METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETONATING ROCK OF DIFFERENT ELEMENTS

Abstract

METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR MOVING ROCK OF DIFFERENT ELEMENTS. This is a blasting modeling system that can generate a site model based on blasting input data. Blasting input data may include blast hole data, platform information and geology input data. The site model may comprise a plurality of different elements representing rock masses. Each element may have a geometric outline formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines with arcs so that the ends of one or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs. The blasting modeling system can simulate a blast using the plurality of elements.

Description

1 / 37 “METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETONATING ROCK OF DIFFERENT ELEMENT” RELATED REQUEST

[001] This application claims priority over Application No. U.S. 17 / 324,704, filed May 19, 2021, entitled “DISTINCT ELEMENT ROCK BLASTING MOVEMENT METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS”, Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 63 / 124,412, filed December 11, 2020, entitled “DISTINCT ELEMENT ROCK BLASTING MOVEMENT METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS”, and Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 63 / 028,345, filed May 21, 2020, entitled “DISTINCT ELEMENT ROCK BLASTING MOVEMENT METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS”, the content of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[002] The present disclosure relates generally to explosives. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems and apparatus for designing a detonation plan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[003] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[004] Figure 1 illustrates a different advanced element for detonation simulations according to a modality.

[005] Figure 2 illustrates an arc-to-arc contact detection technique that can be used by a modeling system to determine the contact between arcs of neighboring elements according to a modality.

[006] Figure 3 illustrates a line-of-arc contact detection technique. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, p. 13 / 93 2 / 37 according to a modality.

[007] Figure 4 illustrates one way to detect line-to-line contact using the arc-to-line contact technique according to one embodiment.

[008] Figure 5 illustrates a force calculation that a modeling system can use to determine a force applied to a different element advanced by elements in contact according to a embodiment.

[009] Figure 6 illustrates a moment calculation to determine a moment applied to the different element advanced by contacting elements according to an embodiment.

[010] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for modeling explosive detonation according to a modality.

[011] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for simulating a detonation using a modality.

[012] Figure 9 illustrates parameters of an input file that a modeling system can receive according to a modality.

[013] Figure 10 illustrates geology input data according to a modality.

[014] Figure 11 illustrates a detonation model divided into a plurality of zones according to a modality.

[015] Figure 12 illustrates a partially fragmented detonation model according to one modality.

[016] Figure 13 illustrates a partially fragmented detonation model according to one modality.

[017] Figure 14 illustrates a blast pit according to one modality.

[018] Figure 15 illustrates a customized detonation model according to a modality. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 14 / 93 3 / 37

[019] Figure 16 illustrates a top view of a detonation pattern according to one modality.

[020] Figure 17 illustrates a detonation model with underdrilled detonation holes according to one embodiment.

[021] Figure 18 illustrates a rotation procedure for introducing a geological inclination into a blasting model according to a modality.

[022] Figure 19 illustrates the charge release time of different modeling elements in a detonation model according to a modality.

[023] Figure 20 illustrates a model for a safety or smothered detonation simulation according to a modality.

[024] Figure 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method for creating a model to simulate a detonation according to a modality.

[025] Figure 22 illustrates an item according to a modality.

[026] Figure 23 illustrates a procedure for changing the shape of an element during a detonation simulation.

[027] Figure 24 illustrates two circular elements that can be used by the modeling systems and methods described in this document.

[028] Figure 25 illustrates three potential three-dimensional formats that can be used as elements by the modeling systems and methods described in this document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[029] Explosives are commonly used in the mining, quarrying, and excavation industries to break rocks and ore. Generally, a hole, called a "blast hole," is drilled into a surface, such as the ground. Explosives can then be placed inside the blast hole. Typically, multiple holes are used to break large quantities of rock and ore. The use of multiple blast holes introduces complexities in the planning of a blast. By Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 15 / 93 4 / 37 For example, a detonation can vary based on a plurality of factors, including detonation hole spacing, detonation hole charge, detonation hole depth, detonation hole pattern, number of detonation holes, geological properties, the type of explosive, the amount of explosive, and detonation hole initiation time. The sheer number of possibilities makes detonation planning difficult, even for a highly trained blasting engineer.

[030] Blast simulations performed by modeling systems can be used to predict the outcome of a blast. Modeling systems simulate a blast to predict rock movement and blast-induced uplift. Blast modeling systems can be used to determine the location of ore in a final waste pile after a blast occurs to assist in ore management for tailings disposal and minimization of tailings and target ore mixing.

[031] Some blast modeling systems use different elements to simulate a blast. Different element modeling systems generate an assembly of elements to represent a blast site and track the movement of the elements over time to simulate a blast. The movement of individual elements is caused by forces applied to the assembly and usually also by gravity.

[032] Some modeling systems use circular elements to represent rocks. A set of two-dimensional circular elements that move over time due to the explosive charge and gravity can be used to simulate a detonation. The circles are very computationally efficient because the contact between the particles can be determined by comparing the distance between the two centers of the circle with the sum of the radii of the circles. However, the circular elements oversimplify the rock masses, which causes a loss in precision. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 16 / 93 5 / 37 are from the simulation. For example, circular elements do not generate friction between elements or interact with each other in the same way that irregular rock masses would. Another challenge associated with different spherical elements is that they have no aspect ratio and are therefore limited in predicting volume or porosity creation in a set of different spherical elements. Thus, circular elements cannot accurately represent the volume that may occur in the final debris pile after detonation.

[033] Some modeling systems employ non-straight-sided elements, such as quadrilateral or triangular elements, to represent rock masses. A non-straight-sided element is a series of lines connected to each other to form an outline of a shape with a set of angled corners. A system that uses non-straight-sided elements provides a more accurate simulation than a system that uses circular elements. For example, non-straight-sided elements can have different aspect ratios than circular elements. However, detecting contact between non-straight-sided elements (e.g., contact between a corner of a first element and a side of a second element, contact between a corner of a first element and a side of a second element, and contact between a side of a first element and a side of a second element) is a very complex and computationally intensive process.Furthermore, simulations using these different types of elements require orders of magnitude more computing time to complete than simulations employing spherical elements. Additionally, straight-sided elements tend to be too rigid, too bulky, and do not accurately represent rock flow behavior.

[034] This document describes methods for simulating a detonation using different elements with an advanced geometric paradigm to represent the movement of detonated rock. Different advanced elements Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 17 / 93 6 / 37 geometrically comprise arcs and lines that define the outline of the individual different element. Each line is connected through the arcs in such a way that the lines do not intersect. Instead, the arcs and lines are used to create a two-dimensional different element with one or more straight sides and rounded corners. The rounded corners can be formed with one or more arcs. These advanced different elements improve the accuracy of a simulation when compared to circular elements and are more computationally efficient than straight-sided different elements.

[035] Although the modalities described in this document refer to two-dimensional modeling, the modalities can be expanded to three dimensions, in which the inherently higher fidelity and computational efficiency will provide an even greater advantage over currently available spherical and block element methods. For example, a different advanced element in three dimensions could include a block with rounded corners.

[036] It will be readily understood that the components of the modalities as generally described below and illustrated in the Figures in this document could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. For example, the steps of a method need not necessarily be performed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor do the steps need to be performed only once. Thus, the more detailed description that follows of various modalities, as described below and represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of disclosure, but is merely representative of various modalities. Although the various aspects of the modalities are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[037] Modalities and implementations of planning systems and methods Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 18 / 93 The detonation steps described in this document may include multiple steps, which may be incorporated into machine-executable instructions to be run by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic to perform the steps or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[038] The embodiments may be provided as a computer program product that includes a computer-readable medium with instructions stored thereon that can be used to program a computer system or other electronic device to perform the processes described herein. Computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to: hard disks, floppy disks, optical discs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of computer-readable media / media suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[039] Computer systems and the computers in a computer system can be connected through a network. Networks suitable for configuration and / or use as described herein include one or more local area networks, wide area networks, metropolitan area networks and / or Internet or IP networks, such as the World Wide Web, a private Internet, a secure Internet, a value-added network, a virtual private network, an extranet, an intranet, or even standalone machines communicating with other machines by physical media transport. In particular, a suitable network may be formed from parts or wholes of two or more other networks, including networks using divergent hardware and network communication technologies.

[040] A proper network includes a server and several clients; other networks Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 19 / 93 Suitable 8 / 37 networks may contain other combinations of servers, clients, and / or point-to-point nodes, and a given computer system may function as both a client and a server. Each network includes at least two computers or computer systems, such as servers and / or clients. A computer system may include a workstation, laptop computer, disconnectable mobile computer, server, mainframe, cluster, so-called network computer or thin client, tablet computer, smartphone, personal digital assistant or other portable computing device, "smart" consumer electronic device or appliance, medical device, or a combination thereof.

[041] Suitable networks may include communication or networking software, such as software available from Novell®, Microsoft®, and other vendors, and may operate using TCP / IP, SPX, IPX, and other protocols over twisted-pair, coaxial, or fiber optic cables; telephone lines; radio waves; satellites; microwave relays; modulated AC power lines; physical media transfer; and / or other data transmission wires known to those skilled in the art. The network may encompass smaller networks and / or be connectable to other networks through a communication port or similar mechanism.

[042] Each computer system includes one or more processors and / or memory; computer systems may also include various input and / or output devices. The processor may include a general-purpose device, such as an Intel®, AMD®, or other “off-the-shelf” microprocessor. The processor may include a special-purpose processing device, such as an ASIC, SoC, SiP, FPGA, PAL, PLA, FPLA, PLD, or other custom or programmable device. Memory may include static RAM, dynamic RAM, flash memory, one or more flip-flops, ROM, CD-ROM, disk, tape, magnetic, optical, or other computer storage media. The device (or devices) of Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 20 / 93 9 / 37 Input may include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, light pen, tablet computer, microphone, sensor, or other hardware with associated firmware and / or software. Output device(s) may include a monitor or other display, printer, speech or text synthesizer, switch, signal line, or other hardware with associated firmware and / or software.

[043] Computer systems may be able to use a floppy disk drive, tape drive, optical drive, magneto-optical drive, or other means to read a storage medium. A suitable storage medium includes a magnetic, optical, or other computer-readable storage device with a specific physical configuration. Suitable storage devices include floppy disks, hard disks, tapes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, PROMs, RAM, flash memory, and other computer system storage devices. The physical configuration represents data and instructions that cause the computer system to operate in a specific, predefined manner as described herein.

[044] Suitable software to assist in the implementation of the invention is readily provided by those skilled in the relevant art (or arts) using the teachings set forth herein and programming languages ​​and tools such as Modern Fortran, Java, Pascal, C++, C, PHP, .Net, database languages, APIs, SDKs, assembly, firmware, microcode and / or other languages ​​and tools. Suitable signal formats may be incorporated in analog or digital format, with or without error detection and / or correction bits, packet headers, network addresses in a specific format and / or other supporting data readily provided by those skilled in the art (or arts).

[045] Aspects of certain modalities can be implemented as software modules or components. As used in this document, a module Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 21 / 93 10 / 37 or software component may include any type of computer instruction or executable computer code located within or on a computer-readable storage medium. A software module may, for example, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., that performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types. A specific software module may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations on a computer-readable storage medium, which together implement the described functionality of the module. In fact, a module may comprise a single instruction or many instructions and may be distributed across several different code segments, between different programs, and on various computer-readable storage media.

[046] Some embodiments can be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by a remote processing device connected via a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software modules may be located on local and / or remote computer-readable storage media. Furthermore, data linked or presented together in a database record may reside on the same computer-readable storage media or on multiple computer-readable storage media and may be linked in fields of a record in a database over a network. According to one embodiment, a database management system (DBMS) allows users to interact with one or more databases and provides access to the data contained in the databases.

[047] Figure 1 illustrates an advanced different element 100 according to a modality, according to a modality. A different element segmentation system uses the advanced different element 100 segments Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 22 / 93 11 / 37 a two-dimensional location model in a plurality of elements. The advanced different element 100 has a shape formed by connecting the endpoints of one or more lines with arcs, such that the endpoints of the two or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs and the arcs form rounded corners of the shape. The illustrated embodiment of the advanced different element 100 comprises a first line 102, a second line 104 and a third line 106 connected by four arcs (i.e., first arc 108, second arc 112, third arc 116 and fourth arc 122).

[048] The embodiment shown includes two parallel lines. Other embodiments may have one or more lines, and the lines may be at an angle to each other. Each line comprises two endpoints, each endpoint is connected to an arc in such a way that the shape has rounded corners or edges. Each rounded corner can be created using one or more arcs. For example, a rounded corner or rounded edge is created by connecting the first arc 108 and the second arc 112.

[049] Each arc is a differentiable curve. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcs are circular arcs that delineate a portion of a circumference of a circle. The illustrated embodiment includes four arcs. Other embodiments may include a different number of arcs. Each arc comprises an arc center point (i.e., first center point 126, second center point 128, third center point 130, and fourth center point 132). The arc center points represent a point equidistant from all points of the circular arc. Each arc additionally comprises a radius (i.e., first radius 110, second radius 114, third radius 118, and fourth radius 124). Because the arcs are circular, the radius of each arc is the same along all points of the arc. Furthermore, each arc comprises an arc angle (e.g., third arc angle 120). The arc angle is the angle formed by the arc at the center point. As illustrated, the endpoints of the arcs can connect. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 23 / 93 12 / 37 to another arc, as shown by the connection between the first arc 108 and the second arc 112, or the endpoints of the arcs can be connected to lines, as shown by the connections between the first line 102 and the third arc 116.

[050] The intersections between arcs and lines, and the intersections between arcs and arcs, form smooth transitions between the different shape contour elements. Each line can be tangential to the endpoint of the arc to which it is connected to smooth the transition. Similarly, arc-to-arc transitions can create a smooth transition. The intersections do not form acute angles, as is formed when two straight lines connect directly and form a vertex. The resulting shape exhibits a contour with rounded corners instead of a shape with angled corners. Thus, the lines of the different advanced element 100 are not directly connected, but instead indirectly coupled through arcs to avoid angled corners. Rounded corners are more computationally efficient than acute-angled corners and can be created using one or more arcs.

[051] The advanced different element 100 is created from arcs and lines that define the outline of the individual different element. Figure 1 illustrates one of the many possible element shapes that can be created from arcs and lines. Other embodiments of an advanced different element can use arcs and lines to create other non-spherical shapes without angled corners. Other shapes that can be created using a combination of arcs and lines include polygons with rounded corners, such as a triangle with rounded corners, a trapezoid with rounded corners, a rectangle with rounded corners, a square with rounded corners, a hexagon with rounded corners, or an octagon with rounded corners.

[052] In some modalities, the format used for elements of a simulation model may be based on geological data, such as hardness of Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 24 / 93 13 / 37 rock. In some modalities, in a simulation model at least some of the elements have different shapes. For example, different types of rock can be modeled using different element shapes. For example, coal can be modeled with a rounded quadrilateral and another rock in the same simulation can be modeled with a rounded hexahedron. In some modalities, at least some of the elements of the same shape are of different sizes.

[053] The distinct shapes of elements formed with non-continuous lines indirectly coupled through arcs provide better accuracy than circular elements and offer a computational efficiency advantage over different elements with only straight lines. The straight lines and varying arc radii provide a more realistic aspect ratio when compared to circles, while arcs provide a more efficient way to detect contacts between neighboring elements when compared to elements with only straight lines.

[054] Each different advanced element 100 in a blast simulation model can be stored in the memory of a modeling system. For example, the different advanced element 100 can be a data structure comprising line endpoint node coordinates, designated arc endpoints, arc center points, arc radii, and arc angles.

[055] Figures 2-4 illustrate various ways to detect contact between different advanced elements. Two key interaction mechanisms between elements to detect contact between neighboring elements are 1) arc-to-arc as illustrated in Figure 2, and arc-to-line as illustrated in Figure 3. Another possible interaction mechanism is line-to-line, as illustrated in Figure 4. However, as discussed in more detail below, line-to-line contact can be detected by the arc-to-line interaction mechanisms.

[056] Detecting these element interactions between different advanced elements is computationally very efficient, much more so than interactions Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 25 / 93 14 / 37 between different straight-sided elements. The advanced different elements also have a higher aspect ratio than one with more natural volumetry and friction between particles than circular elements.

[057] The different advanced elements described will allow a simulation to increase fidelity in modeling different rock blasting elements because the elements have an aspect ratio that circular elements do not have and will naturally exhibit more of the natural behavior of rocks during blast-induced movement, such as volumetry, and friction between elements.

[058] Furthermore, due to computational simplicity and the speed of detection and resolution of arc-to-arc and arc-to-line contact, high-fidelity simulations can be completed with substantially less computation time. This implies that significantly more realistic detonation simulations can be performed on cheaper and more portable laptop-type computers.

[059] Figure 2 illustrates an arc-to-arc contact detection technique that can be used by a modeling system to determine the contact between arcs of neighboring elements. As shown, a first element 202 with a first arc 216 is adjacent to a second element 204 with a second arc 218.

[060] To detect whether the arcs of these two elements come into contact with each other during a time step of a simulation, a modeling system can determine if there is an overlap between the first arc 216 and the second arc 218. These overlapping arcs can be referred to as arc-to-arc contact. Detecting arc-to-arc contact between neighboring elements involves comparing a distance 214 between the arc center points (i.e., the first center point 206 and the second center point 208) of the first arc 216 and the second arc 218 of the neighboring elements to a sum of a first radius 210 and a second radius 212 of the two arcs of the neighboring elements. For example, in some embodiments, arc-to-arc contact is detected when the sum of the radii is greater than the distance. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 26 / 93 15 / 37 214.

[061] Figure 3 illustrates an arc-to-line contact detection technique that can be used by a modeling system to determine the contact between an arc 310 and a line 312 of neighboring elements. In this figure, the first element 302 and the second element 304 are neighboring elements where the closest points along the perimeters of the elements are the arc 310 of the second element 304 and the line 312 of the first element 302. R1 represents the radius 308 of arc 310 and D represents a shortest distance 306 between a center point of arc 314 and line 312. A modeling system can determine the distance 306 using the dot product.

[062] When arc 310 and line 312 overlap in the simulation, this is called arc-to-line contact. A modeling system can detect arc-to-line contact between neighboring elements by comparing a radius 308 of arc 310 to a distance 306 between line 312 of a first element 302 and a center point of arc 314 of arc 310 of the second element 304. For example, contact can be detected when radius 308 is greater than distance 306.

[063] Figure 4 illustrates how a line-to-line contact can be detected by a modeling system using the arc-to-line contact technique described with reference to Figure 3. The line-to-line contact occurs when a first line 402 of a first element 406 overlaps a second line 404 of a second element 408. Direct line-to-line contact detection is computationally less efficient than arc-to-arc contact detection and arc-to-line contact detection. Therefore, in some embodiments, the line-to-line contact can be detected indirectly using the arc-to-line contact detection technique because when the lines overlap, one or both of the first arc 410 and the second arc 412 overlap the first line 402.

[064] Thus, to determine the contact of a neighboring element, a modeling system can use the arc-to-line contact technique described with reference to Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 27 / 93 16 / 37 Figure 3 shows one or both of the first arc 410 and the second arc 412. For example, the system can compare a radius of the first arc 410 to a distance between the first line 402 and a center point of the first arc 410, and compare a radius of the second arc 412 to a distance between the first line 402 and a center point of the second arc 412.

[065] Figure 5 illustrates a force calculation that a modeling system can use to determine a force applied to a different element advanced by contacting elements. The modeling system can calculate the magnitude and direction of the forces applied to each element. The system detects contact between the first element 502 and the second element 504 when there is an overlap 506 of the perimeters of the two different elements during a time step of a simulation. The modeling system resolves or eliminates the overlap by applying restoring forces that are calculated to eliminate the overlap 506. These restoring forces are applied to the first element 502 and the second element 504.

[066] As part of a simulation, a modeling system can determine the contact and calculate a force to be applied to each element by a neighboring element in contact. The force is calculated based on the overlap 506 caused by the contact. For arc-to-arc contact, the force is applied through the arc center points (i.e., first arc center point 508 and second arc center point 510) for arc-to-arc contact. For arc-to-line contact, the force is applied perpendicular to the line and through an arc center. The magnitude of this restoring force is equal to the specified spring constant of the material multiplied by the overlap 506.

[067] Figure 6 illustrates a moment calculation that a modeling system can use to determine a moment 604 applied to the different advanced element 600 by elements in contact. Each force 606 applied to the different advanced element 600 will also produce a moment 604, M, in the different element. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 28 / 93 17 / 37 advanced 600 as illustrated. Moments are applied to the center of element 602 by all forces applied to the different advanced element 600, which include the force 606 applied to the center point of arc 608 caused by contacting elements. In some embodiments, the modeling system calculates a moment for each force separately and then sums the moments to determine a total moment for the different advanced element 600.

[068] A modeling system can calculate moment 604 by calculating: M=F xr where: F is the force 606; er 610 is the shortest distance between a vector representing the force 606 and the center of element 602.

[069] The total moment (i.e., the sum of the moments) is calculated to determine the rotation of the different element advanced 600.

[070] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 for explosive detonation modeling according to one embodiment. A modeling system executing method 700 receives a detonation plan comprising detonation hole data and detonation location data. Detonation data may include detonation hole parameters such as detonation hole spacing, detonation hole charge, detonation hole depth, detonation hole diameter, detonation hole pattern, number of detonation holes, plugging information, explosive properties, detonation hole angle, top coordinates of the detonation hole, bottom coordinates of the detonation hole, and cover information. Detonation patterns may be geometrically defined in a 3D coordinate system, X (longitude), Y (latitude), and Z (vertical). The 3D coordinate system may be local with an origin at some Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 29 / 93 18 / 37 location near the blast pattern, or it may be in the mine coordinate system, which is typically a larger 3D local coordinate system encompassing the entire mine. In a blast pattern design, a line representing the blast hole can be defined by the upper and lower coordinates. Most blast patterns do not have a flat top surface, and the angles of each blast hole in the pattern may be slightly or substantially different. Thus, the upper and lower coordinates can be used to define the blast holes.

[071] Blast site data may include platform information, geological properties, geological features and geological factors of a site. Non-limiting examples of platform information include face angle, platform height, platform slope, pit slope, decay angle and various face elements.Non-limiting examples of geological properties include mineralogy (elemental and / or mineral), lithological structure (primary, secondary and / or textural), porosity, hardness, attenuation, Young's modulus, shear modulus, mass modulus, Poisson's ratio, P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, rock density, rock type, rock strength, rock conditions, rock description, joint condition, joint angle, joint orientation, standard deviation of joint spacing, cohesion, vertical joint spacing, horizontal joint spacing, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), sonic velocity, standard deviation of drilling, shock velocity, rock fracture toughness, rock reflectivity, rock tensile strength, angle of internal friction, Hugoniot data (e.g., Up min, Up max, Us min, Us max), and soil stresses (σ1, σ2, σ3, stress orientation, inclination, direction, and roll).Texture refers to the size, shape, and arrangement of the interconnected mineral crystals that form a rock or other material. Geological data can be used. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 30 / 93 19 / 37 to determine other geological characteristics, such as friability and fragmentability.

[072] The modeling system generates 704 a site model (e.g., a two-dimensional site model) based on the detonation plan, generating a plurality of different advanced elements. Each different advanced element has a shape formed by connecting endpoints of one or more lines with arcs, such that the endpoints of one or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs and the arcs form rounded corners of the shape. The modeling system further simulates 706 a detonation using the site model and the plurality of elements.

[073] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of an 800 method for simulating a detonation using according to a different embodiment. A different element simulation method tracks the motion and interactions of many thousands of different elements moving through time in a pre-calculated stable time step, typically 1.0E-4s or less, depending on the mass and stiffness of the individual elements. In each time step the following steps of the method are used.

[074] A system using method 800 searches 806 the entire set of different elements in a site model for arc-to-arc contacts and arc-to-line contacts using the techniques described with reference to Figures 2-4. The system can additionally determine 808 resultant forces of arc-to-arc contacts and arc-to-line contacts using the techniques described with reference to Figure 5. The system can also determine 810 moments for each element using the techniques described with reference to Figure 6.

[075] The system using the 800 method sums 812 moments and forces for each element. At each time step, each element may have multiple restoring forces and moments applied to it resulting from multiple contacts with surrounding elements. The multiple forces and moments are summed to calculate Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 31 / 93 20 / 37 a total force and a total moment.

[076] The method for deploying the 800 system moves each 814 element based on the total forces and moments to new positions. The new positions are used during a subsequent time step. Contact between the elements results in an overlap. This overlap is resolved or eliminated by applying reaction forces and moments to each of the elements. The system applies the total force and total moment to each element to translate and rotate each element a small distance to a new location at the end of the small time step.

[077] The system using method 800 then determines 804 whether a total execution time for the simulation has been completed. If the duration of the time for the simulation ends, method 800 terminates 802. Otherwise, method 800 adds 816 a time step to a current time period and runs the simulation again with the new positions of the different elements.

[078] In some embodiments, the 800 method may include additional steps. For example, when two arches intersect, they do not generate much friction. Therefore, part of the 800 method may include the placement of temporary connections to simulate the friction caused by rough rocks. This enhanced friction behavior may change based on the type of rock.

[079] Figures 9-20 illustrate various procedures that a modeling system can perform to simulate a detonation. Any of these procedures can be used in combination with the methods described in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

[080] Figure 9 illustrates the 900 parameters of an input file that a modeling system can receive. The input file is used by the modeling system to create a model for detonation simulation. The illustrated model is a two-dimensional free-face model. The model includes a plurality of detonation holes (e.g., detonation hole 902 and detonation hole 904) shown Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 32 / 93 21 / 37 in the two-dimensional XY plane. The model, including the location, size, and angle of the holes, is defined by the input file.

[081] The input file may be a blast plan comprising blast hole data and blast site data. Blast hole data may include number of rows, charge, spacing, plugging information, cover information, explosive properties, blast hole diameter, blast hole angle, top coordinates, and bottom coordinates. Blast site data may include platform information such as face angle, platform height, platform slope, pit slope, decay angle, and number of face elements.

[082] Figure 10 illustrates geology 1000 input data that the modeling system can receive. Geology 1000 input data can be included in the blast site data of the input file that a modeling system receives. Geology input data includes geological properties, geological features, and geological factors of a site.

[083] For example, geology input data 1000 might include shelf slope 1002, pit slope 1012, and geological slope 1004. Shelf slope 1002 represents the slope of the shelf plateau. Pit slope 1012 represents the slope of the pit. Geological slope 1004 represents the slope of the geological layers of the shelf. In some embodiments, the angles of shelf slope 1002, pit slope 1012, and geological slope 1004 may be different from each other. In some embodiments, two or all three of shelf slope 1002, pit slope 1012, and geological slope 1004 may have the same angle. For example, shelf slope and geological slope 1004 may have the same angle.

[084] In addition, geology input data may include properties Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 33 / 93 22 / 37 of the geological layers (e.g., first layer 1006, second layer 1004, and third layer 1010) of the platform. The properties of the geological layers may include rock type, density, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, rock impact velocity, and crack velocity factor for each layer. These properties can be used to determine the shape, size, and / or radius of the arcs of the different elements used to model the geological layers.

[085] Figure 11 illustrates a detonation model 1100 divided into a plurality of zones (i.e., zones 1102-1110 referred to herein as zones) based on detonation hole locations. A modeling system can identify the zones to represent regions where a different sized element will be used for the simulation.

[086] Different sized elements can be used to represent different fragmentation sizes. The modeling system can use a smaller element within the zones to represent that rocks closest to blast holes 1112-1120 will be broken into smaller pieces due to their position relative to the explosive force. Furthermore, in some embodiments, these zones can be defined based on the location of the explosives in blast holes 1112-1120, disregarding portions such as plugging.

[087] In some embodiments, the rocks in the zones will be represented by elements that are a ratio of the size of the rest of the platform. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the elements in the zones are half the size of the other elements in the model. In other embodiments, the elements in the zones may have different proportions based on the energy density, type, and / or quantity of explosives in a blast hole associated with the zone. For example, a first zone may be segmented into half-size elements while a second zone may be segmented into quarter-size elements.

[088] In some forms, the size of the elements can be graduated Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, p. 34 / 93 23 / 37 based on the relative position to the explosives in the detonation holes instead of two sizes. In these embodiments, zones may or may not be used. A gradient of element sizes would result in the smallest elements being closest to the explosives in the detonation hole, with the elements gradually increasing in size based on the distance of the explosives from the detonation hole.

[089] Figure 12 illustrates a partially fragmented 1200 blast model. As shown, the modeling system fragments the 1200 blast model by segmenting or forming a mesh of elements to represent the model rocks. The elements in the illustrated embodiment are quadrilateral elements with rounded corners. A similar fragmentation can be done using other non-spherical shaped elements without sharp corners.

[090] In the embodiment illustrated, the modeling system predicts that the area of ​​the detonation model 1200 outside the first zone 1202 and the second zone 1204 will fracture to a size that is 60% of the desired passage size. The larger elements on the platform face can be truncated to align with the platform face.

[091] The modeling system uses smaller elements in the first zone 1202 and in the second zone 1204 to represent greater fragmentation near the explosives within the detonation hole. In the embodiment illustrated, the smaller elements are 30% of the desired passage size, which is half the size of the larger elements. Elements crossing the detonation hole can be split and represented as two elements.

[092] Figure 13 illustrates a 1300 detonation model partially fragmented into a plurality of elements using a variety of fragmentation techniques. The elements used in the illustrated embodiment represent a different type of advanced element, in particular, a rounded corner quadrilateral element. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 35 / 93 24 / 37

[093] In a first area 1302, a modeling system segmented the top of the platform into four layers. As shown, each layer in the first area 1302, as well as in the second area 1306 and the third area 1304, is offset. For example, in some modes, each consecutive layer can be offset by half an element.

[094] The second area 1306 represents how the modeling system segments the detonation model 1300 near a detonation hole. The modeling system can identify elements that cross the detonation hole and truncate such elements to fit the elements around the detonation hole. In the illustrated embodiment, these elements in the detonation hole are terminated or cut at the detonation hole with a vertical edge. However, in other embodiments, the elements may be cut at the same angle as the detonation hole. Furthermore, in some embodiments, if a truncated element is smaller than a threshold size or width, the modeling system may simply delete the element.

[095] The third area 1304 represents how the modeling system segments the blast model 1300 near the platform face. The modeling system can identify elements that cross the platform face and truncate such elements to fit the elements within the platform. In the illustrated embodiment, these elements on the platform face are terminated or cut at the platform face with a vertical edge. However, in other embodiments, the elements may be cut at the same angle as the platform face. Furthermore, in some embodiments, if a truncated element is smaller than a threshold size or width, the modeling system may simply delete the element.

[096] The modeling system can fragment the remainder of the 1300 detonation model according to the techniques described above.

[097] Figure 14 illustrates how the modeling system can create a hollow Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 36 / 93 25 / 37 blast pit 1400. The blast pit 1400 can be formed using stationary elements 1402. The stationary elements 1402 will not move during the simulation. The stationary elements 1402 can also use elements formed using arcs and lines. For example, the stationary elements 1402 can have the same shape as the same elements used to model the platform. Consequently, the interactions between the stationary elements 1402 and the blast-moved elements can be determined by the modeling system using arc-to-arc contact and arc-to-line contact.

[098] Figure 15 illustrates a 1500 blasting model with blast holes with different parameters. In a blasting design, the parameters can vary by blast location. For example, blasting design parameters can vary in each row. Some parameters that can vary within a blasting plan include charge, spacing, plugging, blast hole angle, blast hole depth, hole diameter, and explosive type, which can be customized for each row. Charge and spacing are defined for the position of the blast holes at the top of the platform, while hole depth and plugging are defined from the top of the platform (e.g., distance from the top of the platform). A modeling system as described in this document can generate and perform blasting simulation on a customized model that varies the blasting design parameters.

[099] Figure 16 illustrates a top view of a 1600 blast pattern. The two-dimensional computation plane 1602 is a two-dimensional different element blast model (e.g., the models illustrated in Figures 9-15) in which the blast simulation takes place. The modeling system can use the 1600 blast pattern to take into account the three-dimensional aspects of the platform. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 37 / 93 26 / 37

[0100] For example, the modeling system can take into account the three-dimensional aspects of the platform by determining the mass of the elements based on the 1604 spacing. By taking into account the 1604 spacing, the modeling system determines a true mass moved by each blast hole and assigns this mass to the elements that are in the two-dimensional 1602 computation plane. Consequently, the displacement of simulation elements will be a function of the spacing. Furthermore, increasing the element mass can increase the time step of a simulation.

[0101] The mass of the element can be calculated as: mass of the element = area x spacing x density of the rock where: The area is the area of ​​the elements in the two-dimensional 1602 computing plane; the spacing is the distance between consecutive blast holes, and the rock density is the density of the geological material represented by the element.

[0102] Figure 17 illustrates a blasting model 1700 with underdrilled blast holes (e.g., blast hole 1706). Underdrilling occurs when a blast hole is drilled below the bottom of a pit 1704. In other words, the depth of the hole plus the plugging is greater than the height of the platform.

[0103] To simulate a blast with underdrilled holes, some modes of the modeling system can extend the moving element area 1702 to below the pit 1704. For example, the different elements that are moved during a blast simulation can be extended beyond the platform face by a length of the first charge width 1708. The first charge width 1708 is the space between the first row of blast holes and the face. When the modeling system simulates a blast, the entire moving element area 1702 Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 38 / 93 27 / 37 is used as the computational area where the system determines the movement of the elements. Thus, subdrilling extends the computational area outside of pit 1704. In some embodiments, the modeling system can simulate time delays between rows using the elements. For example, the modeling system can simulate a series of time-delayed planes that feed data on the position of the elements and the start time of the second row. For example, Figure 16 illustrates a volume of rock moved by an individual blast hole. The spacing (out-of-plane) between blast holes can control the mass of rock moved by the blast hole and ultimately the velocity of the GEM elements influenced by that blast hole.

[0104] Figure 18 illustrates a rotation procedure that the modeling system can employ to create a geological slope for an 180° blast model. In some embodiments, the modeling system creates an 180° model that has zero geological slope. The system can then rotate the 180° model from a horizontal position 180°2 to an angular position 180°4. The system can rotate the 180° model so that the 180° model in the angled position 180°4 can have an angle consistent with the geological slope.

[0105] Figure 19 illustrates a procedure for timing the release of charges from different modeling elements in the 1900 detonation model. As shown, a modeling system can divide the 1900 detonation model into multiple detonation portions (e.g., first detonation portion 1902, second detonation portion 1904, third detonation portion 1906, fourth detonation portion 1908, fifth detonation portion 1910). Before the explosives in the detonation holes are detonated, the different elements are not yet released. In other words, the different elements are frozen from movement.

[0106] A load release for different elements in a portion of Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 39 / 93 28 / 37 detonation occurs when the simulation detonates explosives in a detonation hole located in the detonation portion. Charge release allows the different elements to begin moving. Simulations may include a time delay between the detonation of rows of detonation holes so that each row can be delayed. During the initialization of a simulation, a modeling system can define the charge release or live time for each element, based on the row's delay time.

[0107] Each detonation portion may include elements that are located in one third of the charge behind each row of detonation holes and elements in front of the detonation holes. Thus, when each detonation portion reaches a time for a charge release, one third of the charge behind the detonation hole is fragmented and free to move along with the fragmented and free charge in front of the detonation hole.

[0108] The modeling system advances the simulation over time in a stable time step. When the detonation time of a row is reached, the modeling system releases the charge elements at the front of the row, plus 1 / 3 of the charge behind is released to move because the “live time” for all these elements has been reached. The modeling system will sequentially release the elements of each detonation portion until the new free face 1912 is reached.

[0109] Figure 20 illustrates a different element model 2000 generated by a modeling system to simulate a blast without a free face (e.g., safety or smothered blast). Safety or smothered blasting is a blasting technique without a free face. A simulation using hexahedrals for safety or smothered blasting predicts that the ore moved during the blast. This prediction can allow for more precise ore excavation.

[0110] This type of blasting technique can be used for mining Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 40 / 93 29 / 37 Gold and copper. Gold and copper mining depends on high-resolution simulations. Based on the need for high resolution and the properties of the gold rock, hexahedral elements can be used.

[0111] Hexahedral elements may comprise lines of size indirectly coupled to arcs to form a polygon with rounded corners. Hexahedral elements may be cut in half to make a flat surface. In addition, hexahedral elements that interact with blast holes (such as blast hole 2002) may be split in two or truncated.

[0112] Figure 21 illustrates a flowchart of a 2100 method for creating a model to simulate a blast. In block 2102, the 2100 method receives input data comprising blast hole data, platform information, and geology input data. In block 2104, the 2100 method generates a site model based on the input data, where the site model comprises a set of blast holes. In block 2106, the 2100 method identifies zones around each blast hole in the blast hole set, where each zone comprises a perimeter that is a target distance from an associated blast hole. In block 2108, method 2100 fragments the location model into a plurality of non-circular elements comprising arcs and lines, where a first set of non-circular elements within the zones is smaller than a second set of non-circular elements outside the zones.In block 2110, method 2100 simulates a detonation using a plurality of non-circular elements.

[0113] Figure 22 is a block diagram of a 2200 blasting modeling system according to one embodiment. The 2200 blasting modeling system can execute the methods and use the techniques described with reference to the other figures in the descriptive report. The blasting modeling system Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 41 / 93 30 / 37 2200 may include a memory 2203, one or more processors 2204, a network interface 2206, an input / output interface 2208 and a system bus 2209.

[0114] One or more 2204 processors may include one or more general-purpose devices, such as an Intel®, AMD®, or other standard microprocessor. One or more 2204 processors may include a special-purpose processing device, such as an ASIC, SoC, SiP, FPGA, PAL, PLA, FPLA, PLD, or other custom or programmable device. One or more 2204 processors may perform distributed (e.g., parallel) processing to execute or implement functionalities of the embodiments herein disclosed. One or more 2204 processors may run a standard operating system and perform standard operating system functions. It is acknowledged that any standard operating system may be used, such as, for example, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple® MacOS®, Disk Operating System (DOS), UNIX, IRJX, Solaris, SunOS, FreeBSD, Linux®, ffiM® OS / 2®, and so forth.

[0115] Memory 2203 may include static RAM, dynamic RAM, flash memory, one or more flip-flops, ROM, CD-ROM, DVD, disk, tape, or magnetic, optical, or other computer storage media. Memory 2203 may include a plurality of program modules 2210 and program data modules 2220. Memory 2203 may be local to the detonation modeling system 2200, as shown, or may be distributed and / or remote with respect to the detonation modeling system 2200.

[0116] Memory 2203 may include data 2220. Data generated or used by the detonation modeling system 2200, such as by program modules 2210 or other modules, may be stored in memory 2203, for example, as stored program data 2220. Data 2220 may be organized as one or more databases. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 42 / 93 31 / 37

[0117] Data 2220 may include blast input data, element data structures 2222, positioning information 2224, and contact, force, and moment data 2226. Blast input data may be entered by a user via the input / output interface 2208. In some embodiments, blast input data may include blast hole data, platform information, and geology input data. Element data structures 2222 may include information relating to the shape of each element of a blast model. For example, element data structures 2222 may include line endpoint node coordinates, arc endpoint designations, arc center points, arc radii, and arc angles. Positioning information 2224 may include location information for each of the elements of the blast model.For example, positioning information 2224 might include the coordinates of each element and the orientation of each element. Contact, force, and moment data 2226 might include the contact, force, and moment for each element at a given time step.

[0118] Program modules 2210 may include all or parts of other elements of the detonation modeling system 2200. Program modules 2210 may execute various operations simultaneously or in parallel by or on one or more processors 2204. In some embodiments, portions of the disclosed modules, components, and / or features are incorporated as executable instructions embedded in hardware or firmware, or stored on a non-transient machine-readable storage medium. The executable instructions may comprise computer program code that, when executed by a processor and / or computing device, causes a computing system to implement certain processing steps, procedures, and / or operations, as disclosed herein. The disclosed modules, components, and / or features Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 43 / 93 Items 32 / 37 in this document may be implemented and / or incorporated as a controller, a library, an interface, an API, FPGA configuration data, firmware (e.g., stored in an EEPROM), and / or similar. In some embodiments, portions of the modules, components, and / or resources disclosed in this document are incorporated as machine components, such as general and / or application-specific devices, which include, but are not limited to: circuits, integrated circuits, processing components, interface components, hardware controller(s), storage controller(s), programmable hardware, FPGAs, ASICs, and / or similar. Consequently, the modules disclosed in this document may be referred to as controllers, layers, services, mechanisms, resources, drivers, circuits, subsystems, and / or similar.

[0119] Modules 2210 may comprise a model generator 2212, a simulation model 2214, and a mass calculator 2216. The model generator 2212 may generate a site model based on the blast input data and fragment the site model into a plurality of elements. The mass calculator 2216 may calculate a mass for each element.

[0120] Simulation model 2214 can perform a detonation simulation in multiple time steps. For example, simulation model 2214 can search the site model for arc-to-arc and arc-to-line contacts and determine the resulting forces and moments of the arc-to-arc and arc-to-line contacts. Simulation model 2214 can also change the position and orientation coordinates of each element based on the total forces and moments for new positions. The new positions should be used during a subsequent time step.

[0121] The 2208 input / output interface can facilitate user interaction with one or more input devices and / or one or more output devices. The Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 44 / 93 33 / 37 The input device(s) may include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, light pen, tablet computer, microphone, sensor, or other hardware with associated firmware and / or software. The output device(s) may include a monitor or other display, printer, speech or text synthesizer, switch, signal line, or other hardware with associated firmware and / or software. For example, in one embodiment, the input / output interface 2208 comprises a screen to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that illustrates the potential ablation perimeters. The input / output interface 2208 may receive user input data 2222. In some embodiments, the input / output interface 2208 is a touch screen, and size input is received via the touch screen. In some embodiments, the input / output interface 2208 may overlay the target ablation perimeters onto a tissue image.

[0122] The 2206 network interface can facilitate communication with other computing devices and / or networks and / or other computing and / or communication networks. The 2206 network interface can be equipped with conventional network connectivity, such as Ethernet (IEEE 1102.3), Token Ring (IEEE 1102.5), Fiber Distributed Data Link Interface (FDDI), or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM).Furthermore, the 2206 network interface can be configured to support a variety of network protocols, such as, for example, Internet Protocol (IP), Transfer Control Protocol (TCP), Network File System over UDP / TCP, Server Message Block (SMB), Microsoft® Common Internet File System (CIFS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Direct Access File System (DAFS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Real-Time Publication Subscription (RTPS), Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) protocols, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Secure Shell (SSH), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and so on. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 45 / 93 34 / 37

[0123] The system bus 2209 can facilitate communication and / or interaction between the other components of the detonation modeling system 2200, which include one or more processors 2204, memory 2203, input / output interface 2208 and network interface 2206.

[0124] Figure 23 illustrates a procedure 2300 for altering the shape of an element 2302 during a detonation simulation. In a detonation, as rocks roll, slide, and break, they become more rounded. A modeling system can approximate this effect in element 2300 by increasing the radius of each arc during a simulation based on one or more movements within a corresponding element, rotation of the corresponding element, and collisions of the corresponding element. In other words, as element 2300 moves and interacts with other elements, the ends of the straight lines are brought closer together and the radius of the arcs expands.

[0125] Element 2300 can start as a polygon (e.g., square) with narrowly rounded corners (e.g., corners formed by arcs with small radii). The narrowly rounded corners allow the elements to fit well on the platform. However, the motion induced by the detonation of elements with these narrowly rounded corners may not be natural. Consequently, the modeling system can track movement, rotation, and collisions of element 2300 that alter the shape of element 2300 during the simulation. As the elements move, collide, and rotate, the modeling system can increase the arc radius at the corners.

[0126] Figure 24 illustrates two circular elements (i.e., first element 2404 and 2410) that can be used by the modeling systems and methods described in this document. Although the shapes used by the modeling systems may have straight lines, the modeling system may also be able to use circular elements in a similar way to model the rocks in a Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 46 / 93 35 / 37 detonation simulation.

[0127] For example, the modeling system can handle circular elements by creating circular elements with a central arc point 2408 and two one hundred and eighty degree arcs (e.g., first arc 2402 and 2404). As shown, the first element 2404 is superimposed on the second element 2410. Using the central arc point and the two arcs, the modeling system can determine the movement of the elements using the methods described earlier.

[0128] Figure 25 illustrates three potential three-dimensional shapes that can be used as elements by the modeling systems and methods described in this document. The illustrated embodiment includes a spherical element 2502, a quadrilateral element 2504, and a cuboid element 2506. The methods and systems described in this document can use these shapes to model a three-dimensional detonation. As shown, each of these elements can include rounded edges and corners. The radii of the rounded edges and corners can be used to determine the element's motion using the methods described in this document.

[0129] In some embodiments, the spherical element 2502 can be modeled using a three-dimensional hexahedral shape with rounded corners and edges. The contact behavior of a three-dimensional hexahedral shape with rounded surfaces may not be significantly different from a sphere.

[0130] Although the examples and modalities disclosed in this document refer especially to detonation simulations, the different advanced elements and simulation methods can be applied to a variety of different simulation applications. For example, the elements described in this document can be used to simulate the movement of liquids, solutions, gases, materials in storage silos, and powders. The simulation methods can be used for various applications and in a plurality of industries. For example, the methods of Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 47 / 93 36 / 37 simulations can be used to simulate earthquakes, oil and gas drilling and recovery, and mineral processing. Different element modes revealed in this document can also be used to model, understand, and design mineral ore grinding using a grinding entity, such as high-strength steel rods or spheres within the grinding cylinder. The ore and the grinding entity can be more accurately represented by the advanced different elements. Modes related to corner rounding of different elements based on motion and collisions can be especially useful for mill modeling.

[0131] Some embodiments of a more generalized method for simulating moving objects may include generating a model comprising a plurality of different advanced elements as described with reference to the figures above. Each element may have a shape formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines with arcs so that the ends of one or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs. The motion simulation of the plurality of elements may be performed by carrying out a time-step simulation that iterates over time. For each time-step of the simulation, the method may search for and detect arc-to-arc contacts and arc-to-line contacts between neighboring elements. The method may also determine the resulting forces and moments of the arc-to-arc contacts and the arc-to-line contacts.Forces and moments can be added together and used to move each element to new positions to be used during a subsequent time step.

[0132] The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary and not as a limitation of the scope of this disclosure in any way. It will be evident to persons skilled in the art, and with the benefit of this disclosure, that mu Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 48 / 93 37 / 37 dances can be performed in the details of the modalities described above without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure in this document. Petition 870220102963, dated 07 / 11 / 2022, page 49 / 93

Claims

1 / 11 CLAIMS 1. A method for modeling explosive detonation, wherein the method is CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: receiving a detonation plan comprising detonation hole data and detonation location data; Generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), in which each element has a shape formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines (104, 102, 132, 312, 402) with arcs (122, 114, 110, 118, 216, 218, 310, 410, 412) so that the ends of one or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs; and simulate a detonation using the location model and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

2. Computing apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a processor; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the apparatus to: receive a detonation plan comprising detonation hole data and detonation site data; generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, p.8 / 18 2 / 11 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where each element has a shape formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines (104, 102, 132, 312, 402) with arcs (122, 114, 110, 118, 216, 218, 310, 410, 412) such that the ends of one or more lines are coupled indirectly through the arcs; and simulate a detonation using the location model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

3. Computing apparatus, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the radius of each arc increases based on one or more of the following: movement of a corresponding element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), rotation of the corresponding element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) and collisions of the corresponding element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

4. Computing apparatus, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that simulating the explosion comprises detecting contact between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), wherein detecting contact comprises: detecting arc-to-arc contacts between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506); and detect arc contacts with line between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

5. Computing apparatus, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that simulating the detonation comprises calculating a Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page. 9 / 18 3 / 11 force applied to each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) by the contact of neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), wherein the force is calculated based on a contact overlap and is applied to arc center points.

6. Computing apparatus, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that simulating the detonation comprises a time-step simulation that iteratively traverses over time, wherein for each time step of the simulation the method further comprises: searching the site model for arc-to-arc contacts and arc-to-line contacts; determining resultant forces of arc-to-arc contacts and arc-to-line contacts; determining moments for each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506); sum the moments and forces for each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506); and move each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) based on the total forces and moments to new positions, where the new positions are used during a subsequent time step.

7. Non-transient computer-readable storage media, wherein the computer-readable storage media is CHARACTERIZED in that it includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: receive a detonation plan comprising detonation hole data and detonation site data; Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, p.10 / 18 4 / 11 generate a site model based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), wherein each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) has a shape formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines (104, 102, 132, 312, 402) with arcs (122, 114, 110, 118, 216, 218, 310, 410, 412) so that the ends of one or more lines (104, 102, 132, 312, 402) are indirectly coupled through the arcs (122, 114, 110, 118, 216, 218, 310, 410, 412); and simulate a detonation using the location model and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

8. Method for modeling explosive detonation, wherein the method is CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: receiving a detonation plan that includes detonation hole data and detonation location data; generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506); and simulate an explosion using the location model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where simulating the detonation comprises: detecting arc-to-arc contacts between elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) neighbors; and Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page.11 / 18 5 / 11 detect arc contacts with line between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

9. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) has a shape formed by connecting the endpoints of one or more lines with arcs, so that the two or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs.

10. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that detecting arc-to-arc contact between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) comprises comparing a distance between arc midpoints of two arcs of neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) to a sum of the radii of the two arcs of the neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) neighbors, where contact is detected when the sum is greater than the distance.

11. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that detecting arc-line contact between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) comprises comparing a distance between a line of a first element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) and an arc center of an arc of a second element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) to a radius of the arc of the second element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where contact is detected when the radius is greater than the distance.

12. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) is a polygon with rounded corners. Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 18 6 / 1113. Computing apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a processor; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the apparatus to: receive a detonation plan comprising data from the detonation hole and data from the detonation site; generate a site model based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506); and simulate an explosion using the location model and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where simulating the detonation comprises: detecting arc-to-arc contacts between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506);and detect arc contacts with line between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

14. Non-transient computer-readable storage media, wherein computer-readable storage media is CHARACTERIZED in that it includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: receive a blast plan comprising blast hole data and blast site data; generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the detonation plan, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page.13 / 18 7 / 11 2506); and simulate an explosion using the location model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) and the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where simulating the detonation comprises: detecting arc-to-arc contacts between elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) neighbors; and detect arc contacts with line between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506).

15. Method for explosive detonation modeling, wherein the method is CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: receiving input data comprising blast hole data, platform information and geology input data; generating a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the input data, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a set of blast holes; identifying zones around each blast hole in the blast hole set, wherein each zone comprises a perimeter that is a target distance from an associated blast hole;fragment the location model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) into a plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) comprising arcs and lines, wherein a first set of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) within the zones is smaller than a second set of non-circular elements. circulars (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) outside the zones; and simulate an explosion using the plurality of non-circular elements (100, Petition 870260054769, of 05 / 06 / 2026, p. 14 / 18 8 / 11 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506).

16. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises shifting layers of the plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506).

17. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises truncation elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) that cross a platform face or a blast hole.

18. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises determining a mass for each of the plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) by multiplying an area of ​​an element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) by rock spacing and density.

19. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises rotating the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) to create a geological slope.

20. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises identifying a load release time for the plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506).

21. Computing apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a processor; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the apparatus to: Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page 15 / 18 9 / 11 receive input data comprising blast hole data, platform information and geology input data; Generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the input data, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a set of blast holes; identify zones (1102-1110, 1202, 1204) around each blast hole in the blast hole set, wherein each zone (1102-1110, 1202, 1204) comprises a perimeter that is a target distance from an associated blast hole;fragment the site model into a plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) comprising arcs and lines, wherein a first set of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) within zones (1102-1110, 1202, 1204) is smaller than a second set of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) outside the zones (1102-1110, 1202, 1204); and simulate an explosion using the plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506).

22. Non-transient computer-readable storage media, wherein the computer-readable storage media is CHARACTERIZED in that it includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: receive input data comprising blast hole data, platform information and geology input data; generate a site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) based on the input data, wherein the site model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprises a set of blast holes; Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, page.16 / 18 10 / 11 identify zones (1102-1110, 1202, 1204) around each blast hole of the blast hole array, where each zone (1102-1110, 1202, 1204) comprises a perimeter that is a target distance from an associated blast hole; fragment the location model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) into a plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) comprising arcs and lines, wherein a first set of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) within the zones is smaller than a second set of non-circular elements. circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506) outside the zones; and simulate an explosion using the plurality of non-circular elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2502, 2504, 2506).

23. Method for modeling moving objects, the method being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: generating a model (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) comprising a plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506), where each element (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) has a shape formed by connecting the ends of one or more lines with arcs so that the ends of one or more lines are indirectly coupled through the arcs; and simulate movement of the plurality of elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506) by: detecting arc-to-arc contacts between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506);and detect arc-line contacts between neighboring elements (100, 202, 204, 302, 304, Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, p. 17 / 18 11 / 11 406, 408, 502, 504, 600, 2302, 2404, 2410, 2502, 2504, 2506). Petition 870260054769, dated 05 / 06 / 2026, p. 18 / 18;

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