3D DEM simulation of hard rock fracture in deep tunnel excavation induced by changes in principal stress magnitude and orientation

To achieve the loading of the stress path of hard rock,the spherical discrete element model(DEM)and the new flexible membrane technology were utilized to realize the transient loading of three principal stresses with arbitrary magnitudes and orientations.Furthermore,based on the deep tunnel of China Jinping Underground Laboratory II(CJPL-II),the deformation and fracture evolution characteristics of deep hard rock induced by excavation stress path were analyzed,and the mechanisms of transient loading-unloading and stress rotation-induced fractures were revealed from a mesoscopic perspective.The results indicated that the stressestrain curve exhibits different trends and degrees of sudden changes when subjected to transient changes in principal stress,accompanied by sudden changes in strain rate.Stress rotation induces spatially directional deformation,resulting in fractures of different degrees and orientations,and increasing the degree of deformation anisotropy.The correlation between the degree of induced fracture and the unloading magnitude of minimum principal stress,as well as its initial level is significant and positive.The process of mechanical response during transient unloading exhibits clear nonlinearity and directivity.After transient unloading,both the minimum principal stress and minimum principal strain rate decrease sharply and then tend to stabilize.This occurs from the edge to the interior and from the direction of the minimum principal stress to the direction of the maximum principal stress on theε1-ε3 plane.Transient unloading will induce a tensile stress wave.The ability to induce fractures due to changes in principal stress magnitude,orientation and rotation paths gradually increases.The analysis indicates a positive correlation between the abrupt change amplitude of strain rate and the maximum unloading magnitude,which is determined by the magnitude and rotation of principal stress.A high tensile strain rate is more likely to induce fractures under low minimum principal stress.

Influence of nickel silicides presence on hardness,elastic modulus and fracture toughness of gas-borided layer produced on Nisil-alloy

The two-stage gas boriding in N_(2)−H_(2)−BCl_(3)atmosphere was applied to producing a two-zoned borided layer on Nisil-alloy.The process was carried out at 910℃ for 2 h.The microstructure consisted of two zones differing in their phase composition.The outer layer contained only a mixture of nickel borides(Ni_(2)B,Ni_(3)B)only.The inner zone contained additionally nickel silicides(Ni_(2)Si,Ni_(3)Si)occurring together with nickel borides.The aim of this study was to determine the presence of nickel silicides on the mechanical properties of the borided layer produced on Ni-based alloy.The hardness and elastic modulus were measured using the nanoindenter with a Berkovich diamond tip under a load of 50 mN.The average values of indentation hardness(HI)and indentation elastic modulus(E_(I))obtained in the outer zone were respectively(16.32±1.03)GPa and(232±16.15)GPa.The presence of nickel silicides in the inner zone reduced the indentation hardness(6.8−12.54 GPa)and elastic modulus(111.79−153.99 GPa).The fracture toughness of the boride layers was investigated using a Vickers microindentation under a load of 0.981 N.It was confirmed that the presence of nickel silicides caused an increase in brittleness(by about 40%)of the gas-borided layer.

Morphology observation for surface orange peel and fracture in tension sample of aluminum-alloy sheet and characterization of nano hardness

The tension property of aluminum-alloy sheet with different microstructures is measured, and the surface and tension fracture morphology of tension sample with and without orange peel are observed by using scanning electron microscope （SEM）. Surface roughness and nano hardness of tension sample are measured. The results show that the average elongation of the samples with orange peel is lower than that without orange peel ; especially the r value of per- pendicular to the rolling direction is much lower than that without orange peel. The tension surface of the orange peel samples is very rough; various parameters of surface roughness are higher. Under the observation of SEM, a wider slid- ing band with a micro crack on the surface of orange peel sample can be found. The various parameters of surface rough- ness without orange peel sample are near to zero, the sliding band is narrow and without micro cracks. The dimple width in tensile fracture of orange peel sample is larger than that without orange peel sample, but shear lip is narrower. The nano hardness testing results show that samples with orange peel behave high elastic modulus, high hardness, and high maximum load, but low plastic deformation depth. These mentioned features can completely describe surface and frac- ture morphology of tension samt31es with oranze peel.

Hardness, Wear Resistance and Fracture Toughness of Cast Hiduminium/Corundum Particulate Composites

This paper reports some results obtained in an investigation to see how increasing the corundum dispersoid content from 0% to 7% in a matrix of as-cast and wrought hiduminium alloy affects the hardness. wear resistance and fracture toughness of the composite. The results show that as the corundum content is increased, the hardness and the wear resistance increase remarkably,whereas the fracture toughness drops significantly. It was found that Just a minute amount of corundum is sufficient to cause a fairly large change in these mechanical properties. The hardness of the material is also affected signifIcantly by the aging time. Moreover, if other factors are kept constant, hot extrusion improves both its hardness and its wear resistance. whereas the fracture toughness is decreased

Effect of Zirconium Oxide Nano-Fillers Addition on the Flexural Strength, Fracture Toughness, and Hardness of Heat-Polymerized Acrylic Resin

Purpose: The mechanical strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) remains far from ideal for maintaining the longevity of denture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanofillers powder with different concentration (1.5%, 3%, 5% and 7%) on the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and hardness of heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Materials and methods: Zirconium oxide powders with different concentrations (1.5%, 3%, 5% and 7%) were incorporated into heat-cure acrylic resin (PMMA) and processed with optimal condition (2.5:1 Powder/monomer ratio, conventional packing method and water bath curing for 2 hours at 95。C) to fabricate test specimens of PMMA of dimensions (50 × 30 × 30 mm) for the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and (50 × 30 × 30 mm) were fabricated for measuring hardness. PMMA without additives was prepared as a test control. Three types of mechanical tests;flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness were carried out on the samples. The recorded values of flexural strength in (MPa), fracture toughness in (MPa.m1/2), and hardness (VHN) were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s tests were used for testing the significance between the means of tested groups which are statistically significant when the P value ≤ 0.05. Results: Addition of Zirconium oxide nanofillers to PMMA significantly increased the flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness. Conclusion: These results indicate that Zirconium oxide nanofillers added to PMMA has a potential as a reliable denture base material with increased flexural strength, fracture toughness, and hardness. According to the results of the present study, the best mechanical properties were achieved by adding 7%wt ZrO2 concentration.

Weakening effects of hydraulic fracture in hard roof under the influence of stress arch

For the problem of hydraulic fracture propagation when weakening the hard roof in fully mechanized top-coal caving stope of ultra-thick coal seam, based on the stress arch theory and the fracture mechanics, a two-dimensional model for hydraulic fracture of the roof in the stope was established to investigate the propagation laws of hydraulic fracture. The result shows that, after mining, the principal stress direction of overlaying rock deflects to form the stress arch, whose arrow height and arch thickness increase with the increase of the mining width and the side pressure coefficient. Within the influence range of stress arch, the hydraulic fracture in hard roof deflects towards the stope direction in the course of propagation and forms the ‘‘arch" fracture, which cuts off the roof below the fracture in a laminated way. The deflection angle of hydraulic fracture increases with the increase of the mining width, but decreases with the increase of the side pressure coefficient and the fractured horizon. This research can provide theoretical basis for the application of hydraulic fracturing method in the stope roof weakening.

Simulation of the interactions between hydraulic and natural fractures using a fracture mechanics approach

HYDROCK method aims to store thermal energy in the rock mass using hydraulically propagated fracture planes.The hydraulic fractures can interact with the pre-existing natural fractures resulting in a complex fracture network,which can influence the storage performance.This study investigates the interactions between hydraulic and natural fractures using a fracture mechanics approach.The new functionality of the fracture mechanics modelling code FRACOD that enables crossing of hydraulically driven fracture by a pre-existing fracture is presented.A series of two-dimensional numerical models is prepared to simulate the interaction at different approach angles in granitic rock of low permeability.It is demonstrated that multiple interaction mechanisms can be simulated using the fracture mechanics approach.The numerical results are in agreement with the modified Renshaw and Pollard analytical criterion for fracture crossing.The results show that for large approach angles,the hydraulic fracture crosses the natural fracture,whereas for small approach angles,the hydraulic fracture activates the natural fracture and the wing-shaped tensile fractures are propagated from its tips.Thus,the presence of fractures with low dip angles can lead to the growth of more complex fracture network that could impair the thermal performance of the HYDROCK method.

Nanomechanical properties and fracture toughness of hard ceramic layer produced by gas boriding of Inconel 600 alloy

Gas-boriding in N2-H2-BCl3 atmosphere resulted in the formation of a thick layer on Inconel 600 alloy.The microstructure of layer produced at 920℃for 2 h consisted of a mixture of chromium borides and nickel borides.The objective of investigations was to determine the influence of the chemical and phase compositions of borided layer on its mechanical properties.The nanoindentation was carried out using Berkovich diamond tip under a load of 50 m N.The gas-borided layer was characterized by high indentation hardness HIT from 1542.6 HV to 2228.7 HV and high elastic modulus EIT from 226.9 to 296.4 GPa.It was found that the mixture with higher percentage of chromium borides was the reason for the increase in HIT and EIT values.The fracture toughness(KC)was measured using Vickers microindentation technique under a load of 0.98 N.The presence of high compressive stresses in normal direction to the top surface caused the strong anisotropy of the borided layer,in respect of fracture toughness.The high difference between the lowest(0.5763 MPa·m^1/2)and the highest(4.5794 MPa·m^1/2)fracture toughness was obtained.This situation was caused by the differences in chemical and phase compositions of tested areas,presence of porosity and residual stresses.Generally,the higher KC values were obtained in areas with lower chromium content.

Height prediction of water-flowing fracture zone with a geneticalgorithm support-vector-machine method

Prediction of the height of a water-flowing fracture zone(WFFZ)is the foundation for evaluating water bursting conditions on roof coal.By taking the Binchang mining area as the study area and conducting an in-depth study of the influence of coal seam thickness,burial depth,working face length,and roof category on the height of a WFFZ,we proposed that the proportion of hard rock in different roof ranges should be used to characterise the influence of roof category on WFFZ height.Based on data of WFFZ height and its influence index obtained from field observations,a prediction model is established for WFFZ height using a combination of a genetic algorithm and a support-vector machine.The reliability and superiority of the prediction model were verified by a comparative study and an engineering application.The results show that the main factors affecting WFFZ height in the study area are coal seam thickness,burial depth,working face length,and roof category.Compared with multiple-linear-regression and back-propagation neural-network approaches,the height-prediction model of the WFFZ based on a genetic-algorithm support-vector-machine method has higher training and prediction accuracy and is more suitable for WFFZ prediction in the mining area.

Comments on chevron bend specimen for determining fracture toughness of rock

Based on a number of tests on different rocks, Suggested Methods for Determining the Fracture Toughness of Rock (SMs) was reviewed. The advantages of SMs are obvious, but some problems are also discovered. A serious one is that the nonlinear corrected fracture toughness of chevron bend specimens, K C CB , is less than the uncorrected one, K CB , for hard rock like granite, marble and others. The reason is discussed and the proposal is given.

Compression fracture behavior and mechanical properties of ultra high pressure solidified titanium-aluminium intermetallics

The compression fracture behavior and mechanical properties of Ti80Al alloy and Ti48Al alloy solidified under 5.5GPa pressure condition were studied. The results show that the fracture of Ti80Al alloy solidified under high pressure has the characters of cleavage fracture and intergranular crack differing with cleavage fracture of that under vacuum. The fracture of Ti48Al alloy solidified under high pressure is cleavage fracture like that under vacuum. The compression strength of vacuum condition solidified Ti80Al alloy is 316MPa. However when the solidification pressure is increased to 5.5GPa, the compression strength of Ti80Al is increased to 440MPa. In the mean time, during ultra high pressure solidification the hardness of Ti80Al alloy and Ti48Al alloy increase from 8.755GPa and 5.408GPa under vacuum to 9.572GPa and 6.227GPa respectively, and elastic modulus also increase from 279.3GPa and 232.3GPa under vacuum to 295.8GPa to 252.9GPa respectively.

Erratum:Rates of readmission and reoperation after operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents

This is an erratum to an already published paper.We found an error in the results section and Table 1.Specifically,we have revised results with n≤10 to be reflected as such,which is consistent with the reporting instructions by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Please note,these changes do not affect our results,and we had previously listed this requirement in the results section.We apologize for our unintentional mistake.

Evaluation of Constants in Fracture Mechanics by Means Non-destructive Testing of Al+3.5%Mg Alloys

The constants in fracture mechanics are fracture toughness(for plane strain),critical value of J—integral,critical value of crack tip opening displacement.Mechanical testing under certain conditions to determine them is used.They are complicated,long and expensive procedures.In practice,it is interesting to determine the constant in fracture mechanics for elements of constructions by means of non-destructive testing(NDT)(non-destructive evaluations,NDE)from Al+3.5%Mg alloys(according EN 1706).

Physical and numerical investigations of target stratum selection for ground hydraulic fracturing of multiple hard roofs

Ground hydraulic fracturing plays a crucial role in controlling the far-field hard roof,making it imperative to identify the most suitable target stratum for effective control.Physical experiments are conducted based on engineering properties to simulate the gradual collapse of the roof during longwall top coal caving(LTCC).A numerical model is established using the material point method(MPM)and the strain-softening damage constitutive model according to the structure of the physical model.Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the LTCC process under different hard roofs for ground hydraulic fracturing.The results show that ground hydraulic fracturing releases the energy and stress of the target stratum,resulting in a substantial lag in the fracturing of the overburden before collapse occurs in the hydraulic fracturing stratum.Ground hydraulic fracturing of a low hard roof reduces the lag effect of hydraulic fractures,dissipates the energy consumed by the fracture of the hard roof,and reduces the abutment stress.Therefore,it is advisable to prioritize the selection of the lower hard roof as the target stratum.

Assessment of strain bursting in deep tunnelling by using the finite-discrete element method

Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. While local experience, field monitoring, and informed data-rich analysis are some of the tools commonly used to manage the hazards and the associated risks, advanced numerical techniques based on discontinuum modelling have also shown potential in assisting in the assessment of rockbursting. In this study, the hybrid finite-discrete element method(FDEM) is employed to investigate the failure and fracturing processes, and the mechanisms of energy storage and rapid release resulting in bursting, as well as to assess its utility as part of the design process of underground excavations.Following the calibration of the numerical model to simulate a deep excavation in a hard, massive rock mass, discrete fracture network(DFN) geometries are integrated into the model in order to examine the impact of rock structure on rockbursting under high in situ stresses. The obtained analysis results not only highlight the importance of explicitly simulating pre-existing joints within the model, as they affect the mobilised failure mechanisms and the intensity of strain bursting phenomena, but also show how the employed joint network geometry, the field stress conditions, and their interaction influence the extent and depth of the excavation induced damage. Furthermore, a rigorous analysis of the mass and velocity of the ejected rock blocks and comparison of the obtained data with well-established semi-empirical approaches demonstrate the potential of the method to provide realistic estimates of the kinetic energy released during bursting for determining the energy support demand.

A novel true triaxial test system for microwave-induced fracturing of hard rocks

This study introduces a test system for microwave-induced fracturing of hard rocks under true triaxial stress.The test system comprises a true triaxial stress loading system,an open-ended microwaveinduced fracturing system,a data acquisition system,an acoustic emission(AE)monitoring system,and an auxiliary specimen loading system.Microwave-induced surface and borehole fracturing tests under true triaxial stress were fulfilled for the first time,which overcomes the problem of microwave leakage in the coupling loading of true triaxial stress and microwave.By developing the dynamic monitoring system,the thermal response and fracture evolution were obtained during microwave irradiation.The monitoring system includes the infrared thermometry technique for monitoring rock surface temperature,the distributed optic fiber sensing technique for monitoring temperature in borehole in rock,the AE technique and two-dimensional digital speckle correlation technique for monitoring the evolution of thermal damage and the rock fracturing process.To validate the advantages of the test system and investigate the characteristics of microwave-induced fracturing of hard rocks,the study demonstrates the experimental methods and results for microwave-induced surface and borehole fracturing under true triaxial stress.The results show that thermal cracking presented intermittent characteristics(calm eactiveecalm)during microwave-induced surface and borehole fracturing of basalt.In addition,true triaxial stress can inhibit the development and distribution of thermal cracks during microwave-induced surface fracturing.When microwave-induced borehole fracturing occurs,it promotes the distribution of thermal cracks in rock,but inhibits the width of cracks.The results also prove the reliability of the test system.

Field investigation into directional hydraulic fracturing for hard roof in Tashan Coal Mine

t Research and development of safe and effective control technology of hard roof is an inevitable trend at present. Directional hydraulic fracturing technology is expected to become a safe and effective way to control and manage hard roof. In order to make hard roof fracture in a directional way, a hydraulic fracture field test has been conducted in the third panel district of Tashan Coal Mine in Datong. First, two hydraulic fracturing drilling holes and four observing drilling holes were arranged in the roof, followed by a wedge-shaped ring slot in each hydraulic fracturing drilling hole. The hydraulic fracturing holes were then sealed and, hydraulic fracturing was conducted. The results show that the hard roof is fractured directionally by the hydraulic fracturing function of the two fracturing drilling holes; the sudden drop, or the overall downward trend of hydraulic pressure from hydraulic monitoring is the proof that the rock in the hard roof has been fractured. The required hydraulic pressure to fracture the hard roof in Tashan coal mine, consisting of carboniferous sandstone layer, is 50.09 MPa, and the fracturing radius of a single drilling hole is not less than 10.5 m. The wedge-shaped ring slot made in the bottom of the hydraulic fracturing drilling hole plays a guiding role for crack propagation. After the hydraulic fracturing drill hole is cracked, the propagation of the resulting hydraulic crack, affected mainly by the regional stress field, will turn to other directions.

Characterization of meso-scale mechanical properties of Longmaxi shale using grid microindentation experiments

Mechanical properties,such as the hardness H,Young’s modulus E,creep modulus C,and fracture toughness Kc,are essential parameters in the design of hydraulic fracturing systems for prospective shale gas formations.In this study,a practical methodology is presented for obtaining these properties through microindentation experiments combined with quantitative observations of the mineralogical phases using X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)with backscattered electron(BSE)imaging,and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)analyses.We apply this method in the case of three types of Longmaxi shales with different mineralogies(i.e.carbonate-,clay-,and quartz-rich,respectively),which allows us to determine the characteristic indentation depth,hc?8e10 mm,beyond which the mechanical response of the carbonate-rich shale is homogeneous and independent of its complex heterogeneous microstructure.Moreover,exploiting the results of a large number of indentation tests,we demonstrate that the indentation modulus M of the shale increases as a power-law of hardness H,and its creep modulus C increases linearly with H.We also compute the fracture toughness Kc from the indentation data by assuming a perfectly plastic behavior of the sample.Our results are in good agreement with independent measurements of Kc determined by microscratch tests.Finally,further tests on quartz-and clay-rich samples of the Longmaxi shale suggest further variations in the samples’mechanical properties depending on their burial conditions and the mechanical properties of their dominant mineral phases.

An experimental study on fractural features of concrete samples containing hard inclusion

The final fractural forms and variation status of hard inclusion samples under biaxial compression have been primarily studied in this paper. The lateral fractural forms of samples are mainly compressive shear fracture, two kinds appear on surface: one is strike slip fault with reversed thrust, and another is thrust. Some hard inclusions rupture and some do not while hard contact serves between hard inclusions and sample; main fracture bypasses hard inclusion while soft contact serves. Finally, process of stress concentration, yield, softening until failure for hard inclusions have been analysed under a certain condition.