Equivalent elastic compliance tensor for rock mass with multiple persistent joint sets:Exact derivation via modified crack tensor

Discontinuities constitute an integral part of rock mass and inherently affect its anisotropic deformation behavior.This work focuses on the equivalent elastic deformation of rock mass with multiple persistent joint sets.A new method based on the space geometric and mechanical properties of the modified crack tensor is proposed,providing an analytical solution for the equivalent elastic compliance tensor of rock mass.A series of experiments validate the capability of the compliance tensor to accurately represent the deformation of rock mass with multiple persistent joint sets,based on conditions set by the basic hypothesis.The spatially varying rules of the equivalent elastic parameters of rock mass with a single joint set are analyzed to reveal the universal law of the stratified rock mass.

Effects of fracture distribution and length scale on the equivalent continuum elastic compliance of fractured rock masses

Fracture systems have strong influence on the overall mechanical behavior of fractured rock masses dueto their relatively lower stiffness and shear strength than those of the rock matrix. Understanding theeffects of fracture geometrical distribution, such as length, spacing, persistence and orientation, isimportant for quantifying the mechanical behavior of fractured rock masses. The relation betweenfracture geometry and the mechanical characteristics of the fractured rock mass is complicated due tothe fact that the fracture geometry and mechanical behaviors of fractured rock mass are stronglydependent on the length scale. In this paper, a comprehensive study was conducted to determine theeffects of fracture distribution on the equivalent continuum elastic compliance of fractured rock massesover a wide range of fracture lengths. To account for the stochastic nature of fracture distributions, threedifferent simulation techniques involving Oda＇s elastic compliance tensor, Monte Carlo simulation （MCS）,and suitable probability density functions （PDFs） were employed to represent the elastic compliance offractured rock masses. To yield geologically realistic results, parameters for defining fracture distributionswere obtained from different geological fields. The influence of the key fracture parameters andtheir relations to the overall elastic behavior of the fractured rock mass were studied and discussed. Adetailed study was also carried out to investigate the validity of the use of a representative elementvolume （REV） in the equivalent continuum representation of fractured rock masses. A criterion was alsoproposed to determine the appropriate REV given the fracture distribution of the rock mass.

Quasi-static Analysis of Thrust-loaded Angular Contact Ball Bearings Part Ⅰ:Theoretical Formulation

Ball bearings play an important role in various rotating machineries,but the complicated kinematic and tribological features of ball bearings make many aspects of their operating behaviors still inconclusive.Most theoretical analyses of ball bearings up to date are based on either the hypothesis of race control or other empirical models to determine the ball motion of ball bearings,but none of these strategies can reveal and consequently employ the intrinsic coupling mechanism between the spin and the tangential traction of contacting bodies rolling upon one another.To remedy the deficiency of current analytical models for ball bearing analysis,the rolling contact theory is employed to establish an explicit link between motions and interactions within ball bearings.A differential slip model is established to precisely define the slip component due to the significant curvature of the common contact patches between the ball and inner/outer raceways.The creepage and the spin ratio are formulated to accurately define the relative rigid motion between the ball and the inner/outer raceway.Then a quasi-static analytical model is established that can accurately determine the motions of the balls and races of the ball bearing.It can also give a vivid description of the slip and traction distributions within the contact area.The analytical model can be effectively used to analyze the operational conditions and tribological features of solid-lubricated ball bearings.It can also be used optimize the construction of ball bearings for specific applications.

Quasi-static Analysis of Thrust-loaded Angular Contact Ball Bearings Part Ⅱ:Results and Discussion

Ball bearings are widely employed mechanical components characterized by high precision and quality,and usually play important roles in various rotary machines and mechanisms.Many advanced applications require a deep understanding of their various kinematic and tribological characteristics that are essential to predict the fatigue endurance,relieve the vibration and minimize the power dissipation of ball bearings in particular applications.An angular contact ball bearing under a specified operating condition is simulated with the quasi-static/creepage analytical model proposed in the preceding article.The results demonstrate that the ball bearing is a statically determinate system.That the balls spin on both inner and outer races means the ball is controlled by neither the inner nor the outer raceway.The friction between the ball and raceway renders the inner and outer contact angles unequal.The larger the coefficient of friction is,the larger the angle deviation.The tangential traction perpendicular to the rolling direction due to the spin induces a gyro-like rotation of the ball with respect to the raceway even if no inertial effects are considered.The tangential elastic compliance of contacting surfaces gives rise to locked areas within the contact patch and transforms the sliding lines from circles into spirals.The differential slip due to the close conformity of the ball and raceway makes the sliding and traction distributions asymmetric,which will influence the location of the spinning center of the ball with respect to the raceway.The quasi-static/creepage model can be used to reveal the operating behaviors of ball bearings running under steady conditions and to optimize the design of ball bearings for specific applications.