Rock Mass Cross-Scale Simulation via REV Finite Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical simulation methods, such as the discrete element method, face challenges in efficiently calculating engineering-scale rock mass simulations due to the exponential increase in required resources and time when simulating millions or more particles, making it difficult to analyze complex geotechnical engineering problems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A rock mass engineering cross-scale simulation calculation method based on REV all-region coverage is introduced, where the rock mass model is divided into finite elements with a representative elementary volume (REV) for mesh division, allowing for the use of both continuous and discontinuous medium methods to reduce calculation burden by only calculating failed elements with the discrete method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the discrete element method is used for performing engineering scale simulation calculation, then the simulation accuracy of rock mass mechanical behaviors is improved, but the calculation resources and time increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The rock mass model is divided into multiple finite elements, and each finite element is further segmented into particles. This hierarchical segmentation allows the application of different computational methods at different scales: continuous medium methods at the finite element level and discrete element methods only at the particle level within failed elements, thereby reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining simulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different computational approaches to different regions of the model based on local conditions. Continuous medium methods are used for finite elements that remain intact, while discrete element methods are applied only to particles within failed finite elements. This localized application of computational methods optimizes resource allocation and improves calculation efficiency.
2Reliability
If millions or more particles are calculated using the discrete element method, then the deformation process of discrete particle combinations is effectively simulated, but the calculation and analysis abilities are greatly challenged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying the computationally intensive discrete element method to all particles in the model, the patent applies it only to particles within failed finite elements. This partial application maintains the reliability of simulating deformation processes where it is most needed while significantly reducing the total number of particles that require discrete element calculations.
3Productivity
If the continuous medium method is used for simulation, then the calculation efficiency is improved, but the laws of force transmission and microscopic mechanisms of deformation development cannot be revealed essentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-scale dimensional approach by combining continuous medium methods at the macro scale (finite element level) with discrete element methods at the micro scale (particle level). This dimensional transition allows efficient macro-scale calculations while capturing microscopic deformation mechanisms and force transmission laws through particle-level analysis in failed elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A rock mass engineering cross-scale simulation calculation method based on REV all-region coverage, including establishing a rock mass engineering scale calculation model of particles and joints, and providing the model with particle material parameters and contact parameters; performing model region division dividing the model into multiple finite elements, and performing all-region coverage and mesh division using the finite elements, wherein a volume of the finite element is equal to a representative elementary volume of a REV model; and applying boundary conditions, calculating force and motion information of finite element nodes using a continuous medium method, obtaining a failed finite element according to the node force and motion information, and calculating motion information of particles of the REV model in the failed finite element using a discontinuous medium method. According to the calculation method, the calculation efficiency is improved, and the accuracy of calculation results is ensured.