Numerical simulation of the failure process of rocks

Abstract

The initiation, development and coalescence of fractures have been studied by various researchers. The current consensus is that such complex process is however not yet fully understood. In the present study, a numerical model, based on finite element approach, has been developed to simulate the fracture process when the specimen is under compression. The heterogeneous nature of the rocks is also taken into account by assuming spatial variations in the properties of the rocks be defined by the Weibull function. The numerical simulation shows that failure is mainly a process of tensile fractures developed in highly stressed shear bands. The study has provided insight on the development of fractures, especially in the post-peak range.