Mesoscopic Evolution Research Articles

Simulation and multi-dimensional damage evolution analysis of detailed micro-model representing ancient brick masonry compressive behavior

To further investigate the crack propagation and damage evolution mechanisms of ancient masonry under uniaxial compression, this study employs numerical simulation techniques alongside laboratory experiments to characterize and predict both the apparent and internal cracking behaviors of ancient masonry, utilizing a detailed micro-model constructed from the constitutive equations governing brick blocks and mortar. The findings indicate that this comprehensive micro-model effectively replicates the crack development process. The microscopic damage evolution is delineated by distinct stages: initiation, propagation, penetration, and ultimate failure. Furthermore, the mesoscopic fracture degree serves as a quantitative measure for assessing the mesoscopic evolution of ancient masonry during damage events. An internal damage assessment model has been developed to intricately describe the crack propagation process from within to outside. Additionally, recognizing the inherent randomness and complexity associated with crack development, we introduce a fractal dimension index which significantly enhances tracking accuracy throughout all phases of crack progression. Concurrently, in conjunction with a progressive damage model, multi-faceted predictions and evaluations regarding crack development are conducted to provide an effective framework for understanding the damage processes affecting ancient masonry.

Synthetic iterative scheme for thermal applications in hotspot systems with large temperature variance

A synthetic iterative scheme is developed for thermal applications in hotspot systems with large temperature variance. Different from previous work with linearized equilibrium state and small temperature difference assumption, the phonon equilibrium distribution shows a nonlinear relationship with temperature and mean free path changes with the spatial temperature when the temperature difference of system is large, so that the same phonon mode may suffer different transport processes in different geometric regions. In order to efficiently capture nonlinear and multiscale thermal behaviors, the Newton method is used and a macroscopic iteration is introduced for preprocessing based on the iterative solutions of the stationary phonon BTE. Macroscopic and mesoscopic physical evolution processes are connected by the heat flux, which is no longer calculated by classical Fourier’s law but obtained by taking the moment of phonon distribution function. These two processes exchange information from different scales, such that the present scheme could efficiently deal with heat conduction problems from ballistic to diffusive regime. Numerical tests show that the present scheme could efficiently capture the multiscale heat conduction in hotspot systems with large temperature variances. In addition, a comparison is made between the solutions of the present scheme and effective Fourier’s law by several heat dissipations problems under different sizes or selective phonon excitation. Numerical results show that compared to the classical Fourier’s law, the results of the effective Fourier’s law could be closer to the BTE solutions by adjusting effective coefficients. However, it is still difficult to capture some local nonlinear phenomena in complex geometries.

Full active counter-roller spinning for thin-walled cylinders: Macroscopic deformation mechanism, mesoscopic texture evolution, and forming performance strengthening

The reliability and lightweight of hydrogen high-pressure storage present pressing global challenges. The forming mechanism of a novel full active counter-roller spinning (FACRS) process for thin-walled cylinders is studied from the perspective of macro‑meso coupling. This innovative process holds promise as a replacement for conventional mandrel spinning, enabling enhanced integration of form and property in manufacturing hydrogen bottle liners. Employing optimal Latin hypercube sampling, a response surface model is constructed for forming consistency (λ) of inner and outer surfaces, yielding an optimal set of process parameters under the Hooke-Jeeves algorithm. The resulting spun parts exhibit a more balanced and superior performance. A macro‑meso gradual cross-scale coupling simulation methodology is proposed, revealing that the process is characterized by the initial aggregation and subsequent reinforcement of texture, culminating in the formation of a "soft" rotated cubic texture, which still faces impediments or diminishes the orientation of texture. It is demonstrated that the evolution of texture is the result of the interactive coordination of various slip systems. Furthermore, the FACRS experiments and performance tests indicate that while enhancing the axial and circumferential mechanical properties of the spun parts, it also reduces material anisotropy. The grain refinement effect of the process has also led to a more uniform distribution of dimples on the fracture surface. The surface performance of the final spun parts improves by 60.11 %. These enhancements can be attributed to the combined effects of improved forming consistency, coordinated action of slip systems, and grain refinement. These results deepen the understanding of the macro‑meso deformation mechanisms underlying the novel process, providing valuable insights for further advancements in counter-roller spinning technology.

Mesoscopic shear evolution characteristics of frozen soil-concrete interface

The mechanical properties of frozen-concrete interfaces affect the stability and durability of engineering structures in cold regions. To investigate these properties, laboratory tests and numerical simulations were conducted to study the mesoscopic evolution of the shear stress-displacement relationship and the shearing process at the interface. The direct shear tests were performed at different environmental temperatures (−2 °C, −5 °C, and −10 °C) and normal stresses (100 kPa, 200 kPa, and 300 kPa) on the frozen soil-concrete interface, and Particle Flow Code (PFC) model of direct shear was developed. The mesoscopic parameters (particle displacement, rotation, force chain, stress, coordination number, porosity, fabric, etc.) of the interface during shearing were simulated using the PFC model. Moreover, the relationship among the interface temperature, cohesion, and friction coefficient was determined based on experimental data, and the accuracy of the PFC model was verified using previous experimental data. The results of the PFC shear model aligned well with those of the laboratory test, and the formation of shear bands was simulated well. The displacement of the soil particles on the upper layer outside the shear zone was uniform, and the direction was the same, whereas the particles inside the shear zone showed significant differences in the dislocation and rotation of the soil particles. The force chain, stress field, coordination number, and porosity were similar in the shear process and showed a concentrated distribution in the opposite direction of the shear motion, which reflected the consistency of the microcosmic response of the particles under the action of macroscopic external forces. The regression equations for the temperature, cohesion, and friction coefficient in this study can be used to simulate the shear behavior of frozen soil-concrete interfaces under different temperatures and normal stresses.

Investigation on the evolution of concrete pore structure under freeze-thaw and fatigue loads

Hydraulic concrete structures in seasonal frozen regions serve under freeze-thaw cycles and cyclic loading conditions which cause notable alterations in the concrete pore structure and a significant reduction in the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. To understand the macroscopic and mesoscopic damage processes and mechanism of concrete subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and cyclic loading lead, the compressive experiment and computed tomography test of concrete after freeze-thaw and fatigue loading tests were conducted. And the influences of freeze-thaw cycle damage and cyclic loading damage on the pore structure of concrete were analyzed. The relationships between concrete pore fractal dimension, compressive strength, and elastic modulus were revealed. The concrete average pore size can be regarded to grows linearly under freeze-thaw and cyclic loading. The porosity, pore volume, and pore surface area increase with the increase in freeze-thaw cycles, and their relationship can be represented by a quadratic function. However, they first decrease and then increase with the increase of loading cycles after a specific freeze-thaw cycles number. Under the combined action of freeze-thaw cycles and cyclic loading, the non-uniformity degree of concrete pore distribution decreases, and the overall structure is more regular. The distribution of single pore morphology tends to be spherical and banded, respectively. The cyclic loading promotes the extension of the internal pores and cracks of freeze-thaw-damaged concrete which aggravates damage of concrete. Under freeze-thaw cyclic loading, the concrete compressive strength and elasticity modulus is linearly and positively correlated with fractal dimension. With the increase of loading cycles number after freezing and thawing, the fractal dimension and compressive strength decrease, and the elasticity modulus has a larger dispersion. The relationship model between concrete compressive strength and fractal dimension can well describe the macroscopic and mesoscopic evolution of concrete under freeze-thaw and cyclic loading. The results can provide a scientific basis for improving the design and maintenance of concrete and benefit extending the long-term service life of hydraulic concrete structures in cold climates.

Vibration Characteristics and Mesoscopic State Evolution of Ballasted Track During Dynamic Stabilizing Operation

Dynamic stabilization of large machines is necessary procedures before the commencement of operations railway lines that are newly built. However, limited or no studies have been carried out to reveal the operational mechanism from the vibration transfer characteristics of ballasted track subjected to excitation by stabilizing machines. The focus of this study is to solve this shortcoming. First, a typical new railway line was selected to test the dynamic response of the ballasted track during stabilizing operation, and then a stabilizing machine-ballasted track model was established with the help of the DEM-MBD coupling method. And the biaxial vibration accelerometers were inserted at various locations in the ballast bed to monitor the evolution of the vibration level on real-time basis. The influence of the stabilizing operation process on the vibration transmission and attenuation characteristics of sleeper and ballast bed was explored using wavelet analysis and Fast Fourier Transform method. The vibration absorption capacity and energy dissipation characteristics of the ballasted track under various stabilizing frequencies were analyzed. At the same time, the contact state and movement posture of ballast particles during the stabilizing operation were explored. Results showed that the vertical vibration attenuation rate of the slope toe of the ballast bed after the first stabilizing machine pass is 92.32%, while the vertical vibration attenuation rate of the second stabilizing machine is reduced by 3.14%. The second stabilizing machine can cause a large lateral movement of the ballast at the bottom of the sleeper. Under the excitation of 25[Formula: see text]Hz stabilizing frequency, it was observed that, the vibration absorption capacity of the ballast bed at the bottom of the sleeper is high, the vibration level at the ballast bed slope is low, and the stability is better. This is the optimal frequency for the stable operation of the new railway. This study can provide theoretical support for the establishment of the internal correlation mechanism between the vibration characteristics of stabilizing machines and the mechanical state of the ballast bed.

Elasto-plastic residual stress analysis of selective laser sintered porous materials based on 3D-multilayer thermo-structural phase-field simulations

Residual stress and plastic strain in additive manufactured materials can exhibit significant microscopic variation at the powder scale, profoundly influencing the overall properties of printed components. This variation depends on processing parameters and stems from multiple factors, including differences in powder bed morphology, non-uniform thermo-structural profiles, and inter-layer fusion. In this research, we propose a powder-resolved multilayer multiphysics simulation scheme tailored for porous materials through the process of selective laser sintering. This approach seamlessly integrates finite element method (FEM) based non-isothermal phase-field simulation with thermo-elasto-plastic simulation, incorporating temperature- and phase-dependent material properties. The outcome of this investigation includes a detailed depiction of the mesoscopic evolution of stress and plastic strain within a transient thermo-structure, evaluated across a spectrum of beam power and scan speed parameters. Simulation results further reveal the underlying mechanisms. For instance, stress concentration primarily occurs at the necking region of partially melted particles and the junctions between different layers, resulting in the accumulation of plastic strain and residual stress, ultimately leading to structural distortion in the materials. Based on the simulation data, phenomenological relation regarding porosity/densification control by the beam energy input was examined along with the comparison to experimental results. Regression models were also proposed to describe the dependency of the residual stress and the plastic strain on the beam energy input.

Monitoring experiment and simulation on solidification of DNAN based melt‐cast explosive with FBG sensors

AbstractIn order to obtain the change rule of the temperature field and the mechanism of defect formation during the solidification process of melt‐cast explosive, the temperature field change data were tested during the solidification process of DNAN based melt‐cast explosive by using an arrayed spatially distributed Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) temperature sensor device. The temperature field variation during the solidification experiment was obtained under the condition that the cooling rate of the boundary water‐bath temperature was 0.2 °C/min. On the basis of the solidification experiments, the macroscopic solidification process of small‐caliber grenade at different boundary cooling rates was simulated using ProCAST software. The simulation results show that when the boundary cooling rate is 0.2 °C/min, the temperature fields during the solidification process of DNAN based melt‐cast explosive are in good agreement with that of the experimental monitoring points; the size of the melt‐cast charge defects decreases as the boundary cooling rate becomes smaller; and the location of the charge defects is closer to the tail of the grenade as the cooling rate decreases. In addition, a mesoscopic model of DNAN based melt‐cast explosive was established in the paper. At the mesoscopic level, the generation, formation, and evolution of charge defects in DNAN based melt‐cast explosive during solidification were investigated. The study results provide theoretical guidance for the formulation design and process optimization of DNAN based melt‐cast explosives, as well as for improving the charge quality of ammunition.

Damage behaviors of plain-woven fiber reinforced composites with different orientations: From mesoscopic evolution to macroscopic performance prediction

This paper investigates the tensile/bending mechanical properties, damage behaviors, and performance prediction of plain-woven composites with different orientations by numerical simulations and physical experiments. The mesoscopic model reproduces damage modes of yarn, pure matrix, and interfacial debonding by user-defined subroutine. On this basis, relevant physical experiments were conducted for comprehensive verification. Then, the influences of orientation on the mechanical properties of the composites and their tensile/bending damage processes were systematically analyzed, and meso-macro scale simulations were carried out for performance prediction and optimization design of multilayer composites. The results show that the tensile/bending strength of the composites decreases and the ductility increases with the increase of orientation angle, among which the ductility of 45° orientation is the best. The primary damage mechanism in tensile process is changed from fiber fracture and matrix cracking to yarns pullout and debonding damage. The orientation can change the primary damage mechanism and improve composite properties by changing the location, time, and degree of damage occurrence. In addition, meso-macro scale simulations can predict and optimize the properties of multilayer composites more efficiently and shorten the optimization design cycle of composites.

Mesoscopic evolution and kinetic properties of dense granular flow crystallization under continuous shear induction

The influence of spatial structure on the kinetic response of discrete soft matter is critical. The exploration is not limited to structural evolution, jamming point, phase transition, etc. However, the mesoscopic response under continuous loading has always been difficult to make progress in experiments. In this study, we explored the mesoscopic evolution and properties of the ordered structure in dense granular flow under continuous shear by experiments and simulations. It shows that the crystal structure of the particles develops simultaneously inward from the boundary of the shearing cell. Two morphological clusters formed one after another within a 2D cylindrical layer parallel to the boundary. At the single-particle level, continuous strain is found to make the crystallization process within the cylindrical layers an evolution of chain-like polycrystalline to monocrystal structures. Compared to oscillatory shear, splicing or fusion is the way to reach the final state from the transition state under continuous shear rather than epitaxial growth. Due to continuous shear, the symmetry of the crystal switches between hexagonal close-packed (HCP) and face-centered cubic (FCC) and is dynamically balanced in the flow. We also describe the switching path. The results show that HCP in flow is more favored by the environment than FCC.

Experimental Study on Poisson’s Ratio of Silty-Fine Sand with Saturation

The influence of saturation on the Poisson’s ratio v of reservoir sediments has an engineering significance in the field of oil and nature gas exploration. Based on a self-developed combined (BE-EE-RC) test system, under the dehydration path, the Poisson’s ratio variation of reservoir silty-fine sand in Hangzhou Bay, China, was investigated. Results show that the P- and S-wave velocities vary non-monotonically with decreasing saturation at different net stresses, and reach a maximum at the optimum saturation Sr(opt); Biot’s theory with respect to variation in Vp with Sr matches well with the measured e data. With a small amount of gas intrusion, Poisson’s ratio of saturated sand shows a sudden drop and gradually stabilizes; then, it attenuates slowly and reaches the minimum value at Sr(opt). Once the saturation degree decreases to the level lower than Sr(opt), it rapidly increases. Based on the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) and mesoscopic evolution of internal pore water morphology, the variation in Poisson’s ratio v can be divided into four segments of saturation: the boundary effect stage, the primary transition stage, the secondary transition stage, and the unsaturated residual stage. Ultimately, a prediction model for Poisson ratio’s v of the silty-fine sand was proposed to consider the saturation variation.

Kinetic theory of two-dimensional point vortices and fluctuation–dissipation theorem

We complete the kinetic theory of two-dimensional (2D) point vortices initiated in previous works. We use a simpler and more physical formalism. We consider a system of 2D point vortices submitted to a small external stochastic perturbation and determine the response of the system to the perturbation. We derive the diffusion coefficient and the drift by polarization of a test vortex. We introduce a general Fokker–Planck equation involving a diffusion term and a drift term. When the drift by polarization can be neglected, we obtain a secular dressed diffusion equation sourced by the external noise. When the external perturbation is created by a discrete collection of N point vortices, we obtain a Lenard–Balescu-like kinetic equation reducing to a Landau-like kinetic equation when collective effects are neglected. We consider a multi-species system of point vortices. We discuss the process of kinetic blocking in the single and multi-species cases. When the field vortices are at statistical equilibrium (thermal bath), we establish the proper expression of the fluctuation–dissipation theorem for 2D point vortices relating the power spectrum of the fluctuations to the response function of the system. In that case, the drift coefficient and the diffusion coefficient satisfy an Einstein-like relation and the Fokker–Planck equation reduces to a Smoluchowski-like equation. We mention the analogy between 2D point vortices and stellar systems. In particular, the drift of a point vortex in 2D hydrodynamics (Chavanis in Phys Rev E 58:R1199, 1998) is the counterpart of the Chandrasekhar dynamical friction in astrophysics. We also consider a gas of 2D Brownian point vortices described by N coupled stochastic Langevin equations and determine its mean and mesoscopic evolution. In the present paper, we treat the case of unidirectional flows, but our results can be straightforwardly generalized to axisymmetric flows.

Coupled microplane and micromechanics model for describing the damage and plasticity evolution of quasi-brittle material

Quasi-brittle materials exhibit significant heterogeneity due to their complex mesoscopic components and microdefects, and their macroscopic mechanical behavior depends strongly on crack initiation, propagation and friction-slip. In this study, by coupling microplane and micromechanics, a new constitutive model that can consider the mesoscopic damage and plasticity mechanisms of quasi-brittle materials is proposed. The microplane is used throughout the whole construction process for the model: first, a representative volume element (RVE) is established to characterize the mesoscopic structure of quasi-brittle materials, and the advantages of microplanes are fully exploited to characterize the equivalent cracks‒matrix system. Then, the relationship between macroscopic and microplane strains (stresses) is elucidated. Second, considering the unilateral effect for cracks, the expressions for the free energy potential functions for a microplane and for the RVE are established. Third, for each microplane, the damage criterion characterized by the damage driving force is constructed for the open and closed cracks, and in particular, a new plasticity criterion characterizing the static friction property coupled damage and dilatancy behavior during strain softening deformation is constructed. By considering the characteristics of the microplane to relate macroscopic and mesoscopic stress and strain, an efficient return mapping algorithm based on the Newton‒Raphson method is derived. Finally, the stress‒strain curves and the evolution of damage and plasticity are simulated under conventional triaxial compression, uniaxial tensile, direct shear and true triaxial compression stress paths, and the effectiveness of the model is verified by comparison to the experimental data. To better reflect the inherent correlation between mesoscopic damage and macroscopic mechanical behavior, a microplane configuration that can visually characterize the mesoscopic evolution characteristics of damage is established, and it is shown that the simulated results correspond well to the macroscopic deformation and failure pattern of granite samples under different loading paths.

A Review on Phase Field Modeling for Formation of η-Cu6Sn5 Intermetallic

Formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) exhibits remarkable microstructural features and provides opportunities for microstructure control of microelectronic interconnects. Excessive formation of brittle IMCs at the Cu/Sn interface such as η-Cu6Sn5 can deteriorate the reliability and in turn lead to solder joint failure in the Pb-free Sn-based solder joints. Phase field method is a versatile tool for prediction of the mesoscopic structure evolution in solders, which does not require tracking interfaces. The relationships between the microstructures, reliability and wettability were widely investigated, and several formation and growth mechanisms were also proposed for η-Cu6Sn5. In this paper, the current research works are reviewed and the prospective of the application of phase field method in the formation of η-Cu6Sn5 are discussed. Combined phase field simulations hold great promise in modeling the formation kinetics of IMCs with complex microstructural and chemical interactions.

Analysis on mechanical properties and mesoscopic acoustic emission characteristics of prefabricated fracture cemented paste backfill under different loading rates.

The mechanical characteristics of cemented paste backfill (CPB) are significantly influenced by the loading rate (LR) and initial defects. Therefore, the CPB with prefabricated fracture (PF, PFCPB) was prepared, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests considering LR and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring were performed. The particle flow code (PFC2D) was introduced to analyze the mesoscopic crack evolution of the filling body, and the moment tensor theory was used to invert the AE signals characteristics. The results show that as the PF angle increased, the UCS and elastic modulus (EM) of PFCPB decreased and then increased, and the 30° PF was the turning point. The mechanical properties of PFCPB were deteriorated by the presence of PF. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of PFCPB were positively correlated with the LR. The stress-strain curve of PFCB (excluding 90°) showed bimodal curves. After the UCS test, the macro crack of PFCPB sprouted at the tip of PF or converged toward PF. PFCPB mainly suffered from shear failure, accompanied by a few tensile failures. Numerical simulation results showed that the crack initiation stress of PFCPB was reduced by the PF. The number of cracks first dropped and then gradually increased when the PF angle was enhanced, while gradually increased with the LR increased. Meanwhile, the mesoscopic AE characteristics of CPB were strongly in line with the test results. The AE events of 0 ~ 60° PFCPB experienced two slow rising periods and rapid rising periods. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of AE corresponded to the crack evolution trend. The PF was prone to stress concentration, especially at the tip and upper and lower surfaces of 0 ~ 45° PF, resulting in rapid crack initiation and reducing the energy storage limit and mechanical behavior of 0 ~ 45° PFCPB. The increasing LR (within a certain range) was in favor of improving the mechanical behavior of the filling body. The research results can provide a basic reference for the stability evaluation of the filling body with initial defects.

Experimental Study on Small-Strain Shear Modulus of Unsaturated Silty-Fine Sand

The small-strain stiffness of soil is significant in the accurate prediction of the deformation caused by interactions between foundation soil and structures. Considering the whole range of small strain (10−6~10−3), a bending element-resonant column (BE-RC) combined test system was developed to conduct continuous tests on the shear modulus of unsaturated soil. Under the dehydration path, it was used to investigate the small-strain shear modulus of unsaturated silty-fine sand in Hangzhou Bay, China. The results show that the shear modulus under different net stresses and matrix suctions appeared to non-linearly decay with the increase in strain until stable values were reached at a large strain. At the beginning from the saturated state, the Gmax value increased slowly with decreasing saturation and reached its maximum value at the optimum saturation (Sr)opt; then, it rapidly decayed to the level in the saturated, once the saturation degree decreased to a level lower than (Sr)opt. Additionally, an improved prediction model was proposed for the Gmax of unsaturated sand, considering different saturations. Based on the mesoscopic evolution of internal pore water morphology and the variation in intergranular stress caused by capillary action, the variation in the Gmax could be divided into three segments of saturation: the boundary effect stage, the transition stage and the unsaturated residual stage.

Research on the mesoscopic viscoelastic property of semi-flexible pavement mixture based on discrete element simulation

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) mixture is a relatively new pavement material that combines the characteristics of the flexibility of asphalt mixtures and the rigidity of cement concrete. In this research, the discrete element method was used to reveal the viscoelastic mechanical behavior mechanism of the SFP mixture at a mesoscopic scale. First, the influence of the matrix asphalt mixture air voids on the viscoelastic performance of the SFP mixture was studied through laboratory tests to clarify its basic macroscopic mechanical properties. The results showed that the SFP mixture combines good high and low temperature performances when the air void is 25%. Then, the discrete element simulation software PFC3D was applied to establish an SFP mixture model, and the simulation of the dynamic modulus test and uniaxial compression creep test was conducted to study the mesoscopic mechanical composition and force evolution. The results demonstrated that when subjected to dynamic loading, each constituent inside the SFP mixture is subjected to compressive forces, most of which are borne by the internal contact of aggregate-aggregate, while the tensile forces are mainly borne by the contacts of asphalt mortar-asphalt mortar, cement stone-cement stone, and aggregate-asphalt mortar. When subjected to a constant static loading, the value order of the contact force in the SFP mixture is: aggregate-aggregate > cement stone-cement stone > aggregate-asphalt mortar > asphalt mortar-cement stone > cement stone-aggregate > asphalt mortar-asphalt mortar. As the creep progresses, the contact force of aggregate-aggregate increases slightly; the contact forces of cement stone-cement stone, aggregate-asphalt mortar, and cement stone-aggregate decrease slightly; and the contact forces of asphalt mortar-asphalt mortar and asphalt mortar-cement stone decrease rapidly.

Mesoscopic damage mechanism and a constitutive model of shale using in-situ X-ray CT device

With the continuous development of shale gas engineering in China, an accurate and adequate understanding of shale damage mechanism has become a critical scientific problem addressed by rock mechanics. So far, many researchers have studied the fracturing process and mechanism of shale in multi-scales. The mesoscopic structural characteristics of shale during loading can be obtained using the in-situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) technology. Some scholars have observed the structure evolution of shale under in-situ uniaxial compression conditions, but the quantitative investigation of damage evolution and constitutive model of shale still requires further studies. Given this, the in-situ micro-CT device was adopted to study the macroscopic mechanical response and the mesoscopic structural evolution of Longmaxi shale under uniaxial compression conditions. The evolution law of the damage variable with the axial strain was analysed according to the characterisation of the damage variable based on the CT image grey variance. In combination with the macroscopic stress-strain curve shape, evolution stage of the mesoscopic void, evolution of the damage variable, mesoscopic mechanism of the macroscopic mechanical response was investigated, and a damage constitutive model of shale under the uniaxial compression test was proposed. The conclusion of this study can provide a foundation for further research into the multi-scale failure mechanism of shale and exert theoretical guidance significance on shale gas fracturing engineering practice.

Experimental research on macroscopic and mesoscopic evolution mechanism of land subsidence induced by groundwater exploitation

Experimental research on macroscopic and mesoscopic evolution mechanism of land subsidence induced by groundwater exploitation

Microscopic fabric evolution and macroscopic deformation response of gangue solid waste filler considering block shape under different confining pressures.

The irregular shape of gangue blocks will affect the coordination structure between blocks in the crushed gangue accumulation body, and then affect the engineering mechanical properties of crushed gangue in the process of load-bearing compression. In this paper, through CT scanning experiment, particle flow numerical simulation experiment, and comprehensive application of image processing, 3D reconstruction, FLAC/PFC3D continuum—discrete coupling technology, the gangue digital 3D model and the numerical model of crushed gangue particle flow under triaxial compression condition considering the real shape of the block were obtained. The microscopic fabric evolution law and macroscopic deformation response characteristics of crushed gangue considering triaxial compression condition and different confining pressures were studied. The results show that: (1) the bearing capacity of crushed gangue materials increases with the increase of confining pressure; (2) the block aggregate in the gangue sample is gradually compacted, and the lateral deformation of the sample is changed from “extruding to the axis” to “bulging to the periphery”; (3) the vertical movement of the block decreases gradually from the top to the bottom of the sample, and there is a “triangle area” of block displacement at the top and bottom of the sample; the larger the confining pressure, the smaller the vertical displacement range at the top of the sample; (4) the process of “instability and failure—optimization and reconstruction” of skeleton force chain structure occurs constantly; as confining pressure increases, the stability of skeleton force chain structure and the bearing capacity of crushed gangue sample increases; (5) under the same strain state, the greater the confining pressure, the higher the fragmentation degree of the sample. This study reveals the internal mechanism of macro deformation of crushed gangue under the triaxial compression from the perspective of the mesoscopic fabric evolution. The research results are of great significance for the selection of crushed gangue in engineering application. In addition, the research results also have a significant impact on promoting the reasonable disposal and resource utilization of gangue solid waste and protecting the ecological environment of mining areas.