An algorithm for continuum modeling of rocks with multiple embedded nonlinearly-compliant joints [Continuum modeling of elasto-plastic media with multiple embedded nonlinearly-compliant joints]

Journal Article · Thu Apr 06 00:00:00 EDT 2017 · Computational Mechanics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-017-1403-6· OSTI ID:1406448

Hurley, R. C. ^[1]; Vorobiev, O. Y. ^[1]; Ezzedine, S. M. ^[1]

---

1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Here, we present a numerical method for modeling the mechanical effects of nonlinearly-compliant joints in elasto-plastic media. The method uses a series of strain-rate and stress update algorithms to determine joint closure, slip, and solid stress within computational cells containing multiple “embedded” joints. This work facilitates efficient modeling of nonlinear wave propagation in large spatial domains containing a large number of joints that affect bulk mechanical properties. We implement the method within the massively parallel Lagrangian code GEODYN-L and provide verification and examples. We highlight the ability of our algorithms to capture joint interactions and multiple weakness planes within individual computational cells, as well as its computational efficiency. We also discuss the motivation for developing the proposed technique: to simulate large-scale wave propagation during the Source Physics Experiments (SPE), a series of underground explosions conducted at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 1406448
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-692181; TRN: US1702910
• Journal Information: Computational Mechanics, Vol. 60, Issue 2; ISSN 0178-7675
• Publisher: Springer
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
58 GEOSCIENCES
Discontinuities
Elastic-plastic solids
Rock mechanics
Wave