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Numerical Study on Coalescence of Pre-Existing Flaw Pairs in Rock-Like Material

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Abstract

The present numerical study, which is an extension of our previous numerical analysis on cracking processes of a single pre-existing flaw, focuses on the coalescence of two pre-existing parallel open flaws in rock subjected to a uniaxial compressive loading. To facilitate a systematic investigation, the arrangements of the flaw pair are classified into 11 categories. Simulations engaging AUTODYN are conducted on each category. The numerical results are compared with some published physical experimental test results. Eleven typical coalescence patterns are obtained, which are in good agreement with the experimental results, which include two coalescence patterns obtained in flaw pair arrangements (II) and (VIII″) not being reported in previous studies. The information gathered in the simulations helps identify the type (tensile/shear) of each crack segment involved in the coalescence. Most of the coalescence cracks initiate at or around the flaw tips, except those in flaw pair arrangements (II) and (IX′) with a very short ligament length, in which the coalescence cracks initiate on the flaw surfaces away from the flaw tip regions. Based on the numerical simulation results, the properties of the 11 coalescence patterns are obtained. Except those in flaw pair arrangements (II) and (IX′), the other coalescence patterns can be interpreted with respect to the basic crack types—tensile wing crack, horsetail crack and anti-wing crack. In addition, based on the type of crack segments involved in coalescence, namely tensile and shear, the coalescence can be classified into T mode (tensile mode), S mode (shear mode) and TS mode (mixed tensile–shear mode).

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Notes

  1. The “yielding” in tensile failure can be considered as the beginning of the cumulative damage.

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Acknowledgments

The research was supported by the Academic Research Fund (AcRF) Tier 1 Grant (RG19/10) and the Nanyang Technological University Start Up Grant (M4080115.030).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block N1, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore

    Huan-Qiang Li & Louis Ngai Yuen Wong

  2. Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Communications Planning Design and Research, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China

    Huan-Qiang Li

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  1. Huan-Qiang Li
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  2. Louis Ngai Yuen Wong
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Correspondence to Louis Ngai Yuen Wong.

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Li, HQ., Wong, L.N.Y. Numerical Study on Coalescence of Pre-Existing Flaw Pairs in Rock-Like Material. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47, 2087–2105 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0504-6

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