Compressive Stress Field Research Articles

Characteristics of strong earthquake preparation in main-seismic type and multi-seismic type earthquake segments in the North China tectonic region

The North China Tectonic Zone (NCTZ) is the most seismically active area in eastern China, where a large number of strong earthquakes, especially M8 or so, had occurred. In order to study the risk of future strong earthquakes in the NCTZ, we study tectonic features of strong earthquakes and the time series features of Ms ≥ 5 earthquakes since the year 1484 (MT). The results show that the 14 seismic segments of faults are classified into Main-seismic types and multi-seismic types. The characteristics of the main seismic segment include: NNE dextral strike-slip faults, only one prominent around M8 main shock has occurred since the year 1484, most of the deep and large faults cutting the Moho surface below the main earthquakes with high angles, the flower structures of tectonics. The characteristics of multi-seismic type include: NWW left-lateral strike-slip faults, NEE oriented tensional faults, convergence areas of several sets of faults since the year 1484, and the magnitude of most of them was not greater than M7.0. Finally, we analyze the strong-earthquake-generating characteristics of the similar seismic segments and discuss their strong-earthquake-generating patterns based on the relationship between the rupture zone and the main compressive stress field.

Influence of surface integrity on short crack growth behavior in HFMI-treated welded joints

This study investigates the influence of surface integrity and the localized fatigue phenomena on the initiation and propagation of short fatigue cracks in high-frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)-treated welded joints. The treated surface region, characterized by a compressive residual stress field, smooth notch geometry, and work hardening layer, improves welded joints’ fatigue strength. However, how these surface conditions influence the fatigue damage process zone during short crack initiation and growth is not yet well known. Therefore, this study systematically investigates the influence of different surface characteristics on fatigue life modeling of HFMI-treated welded joints made of high-strength steel. This is achieved using a non-local continuum damage mechanics-based approach of crack growth and elastic–plastic finite element simulation, explicitly modeling treated surface conditions. The simulated fatigue life is first verified with experiments and then applied to various surface conditions. The simulation results show that most of the fatigue life is spent until a crack size of 0.2 mm. The compressive residual stress field greatly extends both short crack initiation and propagation life, with its degree of contribution highly dependent on loading history and residual stress change. The role of the work hardening layer is mainly concentrated on improving fatigue life during short crack initiation and the very beginning of short crack growth.

Differential tectonic activity along the southern boundary of the Qilian Mountains: Insights from low-temperature thermochronology, seismic data, and fluvial geomorphology

The Cenozoic development of the Tibetan Plateau is one of the most remarkable events in the geosciences. The southern boundary of the Qilian Mountains is a spectacular basin-mountain boundary in the northern Tibetan Plateau offering a valuable opportunity to investigate the growth processes and mechanisms of the Tibetan Plateau. Structural activity is significantly variable across the northern Qaidam basin, and the underlying reason for these differences remains uncertain. To address this issue, we undertook an analysis of two main watersheds—the Tataleng and Yuqia River watersheds—encompassing the middle section of the northern Qaidam basin. This study utilized a multidisciplinary approach combining fluvial geomorphology, low-temperature thermochronology, and seismic data to comprehensively investigate the structural activity within the northern Qaidam basin. The high channel steepness index, young low-temperature thermochronologic ages, concentrated earthquakes, and numerous knickpoints along the piedmont area of the Qaidam Shan collectively suggest that this region is among the most structurally active areas along the southern boundary of the Qilian Mountains. The varying levels of structural activity in the northern Qaidam basin could be linked to the intense glacial erosion in the Qaidam Shan during the Quaternary. Moreover, the flow orientation observed in the bedrock mountains is consistent with the N-S compressional stress field in the northern Qaidam basin during the early Cenozoic, representing a stark contrast to the modern NE-SW stress field. In this way, this research supports the understanding that river geomorphic parameters, including river steepness index and flow direction, are valuable tools for unveiling the regional tectonic evolution in bedrock mountain areas.

Study on Microstructure and Corrosion Fatigue Resistance of 14Cr12Ni3Mo2VN Materials Based on the Composite Technology of High-Frequency Induction Quenching and Laser Shock Peening

This study investigated the microstructure, microhardness, and residual compressive stress of 14Cr12Ni3Mo2VN martensitic stainless steel treated with high-frequency induction quenching (HFIQ) and laser shock peening (LSP). Using rotating bending corrosion fatigue testing, the corrosion fatigue performance was analyzed. Results show that a microstructural gradient formed after HFIQ and LSP: the surface layer consisted of nanocrystals, the subsurface layer of short lath martensite, and the core of thick lath martensite. A hardness gradient was introduced, with surface hardness reaching 524 Hv0.1, 163 Hv0.1 higher than the core hardness. A residual compressive stress field was introduced near the surface, with a maximum residual compressive stress of approximately −575 MPa at a depth of 0.1 mm. Corrosion fatigue results indicate that cycle loading times of samples treated with HFIQ and LSP were 2.88, 2.04, and 1.45 times higher than untreated, HFIQ-only, and LSP-only samples, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization showed that HFIQ reduced the lath martensite size, while the ultra-high strain rate induced by LSP likely caused dynamic recrystallization, forming numerous sub-boundaries and refining grains, which increased surface hardness. The plastic strain induced by LSP introduced residual compressive stress, counteracting tensile stress and hindering the initiation and propagation of corrosion fatigue cracks.

Seismic radial anisotropy in southeastern Tibetan Plateau and its implications for regional geodynamic evolution

The southeastern Tibetan Plateau exhibits intricate crustal tectonics, encompassing recent seismic megathrust events. Previous research suggested the presence of north-south-oriented channelized viscous flow within the crust. However, recent investigations have unveiled a notable northeast-southwest-oriented geological structure, potentially rigid, intersecting with the presumed crustal channelized flow. Several questions persist regarding the composition of the northeast-southwest-oriented structure, the continuity of crustal channelized flow, and the interplay between them. In this study, dispersion data from a dense seismic array are employed to significantly refine regional crustal models for shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy through ambient noise tomography. The resulting high-resolution model further reveals the style of the crustal deformation and supports the interpretation that the northeast-southwest structure, which shows higher velocity and significant negative radial anisotropy, results from mafic material at the base of crust, obstructing the crustal channelized flow. However, the northeast-southwest structure is not as rigid as the Sichuan Block and exhibits depth-dependent deformation. The interpretation proves useful in further understanding regional earthquake focal mechanisms and strain distribution. Additionally, this research identified a region of generalized negative radial anisotropy in the crust of the western Chuan-Dian fragment, suggesting a reduced horizontal channel crustal flow in this area. Drawing upon various geophysical and geological evidence, we present a geodynamic evolution model, proposing a sequence of events: Permian plume activity resulting in mafic material at the base of the crust near Anninghe-Zemuhe fault, northward advancement of the east Himalayan syntaxis inducing crustal compressional stress field, reduced lower crustal channel flow in the western Chuan-Dian fragment leading to the regional east-west extension, and initiation of the Xianshuihe fault causing shift of strain concentration and depth-dependent deformation near the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault. The geodynamic model provides valuable insights into the regional distribution of crustal strain and the underlying mechanisms of large seismic events.

Dyke emplacement under mixed loading conditions: Insights from the Dharwar Craton, India

Dykes are intrusive igneous bodies that play crucial role in the supply and ascent of magma to the Earth’s crust. Magma can intrude along pre-existing anisotropies such as fractures or foliations present within the host rock or it may create its own path by fracturing the host rock. In the latter scenario, when fractures are formed by the pressure exerted by the invading magma, a dyke’s outcrop shape and geometry are diagnostic of the conditions under which it evolved. Here, we report mafic dykes emplaced within the younger granites of Dharwar Craton, peninsular India. Outcrop attributes of these dykes are characteristic of emplacement under conditions of mixed mode loading. We discuss different discrete modes of fracture formation and their possible combinations to understand the generation and eventual emplacement of dykes under mixed mode loading. This leads to the development of a comprehensive sequence of progressive dyke evolution under mixed mode I-III loading and thereby distinguishing incremental orders of dyke horn formation. We further apply this knowledge along with collected field evidence on dyke body geometries to propose an evolutionary model of dyke formation and emplacement within the Chitradurga granite under varying regional stress fields of the Chitradurga Schist Belt, Western Dharwar Craton, India. We infer, that the dykes initiated as extensional fractures within an earlier NE-SW directed compressive stress field and were subsequently sheared sinistrally by the effect of the adjacent Chitradurga Shear Zone on account of a later E-W to ESE-WNW directed compression.

Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures of a High‐Temperature Titanium Matrix Composite

Lightweight lattice structure is of great significance in the fields of aerospace thermal protection and energy absorption. In this study, compressive properties and energy‐absorbing characteristics of additively manufactured body‐centered cubic (BCC) lattice structures of a high‐temperature titanium matrix composite (TMC) are investigated systematically. It is found that compressive strength increases monotonically as either lattice strut diameter or temperature increases. With lattice strut diameter increasing from 1.0 to 1.5 and 2.0 mm, strength increases from 78 to 94 and 108 MPa at room temperature (RT) and from 71 to 104 and 123 MPa at 650 °C. Unexpectedly, specific energy absorption (SEA) capability increases as strut diameter decreases, although also increases as temperature increases. BCC lattice structure with a strut diameter of 1.0 mm presents the highest SEA being up to 13.7 MJ m−3 at RT and 142 MJ m−3 at 650 °C. And sphericizing the lattice nodes is found incapable of enhancing strength and SEA. Besides, numerical simulation is used to demonstrate the compressive stress and strain fields, in order to explain the fracture modes and SEA capability of individual BCC lattice structures. This study provides deep insights into the mechanical properties and energy absorption behavior of additively manufactured lattice structures of TMCs.

Crack failure behaviors of Ti–6Al–4V dovetail joints subjected to fretting fatigue and effect of laser shock dimple-textured surface coated with diamond-like carbon film

Fretting damage can lead to a reduction in fatigue strength by more than half, due to the increased stress on the fretting surface, which accelerates crack initiation and propagation. Laser shock peening (LSP) technology is an advanced method for protecting against fretting fatigue, which reduces the effective stress on the fretting surface of components by introducing a deeper compressive residual stress field. In this work, LSP was utilized to create regularly arranged dimples on the surface of titanium alloy dovetail joints, and followed by diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to alter fretting friction. Five surface treatment samples including as-machined, conv-LSP, LSP dimple-textured, DLC, LSP dimple-textured + DLC, were prepared for fretting fatigue tests on dovetail joints. The experimental results showed that the fatigue performance of specimens treated with LSP dimple-textured + DLC is better. Furthermore, it is found that wear debris from fretting surface was discharged into crack source area during fretting fatigue, leading to the formation of a fracture debris area forms in the crack initiation zone. The crack initiation zone displays the protrusion morphology characteristics due to the friction effect induced by contact loads. There is an internal correlation between the size of fracture debris area and surface wear resistance. Fracture debris area and the protrusion morphology vary with surface treatments and applied load. This research further reveals that the variation characteristics of the crack initiation area including the fracture debris area, have a positive influence on observing and analyzing failure behavior of fretting fatigue damage.

Numerical Simulation and Engineering Application of Synergistic Support Effect of Bolt–Mesh–Cable Support in Gob-Side Entry of Deep Soft Coal Seam

Aiming at solving the problem of support failure caused by a large deformation of roadway surrounding rock in a deep soft coal seam, and taking the surrounding rock control of the roadway in the 11-2 coal seam in Zhujidong Coal Mine as the research background, numerical simulation and field industrial test and inspection methods were used to study the support effect of a supporting system of gob-side entry in deep soft coal seam. The deformation characteristics of various supporting systems of metal mesh, diamond mesh, metal mesh with anchor rod, steel ladder beam, M-shaped steel belt, 14#b channel steel, and 11# I-steel in the goaf supporting body of deep soft coal seam were studied under vertical load. The supporting effect of effective compressive stress zone generated by bolt and cable under different row spacings and lengths was analyzed, and the law of variation in the compressive stress field generated by supporting members with supporting parameters was explored. The length and interrow distance of bolt and cable were compared, respectively, and reasonable supporting parameters were selected. Based on the abovementioned research results and the geological conditions of the 1331 (1) track roadway, the support scheme of the 1331 (1) track roadway was designed, and the industrial test was carried out. The results show that the surrounding rock of the roadway is within the effective anchorage range of the supporting body, the active support function of the supporting components has been fully brought into play, and the overall control effect of the surrounding rock of the roadway is good, which can ensure the safety and stability of the goaf roadway. The maximum displacement of the roof and floor of the roadway is 86 mm, the maximum displacement of the solid coal side is 50 mm, the maximum displacement of the coal pillar side is 70 mm, and the maximum separation of layers is 22 mm. There is no failure phenomenon in relation to the anchor bolt and cable, and the overall deformation of the roadway surrounding the rock is good, which can provide some references for roadway-surrounding-rock control under similar conditions in deep coal seams.

Fretting fatigue fracture behavior of Ti6Al4V dovetail joint specimens at 500°C treated with nanosecond stacked femtosecond laser impact strengthening

AbstractThe high‐temperature fretting fatigue damage characteristics of dovetail specimens strengthened by nanosecond laser (NL) and nanosecond combined femtosecond laser (F‐NL) were investigated. The results show that the fretting fatigue life of the NL strengthened sample (NL sample) is improved by 211.2% compared to the base metal samples (BM sample). The lifetime of the nanosecond combined femtosecond strengthened sample (F‐NL sample) was increased by 319.6%. It was attributed to the strengthening introducing hardened layers, residual compressive stress field, and high density of dislocations. The combined strengthening process reduces the surface roughness of the NL strengthened surfaces, while the strengthening influence layer is further increased. The fracture morphology shows that the crack source of the strengthened specimen has changed from multi‐source sprouting to single‐source sprouting, and the crack source sprouted on the subsurface. The fatigue strip morphology similarly confirms that a reduction in the crack propagation rate occurs.

On the evolution of β1/β′ coupled-structures in Mg–Y–Nd alloys: A simulation study

In magnesium alloys based on the Mg–Y–Nd system, the key strengthening precipitate phases, β1 and β′, often form coupled-structures, with β′ precipitates invariably attached to both ends of the β1. A question here is how the attached β′ precipitates evolve as the β1 lengthens within the solid magnesium matrix. To investigate this, this study uses a multi-scale model based on a three-dimensional phase field approach to simulate the evolution of β1 and β′ precipitates in a β1/β′ coupled-structure. The simulation results reveal that, during the evolution process, the β1 precipitate lengthens, while the attached β′ precipitates grow only at the side located along the direction of β1 extension and dissolves at the opposite side. This results in a visual effect where the β′ precipitates appear to “move” within the solid matrix. This phenomenon is governed by the interplay between chemical free energy and elastic strain energy. Chemical free energy promotes uniform growth of the β′ precipitates. However, the elastic strain energy, generated by the β′ precipitates and the stress field concentrated at the end of the β1 plate to which they are attached, favours growth of only one side of the β′ precipitates while causing dissolution at the other side. When the evolution of a coupled-structure is influenced by neighbouring coupled-structures, the evolution of β′ precipitates is strongly driven by the minimization of elastic strain energy. In general, the β′ precipitates tend to grow under tensile stress fields and dissolve under compressive stress fields.

Stress-deformation analysis of the cracked elastic body

A new analytical plane Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) model of the effective elastic moduli exhibited by an isotropic elastic cracked solid in tensile and compressive stress fields is presented. The effective Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio E¯,v¯, respectively, relate the stresses applied to the cracked solid with its macroscopic deformation. In the case of a compressive stress field the effective elastic moduli depend solely on properly oriented cracks that are either open or closed. This model is then used for the stress and displacement estimations around a circular axisymmetric hole under internal pressure and external hydrostatic stress. The creation of the hole alters the stresses in its neighborhood, and induces a deterioration of the elastic moduli. In this manner, the effective elastic moduli depend on the radial distance from the hole’s boundary. The validation of the algorithm was done against Kirsch’s analytical solution of the axisymmetric hole problem for nearly zero density of cracks as well as for large values of the friction angle. The model predicts a lower tangential stress concentration at the wall of the hole compared to that predicted by the constant linear elasticity solution and a maximum stress concentration that is not necessarily located at the wall of the hole. This apparent enhancement of rock strength adjacent to the wall is more pronounced for larger concentrations of open cracks.

Geochemical Study of the Osumi Granodiorite, Southwestern Japan

The Osumi Granodiorite, located on the Osumi Peninsula in southwest Japan, is an example of outer zone granites that were formed during a limited period (13–15 Ma) in response to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. This event, which is linked to the separation of southwest Japan from continental Asia, resulted in unique igneous activity. The Osumi Granodiorite is the largest Miocene granite body in the region. It intrudes into the Mesozoic to Paleogene accretionary complex of the Shimanto Belt and affects contact metamorphism. Despite considerable research on the Osumi Granodiorite, limited geochemical studies, especially on trace and rare earth element (REE) analyses, have been conducted. Furthermore, there are insufficient data on the Rb–Sr isotopic system, leaving the formation process unclear. This study presents whole-rock geochemical and Rb-Sr isotopic data to investigate the petrogenesis of the Osumi Granodiorite. The results suggest a common magma origin for this pluton, as indicated by linear trends on the Harker diagrams and similar REE patterns. The presence of a relatively large Eu anomaly implies formation under a reducing environment. The AKF diagram indicates predominant contamination by pelitic rocks of the Shimanto Belt during magma formation. The Rb–Sr whole-rock isochron diagram and SrI–1000/Sr diagram suggest that the Osumi Granodiorite body was formed by heterogeneous assimilation of magma into the Shimanto Belt. Furthermore, the whole-rock isochron age is 64.3 Ma, which differs by approximately 50 My from the previously reported biotite K–Ar age (14–22 Ma). This age is considered to be a pseudo-isochron age, rather than the consolidation age. During the middle Miocene, the compressive stress field in the outer zone south of the Butsuzo Tectonic Line made it difficult for magma to rise. As a result, it reacted with the sedimentary rocks of the Shimanto Belt to various degrees. The Osumi Granodiorite underwent magma differentiation upon intrusion into the Shimanto Belt. It subsequently ascended, cooled, and interacted with pelitic rocks under stable geological conditions.

Influence of double-side symmetric oblique laser shock peening on shape deviation, surface integrity, and fatigue properties of the blades in small-sized blisk

Double-sided symmetric oblique laser shock peening (DSOLSP) was adopted to experiment on a small-sized blisk with restricted space. The influences of different laser energies on the shape deviation, surface roughness, microhardness, and residual stress of the blades were studied. The optimum process parameters were selected based on the shape deviation results of the blades and the microstructural evolution of the surface layers was investigated. The strengthening effect of DSOLSP treatment on notched blades was evaluated by vibration fatigue tests. It was found that DSOLSP can effectively cover the fatigue vulnerable regions without interference. Two-way bending deformation was formed after DSOLSP, and the shape deviation of the blades could be controlled within ±0.02 mm. With the increase of laser energy, the surface roughness and the depth of work-hardened layer increased. The full-thickness compressive residual stress (CRS) field was induced. A gradient microstructure was generated on the surface of the blade, and the size of average nanograins on the topmost surface is approximately 36.5 nm. The fatigue strength of the DSOLSP treated blades with notches was increased by 25.9 %. The enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic strengthening of CRS and gradient microstructure.

Numerical simulation of fault activity in the Qilian tectonic belt and dynamic background of Menyuan earthquake series

Some faults in the Qilian tectonic belt are seismogenic areas for strong earthquakes, including the western section of the Lenglongling fault, which frequently occures moderate-strong Menyuan earthquakes. In this study, using GPS velocity data of 1991–2015 as the boundary constraints, a three-dimensional viscoelastic finite element dynamic model is constructed by comprehensively considering the regional dynamic environment, crust-mantle transverse-longitudinal inhomogeneity, and spatial spreading of a complex fault system. The objective is to investigate the long-period characteristics of fault movement and stress change in the Qilian tectonic belt caused by tectonic loading, and to discuss the seismogenic conditions of the Menyuan earthquakes. The results show that the annual change of long-period movement and stress of the major faults in the Qilian Mountain tectonic zone are characterized by significant segmentation. Due to its unique geometric bend morphology, the western section of Lenglongling fault has a low movement rate, significant slip deficit and high shear stress accumulation, which are conducive to the gestation and occurrence of earthquakes. Furthermore, the seismogenic area of the Menyuan earthquake series is jointly subjected to NE-SW compressive and NW-SE tensile stress fields, and the maximum shear stress and elastic strain energy accumulate faster than in the surrounding areas. Overall, the western section of the Lenglongling fault has a strong dynamic background and favorable conditions for the frequent occurrence of the Menyuan earthquake series.

Improvement of fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloy treated by double-sided symmetric oblique laser shock peening

To improve the anti-foreign object damage (FOD) ability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy blisk blades, a blade simulation specimen was designed and subjected to double-sided symmetrical oblique laser shock peening (DSOLSP) treatment. Surface roughness, residual stress distribution, and microstructural evolution of simulated specimens of Ti-6Al-4V alloy without and with DSOLSP were investigated, and the strengthening effect was evaluated by flexural fatigue test. The results showed that after DSOLSP treatment, surface roughness of simulated specimens was reduced from Ra0.97 µm to Ra0.6 µm. DSOLSP treatment generated a compressive residual stress (CRS) field along the entire thickness direction of the simulated specimen. Nanostructures with a depth of ∼500 nm was observed at topmost surface layer, and the average size of the nanograins was about 35.2 nm. Compared with the base material, the flexural average fatigue life of the simulated specimen was increased by 8.45 times. Moreover, mathematical statistical analysis confirms that DSOLSP has a significant effect on the fatigue life of simulated samples. The development of CRS fields throughout the entire thickness direction, the grain refinement on the surface, and the reduction of surface roughness are primarily responsible for the enhancement of the flexural fatigue life of the DSOLSP simulated specimen.

Strain energy dependent numerical simulation of rock fracture initiation and propagation using soundless cracking demolition agents (SCDA): Effects of SCDA-filled rock joints

Soundless Cracking Demolition Agents (SCDA) are gaining traction as an innovative technique for controlled rock fracturing in applications such as underground energy, mineral extraction, and excavation. This paper presents a novel numerical approach to simulate SCDA-charged rock fracture initiation using the strain energy density of SCDA. This approach eliminates the need for prior knowledge of the peak expansive pressure developed in a rock, a common requirement in conventional SCDA modelling. An empirically derived model is presented which captures the rate of energy release in SCDA as a function of applied strain to the surrounding material. The model was implemented in the 3-dimensional Distinct Element Code by applying an exponential strain-rate decay function. The proposed fracture stimulation method accurately mimics the expansion behaviour and finite strain energy release from SCDA expansion. The method was extended to simulate SCDA expansion in rock joints. The SCDA expansion method was assessed by creating a numerical model in which a central injection well was intersected by a horizontal joint and SCDA expansion was simulated in the injection well and the joint. The simulations were verified against laboratory fracture experiments. The model was extended to evaluate the fracturing performance of SCDA under varying joint roughness and confining pressures. SCDA expansion in rock joints introduces an additional compressive stress field that inhibits fracture initiation and propagation near the joint. Increasing fracture roughness suppressed fracture growth, but led to more fracture nucleation points around the injection well and shear damage at the joint interface. The simulation method employed shows sensitivity to confining pressures and simulates the fracturing potential of SCDA in different rocks subjected to confining pressures without requiring further calibration of the SCDA expansion parameters. The proposed numerical simulation method improves the accuracy in investigating the fracturing potential of expansive agents over existing simulation methods for SCDA.

CT-based assessment of the stress state of dog spines

An urgent task of biomechanics is the study of the influence of external loads on the human musculoskeletal system, one of the main elements of which is the vertebral column. In this case, research involves considering the spine as a complex system consisting of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs that articulate them. At the moment, there are many works devoted to determining the causes of various abnormalities in the tissue fibers between the vertebrae, which leads to the development of discopathy. Dogs are the most susceptible to such changes due to their genetic predisposition. Thus, in this work, studies were carried out on the cervical spine of three animals: yorkshire terrier, russian toy terrier and half–breed. During the work, numerical modeling of samples was performed using computed tomography data. Computational experiments were carried out using the finite element method and made it possible to determine the stress state taking into account the distribution of the mechanical properties of the material. The tests corresponded to longitudinal compression of the samples. Based on the results obtained, the compressive stress field was determined, the reliability of the values was assessed according to the energy error, and the von Mises stress intensity and the rigidity of the resulting structure were calculated. Analysis of the results showed that the highest stress values are achieved between the vertebrae of the border sections of the cervical spine. On average, a sample of the Yorkshire Terrier breed is predisposed to experience greater stress compared to the results of other dogs in the experimental group. The highest rigidity corresponded to half–breed: twice as much as the average value for dwarf breeds. The distribution of the energy error showed that the areas with the highest values correspond to finite elements at the boundary between different phases of the medium. Thus, the results obtained in the framework of the study make it possible to establish the nature of the distribution of the stress state in the intervertebral discs, as well as to identify the strength indicators of the vertebral columns, taking into account the mechanical properties of various biological tissues.

Characteristics of Perimeter Rock Damage in a Bottom-Pumping Roadway under the Influence of Mining Activities and Rational Location Studies: A Case Study

With the aim of determining the damage characteristics and a reasonable positional arrangement of the surrounding rock in a bottom-pumping roadway influenced by mining in a high-gas mine, the boundary equation for the plastic zone of the surrounding rock in a circular roadway under an unequal compressive stress field was adopted to analyze the relationship between the distribution characteristics of the plastic zone of the bottom-pumping roadway and the stability of the rock surrounding the bottom-pumping roadway under different bidirectional stress ratios. This was carried out in the bottom-pumping roadway of the working face of Licun coal mine 3301 as the engineering background, where the nature of the coal seams mined is bituminous coal, and the absolute gas outflow is 0.5 m3/min−1. A numerical simulation was used to analyze the distribution characteristics of the surrounding rock stress and the bidirectional stress ratio, as well as the deformation and damage characteristics of the surrounding rock at different positions in the bottom-pumping roadway. A numerical simulation was applied to analyze the distribution characteristics of the surrounding rock stress and the two-way stress ratio, as well as the deformation and damage characteristics of the rock surrounding the bottom-pumping roadway when the bottom-pumping roadway was arranged in different locations. The results show that, with an increase in the bidirectional stress ratio, the plastic zone of the perimeter rock in the bottom-pumping roadway shows nonuniform “butterfly” distribution characteristics, which seriously affects the stability of the rock on the perimeter of the roadway; the stress on the bottom plate of the working face after excavation can be divided into four areas according to the size of the bidirectional stress ratio and the stress loading and unloading states. In addition, the size of the perimeter rock deformation can be sorted into four areas according to the damage range of the perimeter of the rock plastic zone in the bottom-pumping roadway. The size of the deformation in the surrounding rock can be sorted as follows: unpressurized high-stress ratio > unpressurized stress ratio stable area > pressurized low-stress ratio area > original rock stress ratio area. Accordingly, we found that the reasonable location of the bottom-pumping roadway is arranged at the 15 m position outside the hollow area below the coal pillar, along the limestone upper medium-grained sandstone layer along the bottom. The study’s results were applied to the field. The industrial experiments on the site show that the deformation of the surrounding rock is reasonable when the bottom-pumping roadway is dug along the limestone roof and arranged 15 m outside the fault of the mining hollow area below the coal pillar.

Three-dimensional damage and rupture patterns of different thicknesses of rock mass with open joints under blast loading

There are an immense number of discontinuous structural surfaces represented by tensile joints in natural rock mass, in which the thickness of tensile joints determines the form how stress wave interacts with joint surface, which has a significant influence on the fracture behavior of jointed rock mass under blast loading. Open joint specimens were prepared using 3D printing technology, an indoor 3D blasting experiment was carried out with respect to different open joint thicknesses. Through CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction, the rupture and the distribution patterns of three-dimensional cracks of the post-blasting specimens were compared, and the rupture characteristics of the rock masses with different open joint thicknesses under blast loading were analyzed. The blasting process of the rock masses with open joints was inverted by AUTODYN numerical simulation software, the effects of open joint thickness on the propagation of stress wave and the three-dimensional damage characteristics of rock mass were revealed. Results showed that under the blast load, the wing cracks derived from the end of the open joints are greatly affected by the thickness of the joints and as the joint thickness increases, the annular derived cracks formed on the right outer surface of the specimen gradually decrease. In case of a change in the open joint thickness, the intensity at which the stress wave diffracts and transmits through the end of the joint will be directly affected. This makes it hard for the wing cracks at the end to initiate, the distribution density of the radial tension cracks traversing through the open joint surface attenuates obviously, resulting in the decrease of the fractal dimension and the damage extent of the specimen. As the thickness of open joints increases, the blast stress wave running through the joint surface will endure a time delay and reduced intensity, the closure of the joint surface gradually reduces, and the degree of stress concentration at the end gets weak. In the course of stress wave propagation, the rock mass on the back-blast side of the joint endures the combined actions of compressive stress field, tensile and tangential stress field and compressive and tangential stress field. As the thickness of open joint increases, the time point for the back-blast side to reach the peak stress is delayed, the intensity of the composite stress field subjected to compressive and tangential stress field decreases, and the normal displacements on the near-blast side and the back-blast side of the joint follow the opposite trend.