Crack spacing threshold of double cracks propagation for large-module rack

Large-module rack of the Three Gorges shiplift is manufactured by casting and machining, which is unable to avoid slag inclusions and surface cracks. To ensure its safety in the future service, studying on crack propagation rule and the residual life estimation method of large-module rack is of great significance. The possible crack distribution forms of the rack in the Three Gorges shiplift were studied. By applying moving load on the model in FRANC3 D and ANSYS, quantitative analyses of interference effects on double cracks in both collinear and offset conditions were conducted. The variation rule of the stress intensity factor(SIF) influence factor, RK, of double collinear cracks changing with crack spacing ratio, RS, was researched. The horizontal and vertical crack spacing threshold of double cracks within the design life of the shiplift were obtained, which are 24 and 4 times as large as half of initial crack length, c0, respectively. The crack growth rates along the length and depth directions in the process of coalescence on double collinear cracks were also studied.

Simulation of crack coalescence mechanism underneath single and double disc cutters by higher order displacement discontinuity method

The present research is focused on the numerical crack coalescence analysis of the micro-cracks and cracks produced during the cutting action of TBM disc cutters. The linear elastic fracture mechanics(LEFM) concepts and the maximum tangential stress criterion are used to investigate the micro crack propagation and its direction underneath the excavating discs. A higher order displacement discontinuity method with quadratic displacement discontinuity elements is used to estimate the stress intensity factors near the crack tips. Rock cutting mechanisms under single and double type discs are simulated by the proposed numerical method.The main purposes of the present modeling are to simulate the chip formation process of indented rocks by single and double discs.The effects of specific disc parameters(except speed) on the thrust force Ft, the rolling force Fr, and the specific energy ES are investigated. It has been shown that the specific energy(energy required to cut through a unit volume of rock) of the double disc is less than that of the single disc. Crack propagation in rocks under disc cutters is numerically modeled and the optimum ratio of disc spacing S to penetration depth Pd(i.e. S/Pd ratio) of about 10 is obtained, which is in good agreement with the theoretical and experimental results cited in the literature.

Double plate system with a discontinuity in the elastic bonding layer

The double plate system with a discontinuity in the elastic bonding layer of Winker type is studied in this paper. When the discontinuity is small, it can be taken as an interface crack between the bi-materials or two bodies （plates or beams）. By comparison between the number of multifrequencies of analytical solutions of the double plate system free transversal vibrations for the case when the system is with and without disconti- nuity in elastic layer we obtain a theory for experimental vibration method for identification of the presence of an interface crack in the double plate system. The analytical analysis of free transversal vibrations of an elastically connected double plate systems with discontinuity in the elastic layer of Winkler type is presented. The analytical solutions of the coupled partial differential equations for dynamical free and forced vibration processes are obtained by using method of Bernoulli＇s particular integral and Lagrange＇s method of variation constants. It is shown that one mode vibration corresponds an infinite or finite multi-frequency regime for free and forced vibrations induced by initial conditions and one- frequency or corresponding number of multi-frequency regime depending on external excitations. It is shown for every shape of vibrations. The analytical solutions show that the discontinuity affects the appearance of multi-frequency regime of time function corresponding to one eigen amplitude function of one mode, and also that time functions of different vibration basic modes are coupled. From final expression we can separate the newgeneralized eigen amplitude functions with correspon- ding time eigen functions of one frequency and multifrequency regime of vibrations.

Experimental and numerical study on crack propagation in pre-cracked beam specimens under three-point bending

A simultaneous experimental and numerical study on crack propagation in the pre-cracked beams specimens(concrete-like materials) is carried out using three-point bending flexural test. The crack propagation and coalescence paths of internal cracks in side beam specimens are experimentally studied by inserting double internal cracks. The effects of crack positions on the fracturing path in the bridge areas of the double cracked beam specimens are also studied. It has been observed that the breaking of concrete-like cracked beams specimens occurs mainly by the propagation of wing cracks emanating from the tips of the pre-existing cracks in the numerical and experimental analyses, respectively. The same specimens are numerically simulated by an indirect boundary element method(IBEM) known as displacement discontinuity method(DDM) using higher displacement discontinuity. These numerical results are compared with the existing experimental results. This comparison illustrates the higher accuracy of the results obtained by the indirect boundary element method by using only a small number of elements compared with the discrete element method(PFC2D code).

SINGLE AND DOUBLE EDGE INTERFACE CRACK SOLUTIONS FOR ARBITRARY FORMS OF MATERIAL COMBINATION

In this paper interfacial edge crack problems are considered by the application of the finite element method. The stress intensity factors are accurately determined from the ratio of crack-tip-stress value between the target given unknown and reference problems. The reference problem is chosen to produce the singular stress fields proportional to those of the given unknown problem. Here the original proportional method is improved through utilizing very refined meshes and post-processing technique of linear extrapolation. The results for a double-edge interface crack in a bonded strip are newly obtained and compared with those of a single-edge interface crack for different forms of combination of material. It is found that the stress intensity factors should be compared in the three different zones of relative crack lengths. Different from the case of a cracked homogeneous strip, the results for the double edge interface cracks are found to possibly be bigger than those for a single edge interface crack under the same relative crack length.

Crack evolution of soft–hard composite layered rock-like specimens with two fissures under uniaxial compression

Acoustic emission and digital image correlation were used to study the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of crack extension of soft and hard composite laminated rock masses(SHCLRM)containing double fissures under uniaxial compression.The effects of different rock combination methods and prefabricated fissures with different orientations on mechanical properties and crack coalescence patterns were analyzed.The characteristics of the acoustic emission source location distribution,and frequency changes of the crack evolution process were also investigated.The test results show that the damage mode of SHCLRM is related to the combination mode of rock layers and the orientation of fractures.Hard layers predominantly produce tensile cracks;soft layers produce shear cracks.The first crack always sprouts at the tip or middle of prefabricated fractures in hard layers.The acoustic emission signal of SHCLRM with double fractures has clear stage characteristics,and the state of crack development can be inferred from this signal to provide early warning for rock fracture instability.This study can provide a reference for the assessment of the fracture development status between adjacent roadways in SHCLRM in underground mines,as well as in roadway layout and support.