Simulation of the fracturing process in rocks with flaws using a novel continuous-discontinuous technique

Abstract

Loading induced cracks can emerge from the tips of pre-existing flaws. The overall process involves the interaction of two contacting surfaces in existing flaws, along with the initiation of wing cracks around the tip presenting the tensile failure, and the continuous crack propagation, and this continues until the final coalescence. The present study focuses on a numerical model to investigate the emergence and propagation of cracks, combined with the interaction behavior of crack internal surfaces. Moreover, a convenient and efficient approach to simulate the fracturing process of rocks from continuity to discontinuity is proposed. The numerical model is an integration of the following basic elements: cellular discretization and cellular automaton updating rule; internal interface formulation for the fracture representation; modified potential function for fracture behavior description; crack propagation algorithm; and re-meshing technique. The proposed numerical model is implemented in Cellular Automata Software for engineering Rockmass fracturing process (CASRock), after which it is verified and validated through a comparison between the simulated results and the analytical solution and experimental results.