Experimental system for simulating the whole process of rheological impact of rock and soil particles under variable gravity environment

Abstract

The application provides an experimental system capable of simulating the whole process of rheological impact of rock and soil particles in a variable gravity environment, and relates to the technical field of engineering geology. The system comprises a base plate and at least two experimental modules arranged on the base plate; the base plate moves at a uniform speed around the center of the base plate to simulate a variable gravity environment; the at least two experimental modules are uniformly distributed on the base plate, the inside of the experimental module is filled with rock and soil particles, and the experimental module drives the rock and soil particles to perform rheological impact movement; during the rheological impact movement of the rock and soil particles, the experimental module automatically collects experimental data. The application simulates the rheological impact movement of rock and soil particles in a variable gravity environment, utilizes a single group of samples, realizes parallel development of multiple groups of experiments, and effectively reduces the cost of space experiments; the overall structure of the system is simple, the experimental control process is automated, and the work burden of aerospace experiment personnel is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engineering geology, specifically to an experimental system that can simulate the entire process of rheological impact of soil and rock particles under variable gravity conditions. Background Technology

[0002] The essence of geological hazards such as landslides can be described as a process of large deformation shear flow in granular systems. On the Earth's surface, researchers have conducted extensive experimental and theoretical studies to improve landslide control capabilities and reduce their destructive effects. Due to the discontinuous nature of soil-rock granular systems, the various mechanical properties of their impact-flow sliding are still difficult to predict comprehensively using theory. Conducting impact-flow sliding experiments is the most intuitive and effective method to study the dynamic characteristics and disaster-causing laws of soil-rock granular systems.

[0003] Recent studies have revealed a strong correlation between the impact characteristics of soil-rock particle systems and their surrounding gravitational environment. The energy dissipation processes within particle systems vary significantly under different gravitational environments. Current research indicates that the gravitational environment alters factors such as interparticle engagement, friction, and rotation, thus significantly impacting the macroscopic mechanical properties of the system. However, experimental studies in this area have not yet been conducted.

[0004] Current observations reveal that landslides in low-gravity environments such as the Moon and Mars are significantly larger than those on Earth's surface. Therefore, preliminary research under variable gravity environments is crucial. Research in variable gravity environments is feasible. However, current devices for simulating the sliding of soil-rock particle systems are not suitable for variable gravity environments. The main reasons are as follows: (1) In the surface environment, slopes are often used to provide initial acceleration for particle systems. The conversion between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy is used to prepare flowing soil. However, in variable gravity environments, this acceleration method will result in particle systems having completely different initial velocities under different gravity conditions, making the experimental results incomparable.

[0005] (2) On the ground, researchers can easily replace experimental samples. Therefore, most experimental samples are used only once. However, the cost of transporting samples in space experiments is extremely high, so without sample recovery equipment, the experimental expenses would be very high.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a dedicated variable gravity rheological impact simulation experimental device for the microgravity environment in space, in order to collect the rheological impact characteristics of particles in the microgravity environment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an experimental system that can simulate the entire process of rheological impact of soil particles under variable gravity. By simulating the rheological impact motion of soil particles under variable gravity, multiple experiments can be carried out in parallel using a single set of samples, effectively reducing the cost of space experiments. Furthermore, the system has a simple overall structure and automated experimental control process, effectively reducing the workload of aerospace experimental personnel.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an experimental system that can simulate the entire process of rheological impact of soil particles under variable gravity conditions, including a chassis and at least two experimental modules mounted on the chassis. The chassis moves in a uniform circular motion around its center to simulate a variable gravity environment; At least two of the experimental modules are evenly distributed on the chassis, and the interior of each experimental module is filled with the soil and rock particles. The experimental modules drive the soil and rock particles to undergo rheological impact motion. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the experimental module automatically collects experimental data.

[0009] In one embodiment, each experimental module includes a transparent experimental chamber, a rotating central axis, and a reset lifting rod. The rotating central axis and the reset lifting rod are respectively fixed on the chassis. One end of the transparent experimental chamber is connected to the rotating central axis, and the other end of the transparent experimental chamber is connected to the reset lifting rod. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the reset lifting rod drives the transparent experimental chamber to rotate around the rotating central axis. The transparent experimental chamber is equipped with a sample loading chamber, a strain component, and a barrier component. The sample loading chamber is filled with the soil and rock particles. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the strain component is used to collect the impact force of the barrier component at different spatial positions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the strain assembly includes at least two strain gauges, each strain gauge being attached to a different spatial location on the surface of the barrier assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the experimental modules further includes a power linkage fixed to the chassis, which drives the sample loading chamber to reciprocate through extension and retraction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sample loading chamber includes a power rear plate and a movable iron cover connected to the power rear plate; The power linkage is connected to the power rear plate, and the power linkage drives the power rear plate to reciprocate through extension and retraction.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the experimental modules further includes a door control assembly for controlling the opening and closing of the sample loading chamber, the door control assembly including an opening electromagnet, a reset electromagnet and a door reset linkage; The door-opening electromagnet is installed on the first side of the transparent experimental chamber near the center of the chassis, and the door-opening electromagnet is used to control the opening of the sample loading chamber; The reset electromagnet and the door reset linkage are both located on the second side of the transparent experimental chamber away from the chassis, and the reset electromagnet and the door opening electromagnet are arranged opposite to each other. The reset electromagnet is used to control the closing of the sample loading chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the power linkage drives the power rear plate to move to a preset position, the door opening electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron cabin cover, causing the movable iron cabin cover to move close to the first side, and the soil particles slide out from the opened sample chamber and collide with the barrier assembly under the variable gravity environment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reset lifting rod drives the transparent experimental chamber to rotate by a preset angle, the soil particles move away from the barrier assembly and flow back under the variable gravity environment, the power linkage drives the power rear plate to move to the initial position, the reset electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron chamber cover, causing the movable iron chamber cover to move closer to the second side, and the door reset linkage drives the reset electromagnet to jointly push the movable iron chamber cover and the soil particles back to the initial position.

[0016] In one embodiment, each experimental module further includes a camera for acquiring images of the motion process of the soil particles during the rheological impact motion of the soil particles.

[0017] In one embodiment, there are three experimental modules, and each experimental module has the same or similar weight. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an experimental system according to the present invention that can simulate the entire process of rheological impact of soil particles under variable gravity environment; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a single experimental module according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a disassembly diagram of the sample loading chamber in a single experimental module according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample loading chamber in the initial position in a single experimental module according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the release of soil and rock particles in a single experimental module according to the present invention; Figures 6 to 8 This is a schematic diagram of the recovery of soil and rock particles in a single experimental module according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0020] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known apparatuses, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0021] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, shall be understood to have an open, inclusive meaning, that is, to be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”.

[0022] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0023] The singular forms “a” and “the” used in this specification and the appended claims include plural references unless otherwise expressly stated herein. It should be noted that the term “or” is generally used to include the meaning of “or / and” unless otherwise expressly stated herein.

[0024] In the following description, in order to clearly demonstrate the structure and working method of the present invention, a number of directional terms will be used. However, terms such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and not as limiting terms.

[0025] The first embodiment of this invention relates to an experimental system capable of simulating the entire process of rheological impact of soil and rock particles under varying gravity conditions, specifically as follows: Figure 1As shown, the system includes a circular chassis 1 and three experimental modules 1-2 mounted on the chassis 1. During the experiment, the circular chassis 1 undergoes uniform circular motion around its center, using centrifugal force to simulate gravity and providing the experimental modules 1-2 with a simulated variable gravity environment. The direction of the simulated gravity is shown by arrow 1-1 in the figure. The three experimental modules 1-2 are evenly distributed on the circular chassis 1, exhibiting a centrally symmetrical structure, and all three modules have the same weight. This ensures that during the centrifugal rotation of the chassis 1, the center of gravity of the chassis 1 remains relatively stable without significant shift. The three experimental modules ensure a reasonable overall weight distribution of the system. Furthermore, during the flow of soil particles, any shift in the center of gravity caused by changes in the position of soil particles in a single experimental module is offset by the similar motion patterns of the soil particles simultaneously observed in the other two experimental modules, thus ensuring that the mass of the circular chassis 1 remains essentially uniformly distributed during rotation. It should be noted that the shape of the chassis 1 is not limited to a circle; other shapes can be used, as long as the chassis 1 can maintain uniform circular motion around its center.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the experimental modules 1-2 includes a transparent experimental chamber 2, a rotating central axis 2-2, and a reset lifting rod 7. The rotating central axis 2-2 and the reset lifting rod 7 are respectively mounted on the chassis 1. One end of the transparent experimental chamber 2 is connected to the rotating central axis 2-2, and the other end of the transparent experimental chamber 2 is connected to the reset lifting rod 7. During the rheological impact motion of the soil particles, the reset lifting rod 7 drives the transparent experimental chamber 2 to rotate around the rotating central axis 2-2. The lower inner surface of the transparent experimental chamber 2 is also referred to as the sliding surface.

[0027] The transparent experimental chamber 2 is internally equipped with a sample loading chamber 3, a strain gauge assembly 8, and a barrier assembly 4. The transparent experimental chamber 2 is a particle flow field. The sample loading chamber 3 is located at the beginning of the particle flow field in the transparent experimental chamber 2, and the strain gauge assembly 8 and the barrier assembly 4 are located at the end of the particle flow field in the transparent experimental chamber 2. The sample loading chamber 3 is filled with the soil and rock particles 3-4. Different types of soil and rock particles can be loaded for different experimental modules 1-2. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the strain gauge assembly 8 is used to collect the impact force of the barrier assembly 4 at different spatial positions. Specifically, the strain gauge assembly 8 includes multiple strain gauges, each strain gauge being attached to a different spatial position on the surface of the barrier assembly 4 to collect the impact force characteristics experienced by the barrier assembly 4 at different spatial positions.

[0028] Each of the experimental modules 1-2 also includes a power linkage 5 fixed to the chassis 1, which drives the sample loading chamber 3 to reciprocate through extension and retraction. Figure 3As shown, the sample loading chamber 3 includes a power rear plate 3-1 and a movable iron cover 3-2 connected to the power rear plate 3-1; the power connecting rod 5 is connected to the power rear plate 3-1, and the power connecting rod 5 drives the power rear plate 3-1 to reciprocate through extension and retraction. Specifically... Figure 2 As shown, the power linkage 5 includes a fixed unit and a telescopic unit. The fixed unit is fixedly mounted on the chassis 1, and the telescopic unit is connected to one end of the power rear plate 3-1. By telescopically pulling the power rear plate 3-1, one end of the power rear plate 3-1 extends to the outside of the transparent experimental chamber 2 and is fixedly connected to the power linkage 5.

[0029] Each experimental module 1-2 further includes a door control assembly 6 for controlling the opening and closing of the sample loading chamber 3. The door control assembly 6 includes an opening electromagnet 6-2, a reset electromagnet 6-1, and a door reset linkage 6-3. The opening electromagnet 6-2 is located on a first side of the transparent experimental chamber 2 near the center of the chassis 1, and is used to control the opening of the sample loading chamber 3. Specifically, when the power linkage 5 drives the power rear plate 3-1 to a preset position, the opening electromagnet 6-2 generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron cover 3-2, causing the movable iron cover 3-2 to move closer to the first side. The soil particles slide out of the opened sample loading chamber 3 and collide with the barrier assembly 4 under the variable gravity environment. The first side is the side of the transparent experimental chamber 2 near the center of the chassis 1, that is, the side opposite to the sliding surface.

[0030] The door control assembly 6 includes a reset electromagnet 6-1 and a door reset linkage 6-3, both of which are located on the second side of the transparent experimental chamber 2 away from the chassis 1. The reset electromagnet 6-1 and the door opening electromagnet 6-2 are positioned opposite each other. The reset electromagnet 6-1 controls the closing of the sample loading chamber 3. Specifically, the reset lifting rod 7 rotates the transparent experimental chamber by a preset angle. Under the variable gravity environment, the soil particles move away from the barrier assembly 4 and flow back. The power linkage 5 moves the power rear plate 3-1 to its initial position. The reset electromagnet 6-1 generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron cover 3-2, causing it to move closer to the second side. The door reset linkage 6-3, along with the reset electromagnet 6-1, jointly pushes the movable iron cover 3-2 and the soil particles back to their initial position. The second side is the side of the transparent experimental chamber 2 away from the center of the chassis 1, i.e., the sliding surface.

[0031] In one example, each of the experimental modules 1-2 also includes a camera 9, which is used to acquire images of the motion process of the soil particles during the rheological impact motion of the soil particles.

[0032] In one example, each of the experimental modules 1-2 also includes a microcomputer 10, which is connected to several motion control components in the system, such as the power linkage 5, the door opening electromagnet 6-2, the strain gauge assembly 8, the camera 9, the reset lifting rod 7, and the hatch control assembly 6, to achieve automated process control of the entire system. The computer commands throughout the experiment include starting the power linkage 5, starting the door opening electromagnet 6-2, closing the power linkage 5, starting the high-speed camera 9, collecting and preprocessing impact force data, transmitting image and impact force data, closing the camera 9, starting the reset lifting rod 7, de-energizing the door opening electromagnet 6-2, starting the hatch reset linkage 6-3, and returning to the initial state and de-energizing. The microcomputer 10 also has wireless data transmission capabilities to enable real-time data transmission and monitoring during the experiment.

[0033] The following is passed Figures 4 to 8 Describe the specific experimental procedure.

[0034] like Figure 4 In the initial state shown, the soil particles are filled in a well-sealed sample chamber 3, formed by the power rear plate 3-1 and the movable iron cover 3-2. This sample chamber 3 allows the soil particles to be contained effectively, reducing leakage into other spaces. In the initial state, driven by the power linkage 5, the sample chamber 3 begins to slide along the sliding surface. When it slides to the preset position, the soil particles begin to be released, and the release process is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. Under the action of the door-opening electromagnet 6-2, the movable iron hatch 3-2 moves towards the center of the chassis 1, releasing soil particles. Afterwards, the powered rear plate 3-1 stops moving, and the soil particles begin to flow freely along the sliding surface until they impact the barrier assembly 4. At this time, the microcomputer 10 collects the impact force data sensed by strain gauges at different spatial positions on the surface of the barrier assembly 4 and acquires the impact image from the camera 9, thus completing a set of experiments.

[0035] After the experiment is completed, the sample recovery phase begins. For clarity, the sample recovery phase is divided into three sub-phases.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, this is the first stage of sample recovery. Driven by the reset lifting link 7, the transparent experimental chamber 2 rotates around the central axis 2-2 by a preset angle. Figure 6 The dashed line (1-1) marks the initial position of the transparent experimental chamber. The arrow 1-1 (i.e., the direction of gravity) is perpendicular to the initial position 2-3. When the preset angle 1-3 (i.e., the lifting angle) is greater than the friction angle of the granular material, the soil and rock particles flow back under their own weight.

[0037] like Figure 7As shown, this is the second stage of sample recovery. When the backflow of soil and rock particles is basically completed, the power rear plate is reset to its initial state. The movable iron hatch cover 3-2 falls back to the sliding surface under the action of the reset electromagnet 6-1, initially constraining the soil in the soil and rock particles.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown, this is the three-stage sample recovery process. Driven by the hatch reset linkage 6-3, the movable iron hatch cover 3-2 pushes the soil back to its initial position. After completion, the reset lifting linkage 7 pushes the transparent experimental chamber 2 back to its original position. With the entire experimental setup back to its initial state, the next set of experiments can be conducted.

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but it should be understood that, if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to utilize aspects, features, and concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0040] In light of the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the claims should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

Claims

1. An experimental system capable of simulating the entire process of rheological impact of soil and rock particles under variable gravity conditions, comprising a chassis and at least two experimental modules mounted on the chassis; The chassis moves in a uniform circular motion around its center to simulate a variable gravity environment; At least two of the experimental modules are evenly distributed on the chassis. The interior of each experimental module is filled with soil particles, and the experimental module drives the soil particles to undergo rheological impact motion. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the experimental module automatically collects experimental data. Each experimental module includes a transparent experimental chamber, a rotating central axis, and a reset lifting rod. The rotating central axis and the reset lifting rod are respectively fixed on the chassis. One end of the transparent experimental chamber is connected to the rotating central axis, and the other end of the transparent experimental chamber is connected to the reset lifting rod. During the rheological impact motion of the soil particles, the reset lifting rod drives the transparent experimental chamber to rotate around the rotating central axis. The transparent experimental chamber is equipped with a sample loading chamber, a strain component, and a barrier component. The sample loading chamber is filled with the soil and rock particles. During the rheological impact motion of the soil and rock particles, the strain component is used to collect the impact force of the barrier component at different spatial positions.

2. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strain gauge assembly includes at least two strain gauges, each of which is attached to a different spatial position on the surface of the barrier assembly.

3. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the experimental modules also includes a power linkage fixed to the chassis, which drives the sample loading chamber to reciprocate through extension and retraction.

4. The experimental system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample loading chamber includes a power rear plate and a movable iron cover connected to the power rear plate; the power connecting rod is connected to the power rear plate, and the power connecting rod drives the power rear plate to reciprocate through extension and retraction.

5. The experimental system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each experimental module further includes a door control assembly for controlling the opening and closing of the sample loading chamber. The door control assembly includes an opening electromagnet, a reset electromagnet, and a door reset linkage. The opening electromagnet is disposed on a first side of the transparent experimental chamber near the center of the chassis and is used to control the opening of the sample loading chamber. The reset electromagnet and the door reset linkage are both disposed on a second side of the transparent experimental chamber away from the center of the chassis, and the reset electromagnet is disposed opposite to the opening electromagnet. The reset electromagnet is used to control the closing of the sample loading chamber.

6. The experimental system according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the power linkage drives the power rear plate to move to the preset position, the door opening electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron cabin cover, causing the movable iron cabin cover to move close to the first side. The soil particles slide out from the opened sample chamber and collide with the barrier assembly under the variable gravity environment.

7. The experimental system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reset lifting rod drives the transparent experimental chamber to rotate by a preset angle. Under the variable gravity environment, the soil particles move away from the barrier assembly and flow back. The power connecting rod drives the power rear plate to move to the initial position. The reset electromagnet generates a magnetic attraction force on the movable iron chamber cover, causing the movable iron chamber cover to move closer to the second side. The door reset connecting rod drives the reset electromagnet to jointly push the movable iron chamber cover and the soil particles back to the initial position.

8. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the experimental modules also includes a camera used to acquire images of the motion process of the soil particles during the rheological impact motion.

9. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental module consists of three modules, each with the same or similar weight.

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