s, the soil arching height gradually increases and finally approaches a constant value of0.8（s-a） （i.e., the maximum soil arching height）. For a given case, the higher the soil arching height, the greater the degree of soilarching effect. The parametric study shows that the friction coefficient of the embankment fill has a negligible influence on theformation and features of soil arching. However, embankment height is a key factor governing the formation and features of soilarching. In addition, pile clear spacing has a significant effect on the formation of soil arching, but not on its features.展开更多
A three-dimensional discrete element model of the connective type is presented. Moreover,a three-dimensional numerical analysis code,which can carry out the transitional pro- cess from connective model(for continuum)t...A three-dimensional discrete element model of the connective type is presented. Moreover,a three-dimensional numerical analysis code,which can carry out the transitional pro- cess from connective model(for continuum)to contact model(for non-continuum),is developed for simulating the mechanical process from continuum to non-continuum.The wave propagation process in a concrete block(as continuum)made of cement grout under impact loading is numer- ically simulated with this code.By comparing its numerical results with those by LS-DYNA,the calculation accuracy of the model and algorithm is proved.Furthermore,the failure process of the concrete block under quasi-static loading is demonstrated,showing the basic dynamic tran- sitional process from continuum to non-continuum.The results of calculation can be displayed by animation.The damage modes are similar to the experimental results.The two numerical examples above prove that our model and its code are powerful and efficient in simulating the dynamic failure problems accompanying the transition from continuum to non-continuum.It also shows that the discrete element method(DEM)will have broad prospects for development and application.展开更多
Many rock avalanches were triggered by the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008 in southwest China. Protection galleries covered with a single soil layer are usually used to protect against rockfall. Since one-layer pr...Many rock avalanches were triggered by the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008 in southwest China. Protection galleries covered with a single soil layer are usually used to protect against rockfall. Since one-layer protection galleries do not have sufficient buffer capacity, a two-layered absorbing system has been designed. This study aims to find whether an expanded poly-styrol （EPS） cushion, which is used in the soil-covered protection galleries for shock absorption, could be positioned under dynamic loadings. The dynamic impacts of the two-layered absorbing system under the conditions of rock avalanches are numerically simulated through a 2D discrete dement method. By selecting reasonable parameters, a series of numerical experiments were conducted to find the best combination for the two- layered absorbing system. The values of the EPS layer area as a percentage of the total area were set as 0% （Sl）, 22~ （S2）, and 70% （$3）. 22~ of the area of the EPS layer was found to be a reasonable value, and experiments were conducted to find the best position of the EPS layer in the two-layered absorbing system. The numerical results yield useful conclusions regarding the interaction between the impacting avalanches and the two-layered absorbing system. The soil layer can absorb the shock energy effectively and S2 （0.4-m thick EPS cushion covered with soil layer） is the most efficient combination, which can reduce the impact force, compared with the other combinations.展开更多
基金funded by the project of the Major Scientific and Technological Projects of CNOOC in the 14th Five-Year Plan(No.KJGG2022-0701)the CNOOC Research Institute(No.2020PFS-03).
文摘To analyze the differences in the transport and distribution of different types of proppants and to address issues such as the short effective support of proppant and poor placement in hydraulically intersecting fractures,this study considered the combined impact of geological-engineering factors on conductivity.Using reservoir production parameters and the discrete elementmethod,multispherical proppants were constructed.Additionally,a 3D fracture model,based on the specified conditions of the L block,employed coupled(Computational Fluid Dynamics)CFD-DEM(Discrete ElementMethod)for joint simulations to quantitatively analyze the transport and placement patterns of multispherical proppants in intersecting fractures.Results indicate that turbulent kinetic energy is an intrinsic factor affecting proppant transport.Moreover,the efficiency of placement and migration distance of low-sphericity quartz sand constructed by the DEM in the main fracture are significantly reduced compared to spherical ceramic proppants,with a 27.7%decrease in the volume fraction of the fracture surface,subsequently affecting the placement concentration and damaging fracture conductivity.Compared to small-angle fractures,controlling artificial and natural fractures to expand at angles of 45°to 60°increases the effective support length by approximately 20.6%.During hydraulic fracturing of gas wells,ensuring the fracture support area and post-closure conductivity can be achieved by controlling the sphericity of proppants and adjusting the perforation direction to control the direction of artificial fractures.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52074312 and 52211530097)CNPC Science and Technology Innovation Foundation(Grant No.2021DQ02-0505).
文摘Wellbore breakout is one of the critical issues in drilling due to the fact that the related problems result in additional costs and impact the drilling scheme severely.However,the majority of such wellbore breakout analyses were based on continuum mechanics.In addition to failure in intact rocks,wellbore breakouts can also be initiated along natural discontinuities,e.g.weak planes and fractures.Furthermore,the conventional models in wellbore breakouts with uniform distribution fractures could not reflect the real drilling situation.This paper presents a fully coupled hydro-mechanical model of the SB-X well in the Tarim Basin,China for evaluating wellbore breakouts in heavily fractured rocks under anisotropic stress states using the distinct element method(DEM)and the discrete fracture network(DFN).The developed model was validated against caliper log measurement,and its stability study was carried out by stress and displacement analyses.A parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of the characteristics of fracture distribution(orientation and length)on borehole stability by sensitivity studies.Simulation results demonstrate that the increase of the standard deviation of orientation when the fracture direction aligns parallel or perpendicular to the principal stress direction aggravates borehole instability.Moreover,an elevation in the average fracture length causes the borehole failure to change from the direction of the minimum in-situ horizontal principal stress(i.e.the direction of wellbore breakouts)towards alternative directions,ultimately leading to the whole wellbore failure.These findings provide theoretical insights for predicting wellbore breakouts in heavily fractured rocks.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51978048).
文摘The homogeneity of aggregate blend has a significant influence on the performance of asphalt mixture.The composition of aggregate blend,including the size combination and the mass ratio between each size particles(MRESP),is an important factor affecting the homogeneity.This study investigated the influence of the size combination and MRESP on the distribution homogeneity of particles in aggregate blend using discrete element method(DEM).An indicator quantifying the distribution homogeneity was established according to the coefficient of variation(CV)for particle number.Two-size,three-size,and four-size aggregate blends with various compositions were designed.Laboratory tests show the DEM simulation is feasible.The particle distribution homogeneity in various blends was analyzed.The results showed the distribution homogeneity of each size particles in a blend is closely related to their mass fraction.The higher the mass fraction of the particles,the more homogeneous the distribution of them.The MRESP has no significant influence on the homogeneity of the blend composed of only coarse aggregates.However,the homogeneity of the blend composed of coarse and fine aggregates improves gradually with the increase of the mass fraction of fine aggregates.The smaller the maximum particle size in a blend,the better the homogeneity.It is suggested that the mass fraction of fine aggregates should be between 33%and 50%for achieving good homogeneity of aggregate blends.The research results can provide a reference for gradation design of asphalt mixture.
基金a U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)BAA project,titled “Mitigation of Differential Movement at Railway Transitions for High-Speed Passenger Rail and Joint Passenger/Freight Corridors”the financial support provided by the China Scholarship Council (CSC),which funded Zhongyi Liu’s and Wenjing Li’s time and research efforts for this study
文摘Nonuniform track support and differential settlements are commonly observed in bridge approaches where the ballast layer can develop gaps at crosstie-ballast interfaces often referred to as a hanging crosstie condition.Hanging crossties usually yield unfavorable dynamic effects such as higher wheel loads,which negatively impact the serviceability and safety of railway operations.Hence,a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause hanging crossties and their effects on the ballast layer load-deformation characteristics is necessary.Since the ballast layer is a particulate medium,the discrete element method(DEM),which simulates ballast particle interactions individually,is ideal to explore the interparticle contact forces and ballast movements under dynamic wheel loading.Accurate representations of the dynamic loads from the train and track superstructure are needed for high-fidelity DEM modeling.This paper introduces an integrated modeling approach,which couples a single-crosstie DEM ballast model with a train–track–bridge(TTB)model using a proportional–integral–derivative control loop.The TTB–DEM model was validated with field measurements,and the coupled model calculates similar crosstie displacements as the TTB model.The TTB–DEM provided new insights into the ballast particle-scale behavior,which the TTB model alone cannot explore.The TTB–DEM coupling approach identified detrimental effects of hanging crossties on adjacent crossties,which were found to experience drastic vibrations and large ballast contact force concentrations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52304003)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(Grant No.2024NSFSC0961)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF(Grant No.GZB20230090).
文摘The glutenite reservoir is strongly heterogeneous due to the random distribution of gravels, making it challenging to perform hydraulic fracturing effectively. To solve this issue, it is essential to study interaction behavior between hydraulic fractures(HFs) and gravels. A coupled hydro-mechanical model is proposed for HF propagation in glutenite using a grain-based discrete element method. This paper first investigates the dynamic evolution of HFs in glutenite, then analyzes the influences of various factors such as horizontal stress difference(Δσ), minimum horizontal stress(σh), gravel content(Vg), gravel size(dg), and stiffness ratio of gravel to matrix(Rs) on HF propagation geometries. Results show that penetrating the gravel is the primary HF-gravel interaction behavior, which follows sequential and staggered initiation modes. Bypassing the gravel is the secondary behavior, which obeys the sequential initiation mode and occurs when the orientation of the gravel boundary is inclined to the maximum horizontal stress(σH). An offset along the gravel boundary is usually formed while penetrating gravels, and the offsets may cause fracture widths to decrease by 37.8%-84.4%. Even if stress dominates the direction of HF propagation, HFs still tend to deflect within gravels. The deviation angle from σH decreases with rising Δσand increases with the increase of dgand Rs. Additionally, intra-gravel shear HFs(IGS-HFs) are prone to be generated in coarse-grained glutenite under high Δσ, while more gravel-bypassing shear HFs(GBSHFs) tend to be created in argillaceous glutenite with high Rsthan in sandy glutenite with low Rs. The findings above prompt the emergence of a novel HF propagation pattern in glutenite, which helps to understand the real HF geometries and to provide theoretical guidance for treatments in the field.
基金Project(52108361)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProjects(BK20231217,BK20220265)supported by the Basic Research Program of Jiangsu Province,China+5 种基金Project(sklhse-KF-2025-D-02)supported by the Open Research Fund Program of the State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering,ChinaProject(2023ZB15)supported by the Independent Research Project of the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science,ChinaProject(SKLGME023001)supported by the Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety,the Chinese Academy of SciencesProject(2025A04J3992)supported by the Basic and Applied Basic Research Project of the Guangzhou Science and Technology Bureau,ChinaProject(SKLGP2022Z015)supported by the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection Independent Research Project,ChinaProjects(2023YFS0436,2024NSFSC1715)supported by the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province,China。
文摘Steep bedding slopes are widely distributed in Southwestern China’s mountainous regions and have complex seismic responses and instability risks,causing casualties and property losses.Considering the high-seismic-intensity environment,the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism of high-steep bedding slopes are simulated via the discrete element method and shaking table test.The dynamic response characteristics and cumulative failure effects of slopes subjected to continuous ground motion are investigated.The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of slopes under continuous earthquakes are influenced by geological and topographic conditions.Elevation has a distinct impact on both the slope interior and surface,with amplification effects more pronounced on the surface.The weak interlayers have different influences on the dynamic amplification effect of slopes.Weak interlayers have dynamic magnification effects on the slope surface at relative elevations of 0-0.33 and 0.82-1.0 but have weakening effects between 0.33 and 0.82.Moreover,the weak interlayers also have controlling effects on the dynamic instability mode of slopes.The characteristics of intergranular contact failure,fracture propagation,and displacement distribution are analyzed to reveal the dynamic failure evolution and instability mechanism through the discrete-element model.The dynamic instability process of slopes includes three stages:fracture initiation(0-0.2g),fracture expansion(0.2g-0.3g),and sliding instability(0.3g-0.6g).This work can provide a valuable reference for the seismic stability and reinforcement of complex slopes.
基金the financial support provided by Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory Organized Research Project Funding(No.2023CXXM01)the ARC linkage program(No.LP200100420).
文摘Ceramic spheres,typically with a particle diameter of less than 0.8 mm,are frequently utilized as a critical proppant material in hydraulic fracturing for petroleum and natural gas extraction.Porous ceramic spheres with artificial inherent pores are an important type of lightweight proppant,enabling their transport to distant fracture extremities and enhancing fracture conductivity.However,the focus frequently gravitates towards the low-density advantage,often overlooking the pore geometry impacts on compressive strength by traditional strength evaluation.This paper numerically bypasses such limitations by using a combined finite and discrete element method(FDEM)considering experimental results.The mesh size of the model undergoes validation,followed by the calibration of cohesive element parameters via the single particle compression test.The stimulation elucidates that proppants with a smaller pore size(40μm)manifest crack propagation evolution at a more rapid pace in comparison to their larger-pore counterparts,though the influence of pore diameter on overall strength is subtle.The inception of pores not only alters the trajectory of crack progression but also,with an increase in porosity,leads to a discernible decline in proppant compressive strength.Intriguingly,upon crossing a porosity threshold of 10%,the decrement in strength becomes more gradual.A denser congregation of pores accelerates crack propagation,undermining proppant robustness,suggesting that under analogous conditions,hollow proppants might not match the strength of their porous counterparts.This exploration elucidates the underlying mechanisms of proppant failure from a microstructural perspective,furnishing pivotal insights that may guide future refinements in the architectural design of porous proppant.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan(2023YFC2811001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42206233)the Taishan Scholars Program(tsqn202312280,tsqn202306297)。
文摘Hydraulic fracturing technology has played an important role in the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas resources,however,its application to gas hydrate reservoirs has been rarely studied.Currently,there is still limited understanding of the propagation and extension of fractures around the wellbore during the fracturing process of horizontal wells in hydrate reservoirs,as well as the stress interference patterns between fractures.This study simulates hydraulic fracturing processes in hydrate reservoirs using a fluidsolid coupling discrete element method(DEM),and analyzes the impacts of hydrate saturation and geological and engineering factors on fracture extension and stress disturbance.The results show that hydraulic fracturing is more effective when hydrate saturation exceeds 30%and that fracture pressure increases with saturation.The increase in horizontal stress differential enhances the directionality of fracture propagation and reduces stress disturbance.The distribution uniformity index(DUI)reveals that injection pressure is directly proportional to the number of main fractures and inversely proportional to fracturing time,with fracturing efficiency depending on the spacing between injection points and the distance between wells.This work may provide reference for the commercial exploitation of natural gas hydrates.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Numbers:U22A20598,52104107National Key Research and Development Program of China,Grant/Award Numbers:2023YFC2907300,2019YFE0118500,2019YFC1904304Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,Grant/Award Number:BK20200634。
文摘Gas storage in abandoned mines is one way to reuse waste space resources.The surrounding rock of gas storage reservoirs in underground roadways undergoes damage and deformation under the cyclic loading of gas charging and discharging,which can pose a risk to the safety of the reservoirs.This study establishes a true triaxial numerical model of rock mass with the discrete element method(DEM)and explores the crack evolution of surrounding rock of underground gas storage during cyclic loading and unloading.Also,a damage evolution model in numerical analysis considering residual deformation is developed to explain the experimental results.As was revealed,cyclic loading and unloading resulted in fatigue damage in the specimen and caused strength deterioration of the specimen.During the loading process,the uniformly distributed force chains of the rock mass redistributed,evolving gradually to mostly transverse force chains.This contributed to the appearance of blank areas in the force chains when through cracks appear.The ratio of tensile cracks to shear cracks gradually decreases and finally stabilizes at 7:1.The damage evolution model considering residual strain can be mutually verified with the numerical simulation results.Based on the DEM model,it was found that there was a certain threshold of confining pressure.When the confining pressure exceeded 30 MPa,the deformation to ductility of sandstone samples began to accelerate,with a greater residual strength.This study provides a theoretical basis for analyzing the long-term mechanical behavior of surrounding rock of gas storage in abandoned mines.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51108081)
文摘In order to investigate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures from discontinuity, the virtual rutting test of asphalt mixtures is developed by the discrete element method （DEM）. A digital specimen generation procedure considering aggregate gradation and irregular shape is developed based on the probability theory and the Monte Carlo method. The virtual rutting test is then conducted based on the generated digital specimen. In addition, on the basis of the time-temperature superposition （TTS） principle, a calculation method is used to reduce the computation time of the virtual rutting test. The simulation results are compared with the laboratory measurements. The results show that the calculation method based on the TFS principle in the discrete element （DE） viscoelastic model can significantly reduce the computation time. The deformation law of asphalt mixtures in the virtual rutting test is similar to the laboratory measurements, and the deformation and the dynamic stability of the virtual rutting test are slightly greater than the laboratory measurements. The two-dimensional virtual rutting test can predict the permanent deformation performance of asphalt mixtures.
基金Item Sponsored by Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities of China ( N090402021 )
文摘COREX process is one of the earliest industrialized smelting reduction ironmaking technology.A numerical simulation model based on discrete element method ( DEM ) has been developed to analyze the burden distribution in the melter gasifier of COREX process.The DEM considering the collisions between particles can directly reproduce the charging process.The burden trajectory , the location and the burden surface profile are analyzed in melter gasifier with a mixing charging of coal and direct reduction iron ( DRI ) at the same time.Considering the porosity of packed bed has an important effect on the gas flow distribution of melter gasifier , a method to calculate porosity has been proposed.The distribution of DRI and coal and the porosity in the radial direction are given under different charging patterns , which is necessary to judge the gas flow distribution and provide base data for further researching the melter gasifier for the next work in the future.The research results can be used to guide the operation of adjusting charging and provide important basis for optimizing the charging patterns in order to obtain the reasonable gas distribution.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12172104 and 11932005)the Talent Recruitment Project of Guangdong(2021QN02L892)+3 种基金the Stable Supporting Fund of Shenzhen(GXWD20231130153335002)the Shccig-Qinling Program(SMYJY202300140C)the program of Innovation Team in Universities and Colleges in Guangdong(2021KCXTD006)Development and Reform Commission of Shenzhen(XMHT20220103004).
文摘The mechanical properties of solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)can limit their mechanical stability and lifespan.Understanding the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous electrode is essential for enhancing the performance and durability of SOFCs.Accurate prediction of mechanical properties of porous electrode can be achieved by microscale finite element modeling based on three-dimensional(3D)microstructures,which requires expensive 3D tomography techniques and massive computational resources.In this study,we proposed a cost-effective alternative approach to access the mechanical properties of porous electrodes,with the elastic properties of La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.2)Fe_(0.8)O_(3-δc)athode serving as a case study.Firstly,a stochastic modeling was used to reconstruct 3D microstructures from two-dimensional(2D)cross-sections as an alternative to expensive tomography.Then,the discrete element method(DEM)was used to predict the elastic properties of porous ceramics based on the discretized 3D microstructures reconstructed by stochastic modeling.Based on 2D microstructure and the elastic properties calculated by the DEM modeling of the 3D reconstructed porous microstructures,a convolutional neural network(CNN)based deep learning model was built to predict the elastic properties rapidly from 2D microstructures.The proposed combined framework can be implemented with limited computational resources and provide a basis for rapid prediction of mechanical properties and parameter estimation for multiscale modeling of SOFCs.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Numbers:41977218,42222707State Key Laboratory for GeoMechanics and Deep Underground Engineering,Grant/Award Number:SKLGDUEK2117。
文摘Shield tunnel,composed of several segments,is widely used in urban underground engineering.When the tunnel is under load,relative displacement occurs between adjacent segments.In the past,distributed optical fiber sensing technology was used to perform strain monitoring,but there is an urgent need to determine how to transform strain into displacement.In this study,optical frequency domain reflectometry was applied in laboratory tests.Aiming at the shear process and center settlement process of shield tunnel segments,two kinds of quantitative calculation methods were put forward to carry out a quantitative analysis.Meanwhile,the laboratory test process was simulated numerically utilizing the discrete element numerical analysis method.Optical fiber,an atypical geotechnical material,was innovatively applied for discrete element modeling and numerical simulation.The results show that the measured displacement of the dial gauge,the calculated results of the numerical model,and the displacement quantitatively calculated from the optical fiber data agree with each other in general.The latter two methods can potentially be utilized in engineering application of deformation monitoring at shield tunnel joints,but need to be further calibrated and adjusted in detail.
文摘Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. While local experience, field monitoring, and informed data-rich analysis are some of the tools commonly used to manage the hazards and the associated risks, advanced numerical techniques based on discontinuum modelling have also shown potential in assisting in the assessment of rockbursting. In this study, the hybrid finite-discrete element method(FDEM) is employed to investigate the failure and fracturing processes, and the mechanisms of energy storage and rapid release resulting in bursting, as well as to assess its utility as part of the design process of underground excavations.Following the calibration of the numerical model to simulate a deep excavation in a hard, massive rock mass, discrete fracture network(DFN) geometries are integrated into the model in order to examine the impact of rock structure on rockbursting under high in situ stresses. The obtained analysis results not only highlight the importance of explicitly simulating pre-existing joints within the model, as they affect the mobilised failure mechanisms and the intensity of strain bursting phenomena, but also show how the employed joint network geometry, the field stress conditions, and their interaction influence the extent and depth of the excavation induced damage. Furthermore, a rigorous analysis of the mass and velocity of the ejected rock blocks and comparison of the obtained data with well-established semi-empirical approaches demonstrate the potential of the method to provide realistic estimates of the kinetic energy released during bursting for determining the energy support demand.
基金Financial supports from the PolyU Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme are highly appreciatedsupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.52201008)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,the State Key Laboratory of Particle Detection and Electronics (Grant No.SKLPDE-KF-202311).
文摘Utilizing the Discrete Element Method,this research studied the stiffness distribution of gap-graded soils by modifying the conventional static method.By acknowledging the inherent particle property disparity between coarser and finer particles,this research differentiates the stiffness distribution of gap-graded soils from the perspective of contact and particle types.Results indicate that particle property disparity significantly influence the small-strain stiffness characteristics,consequently altering the overall stiffness distribution in gap-graded soil specimens.Specifically,with the equivalent coarser particle property,an increase in particle Young's modulus of finer particles results in an augmentation of small-strain stiffness values,alongside an increased stiffness distribution contribution from finer particles.Nevertheless,this study reveals that even with a higher particle Young's modulus of finer particles,the proportion of small-strain stiffness transferred by finer particles remains consistently lower than their volume fraction.Furthermore,the proportion of stiffness transferred by finer particles may fall below their contribution to stress transmission.This investigation accentuates the subtle yet significant effects of particle property variations on small strain stiffness and its subsequent distribution,providing a foundation for advancing the significance of particle property disparities in evaluating soil responses.
基金support for this study from National Science Foundation(NSF)under the Engineering Research Centers(ERC)program,grant EEC-1449501.
文摘Discrete element method(DEM)-based numerical models in the YADE environment are used to simulate the constitutive response of uncemented and bio-cemented sands to investigate the influence of boundary conditions,loading and testing conditions,and material types.Both the classical DEM model and the pore scale finite volume(PFV)-coupled DEM model are used to simulate the response of saturated uncemented and lightly cemented sands with a rigid wall boundary under both drained and undrained triaxial compression.A DEM model with flexible boundaries created using particle facet(PFacet)elements is used to simulate undrained triaxial compression of moderately cemented sands,including the influence of confining stress.The PFacet-based model is used to predict the transition from barreling failure to shear banding when the confining stress or the cementation degree increases.The classical DEM model with cohesive bonds of uniform strength is also used to successfully simulate the uniaxial compression response of a sand with an extremely high degree of cementation.Finally,this paper presents a particle-packing model consisting of multiple solid phases for cemented sands based on the understanding that not all particle types will have the same cohesive properties.This multiple solidphase model is a refinement of the classical DEM model that represents the particle physics more realistically,especially for heterogeneous systems.A preliminary parametric study is carried out considering varying cohesive properties and volume fractions for the different solid phases.
文摘The particulate discrete element method(DEM) can be employed to capture the response of rock,provided that appropriate bonding models are used to cement the particles to each other.Simulations of laboratory tests are important to establish the extent to which those models can capture realistic rock behaviors.Hitherto the focus in such comparison studies has either been on homogeneous specimens or use of two-dimensional(2D) models.In situ rock formations are often heterogeneous,thus exploring the ability of this type of models to capture heterogeneous material behavior is important to facilitate their use in design analysis.In situ stress states are basically three-dimensional(3D),and therefore it is important to develop 3D models for this purpose.This paper revisits an earlier experimental study on heterogeneous specimens,of which the relative proportions of weaker material(siltstone) and stronger,harder material(sandstone) were varied in a controlled manner.Using a 3D DEM model with the parallel bond model,virtual heterogeneous specimens were created.The overall responses in terms of variations in strength and stiffness with different percentages of weaker material(siltstone) were shown to agree with the experimental observations.There was also a good qualitative agreement in the failure patterns observed in the experiments and the simulations,suggesting that the DEM data enabled analysis of the initiation of localizations and micro fractures in the specimens.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFC0800208)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51278216,51478201,51308241,and 51608316)
文摘Piled embankments are widely used in highway and railway engineering due to their economy and efficiency inovercoming several issues encountered in constructing embankments over weak soils. Soil arching, caused by the pile-subsoilrelative displacement （△s）, plays an important role in reducing the embankment load falling on weak soil, however, the funda-mental characteristics （e.g., formation and features） of soil arching remain poorly understood. In this study, a series of discreteelement method （DEM） modellings are performed to study the formation and features of soil arching with the variation of As inpiled embankments with or without geosynthetic reinforcement. Firstly, calibration for the modelling parameters is carried out bycomparing the DEM results with the experimental data obtained from the existing literature. Secondly, the analysis of the macro-and micro-behaviours is performed in detail. Finally, a parametric study is conducted in an effort to identify the influences of threekey factors on soil arching： the friction coefficient of the embankment fill （f）, the embankment height （h）, and the pile clear spacing（s-a）. Numerical results indicate that △s is a key factor governing the formation and features of soil arching in embankments. Tobe specific, soil arching gradually evolves from two inclined shear planes at a small △s to a hemispherical arch at a relatively largeAs. Then, with a continuous increase in △s, the soil arching height gradually increases and finally approaches a constant value of0.8（s-a） （i.e., the maximum soil arching height）. For a given case, the higher the soil arching height, the greater the degree of soilarching effect. The parametric study shows that the friction coefficient of the embankment fill has a negligible influence on theformation and features of soil arching. However, embankment height is a key factor governing the formation and features of soilarching. In addition, pile clear spacing has a significant effect on the formation of soil arching, but not on its features.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.59978005 and 10232024)the National Distinguished Youth Fund of China(No.10025212).
文摘A three-dimensional discrete element model of the connective type is presented. Moreover,a three-dimensional numerical analysis code,which can carry out the transitional pro- cess from connective model(for continuum)to contact model(for non-continuum),is developed for simulating the mechanical process from continuum to non-continuum.The wave propagation process in a concrete block(as continuum)made of cement grout under impact loading is numer- ically simulated with this code.By comparing its numerical results with those by LS-DYNA,the calculation accuracy of the model and algorithm is proved.Furthermore,the failure process of the concrete block under quasi-static loading is demonstrated,showing the basic dynamic tran- sitional process from continuum to non-continuum.The results of calculation can be displayed by animation.The damage modes are similar to the experimental results.The two numerical examples above prove that our model and its code are powerful and efficient in simulating the dynamic failure problems accompanying the transition from continuum to non-continuum.It also shows that the discrete element method(DEM)will have broad prospects for development and application.
基金financial support from the Project of National Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41272346)the National Outstanding Youth Funds(Grant No.41225011)+2 种基金financial support from the Science & Technology Research Plan of China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group CO.LTD (Grant No.13164196(13-15))the Project of National Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos. 41472293,91430105)"hundred talents" program of CAS
文摘Many rock avalanches were triggered by the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008 in southwest China. Protection galleries covered with a single soil layer are usually used to protect against rockfall. Since one-layer protection galleries do not have sufficient buffer capacity, a two-layered absorbing system has been designed. This study aims to find whether an expanded poly-styrol （EPS） cushion, which is used in the soil-covered protection galleries for shock absorption, could be positioned under dynamic loadings. The dynamic impacts of the two-layered absorbing system under the conditions of rock avalanches are numerically simulated through a 2D discrete dement method. By selecting reasonable parameters, a series of numerical experiments were conducted to find the best combination for the two- layered absorbing system. The values of the EPS layer area as a percentage of the total area were set as 0% （Sl）, 22~ （S2）, and 70% （$3）. 22~ of the area of the EPS layer was found to be a reasonable value, and experiments were conducted to find the best position of the EPS layer in the two-layered absorbing system. The numerical results yield useful conclusions regarding the interaction between the impacting avalanches and the two-layered absorbing system. The soil layer can absorb the shock energy effectively and S2 （0.4-m thick EPS cushion covered with soil layer） is the most efficient combination, which can reduce the impact force, compared with the other combinations.
