Spatial hashing based contact detection for numerical manifold method

A spatial hashing method was introduced to accelerate the contact detection process in the numerical manifold method. All objects (blocks) in the work space are hashed to a one dimensional hash table based on a spatial grid, then only blocks within the same place in the hash table need to do contact detection. The proposed method has a time complexity of O(n). Experiments show that the spatial hashing contact detection has a significant improvement in performance.     

接触处理Munjiza方法在数值流形法中的应用

数值流形法（NMM）在接触处理过程包括：接触方式判断,包括点-点和点-线接触;开-闭迭代,确定块体系统的约束状态;以及接触传递,将有效的接触对传递到下一个时步。过程稍显繁琐和耗时,且与真实的物理接触状态有异。由Munjiza所提出的NBS（no binary search）接触检测算法,将单元映射到规则格子中,以链表结构将其有效地连接在一起,只在单元所在格子以及周围格子内部进行接触判断,接触检测效率大为提高,计算量仅随单元数线性增长,内存需求也很低。在计算接触力时以所定义的势为媒介,用重叠面积来衡量接触力的大小,属于分布式接触力,更接近于实际,避免了原NMM接触处理过程的繁琐。因此,将其作为一种平行的接触处理方法引入到NMM中,并以算例验证,证实了算法的可行性。     

一种模拟岩石蠕变的数值流形方法

为了保障岩土工程结构能长期正常使用,需要对其蠕变变形进行分析。“时步-初应变”法是一种常用的计算岩石蠕变的方法。数值流形方法是一种新兴的数值计算方法,常用于计算节理岩体的变形,但尚未被试用于计算蠕变变形。在原数值流形方法的程序中增加了基于“时步-初应变”法的计算模块,通过对广义开尔文模型进行的模拟,显示新程序可以正确反映岩石的黏弹性蠕变趋势,并能够计算包含节理的岩体的蠕变变形,改进后的数值流形方法不但能够模拟岩石的线弹性变形,而且可以模拟岩石的黏弹性蠕变,比原流形方法更能全面地模拟岩石的变形,扩展了数值流形方法在岩土工程中的使用范围。     

Investigation on strength and stability of jointed rock mass using three‐dimensional numerical manifold method

This paper proposes a numerical model for jointed rock masses within the 3‐D numerical manifold method (NMM) framework equipped with a customized contact algorithm. The strength of rock sample containing a few sets of discontinuities is first investigated. The results of models with simple geometries are compared with the available analytical solutions to verify the developed computer code, whereas models with complex geometries are simulated to better understand the fundamental behavior and failure mechanism of jointed rock mass. Furthermore, the stability of jointed rock mass in an underground excavation is studied, where rock failure process is determined by the 3‐D NMM simulation. The simulation results provide valuable guidance on excavation process design and stabilization design in rock engineering practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于改进数值流形法的接触裂纹问题研究

接触裂纹问题在工程结构中较为常见。结合数值流形法在裂纹处理上的优势,分析了压剪荷载作用下的接触裂纹问题,模拟了压剪裂纹渐进扩展过程。为了减少由于裂纹尖端位置不同而产生的误差,对裂纹尖端附近一定范围内的每一个物理覆盖附加奇异覆盖函数项,并根据裂纹尖端位置和单元含奇异物理覆盖的数目进行分区积分。选取一个压剪破坏算例,分析了法向接触力对应力强度因子计算结果的影响,并模拟了其渐进破坏过程。计算结果表明,所提方法在压剪裂纹问题方面的可行性,与未细化和覆盖细化方法得到的结果相比,更能准确地描述裂纹扩展路径。法向接触力对II型应力强度因子的贡献为0,对I型应力强度因子的影响较大,相对误差随网格密度变化明显,且法向接触力对I型应力强度因子的影响要比直接施加内压时的影响大。     

全长黏结锚杆的数值流形方法模型

基于流形方法的有限覆盖技术,确定流形元覆盖系统下锚杆的位移函数,由此建立全长粘结锚杆的数值流形方法模型,定义了锚杆流形单元,并推导了锚杆流形单元的数值计算格式。该模型符合全粘结的物理意义,是一种局部解析的锚杆数值方法,具有较高的精度。同时锚杆与数学覆盖相对独立,只要求锚杆完全处于数学网格的覆盖之中,对其相对位置没有要求,所以一般网格可以适应锚杆的复杂布置。该模型可以应用于岩土锚杆模拟及钢筋与混凝土共同作用分析等问题。     

层状岩石边坡倾倒破坏过程的数值流形方法模拟

层状岩石边坡的倾倒破坏是岩石边坡失稳破坏的主要形式之一.本文利用数值流形方法对一层状岩石边坡的倾倒破坏过程进行了模拟.模拟结果表明:在不考虑块体间粘结力的情况下,块体间的摩擦角决定着岩石边坡的稳定性.随着摩擦角的增加,块体间的摩擦系数增大,岩石边坡的稳定性增强,并出现相应的滑动区、倾倒区和稳定区.模拟结果与相应的理论预测结果相吻合.     

数值流形法的T样条局部加密算法

在岩土工程分析中求解精度控制常常是必需的,在数值流形法中可以通过控制数学覆盖网格的稀疏和覆盖位移的阶数来达到精度的要求。提出了基于等几何分析的数值流形方法,定义了相应的数学覆盖的构造形式,推导了基于二次B样条的9节点数值流形方法分析格式;针对基于Lagrange插值函数的4节点数值流形方法提出了基于T样条思想的数学覆盖网格的局部加密方法。算例计算结果表明,相对于4节点的数值流形方法,基于非均匀有理B样条的9节点数值流形方法具有更高的精度;基于T样条思想的加密网格在保持计算精度的前提下降低了自由度的数量,表明T样条加密是一种自然的局部加密算法。     

有自由面渗流分析的三维数值流形方法

提出了求解有自由面渗流问题的三维数值流形方法,通过构造任意形状流形单元的水头函数,推导了流形单元的渗透矩阵和无压渗流分析的总体控制方程,并给出了自由面的迭代求解策略和渗透体积力的计算方法。典型算例的数值分析表明,该方法采用数学网格覆盖整个材料区域,在自由面的迭代求解过程中数学网格保持不变,只考虑自由面以下渗流区的介质,只对自由面以下的流形单元形成总体渗透矩阵,具有精度高、收敛速度快、编程简单等优点,而且能够通过单纯形积分精确计算被自由面穿越单元的渗透作用力,因此,特别适用于有自由面渗流问题的模拟。     

弹性静力学问题的边界积分形式的数值流形法

传统的数值流形法(NMM)一般均采用区域积分形式。结合边界单元法(BEM),提出了一种边界积分形式的数值流形法。该方法既能发挥NMM的可以灵活选取局部基的优势,又具有BEM降低问题求解维数的特点。针对二维的弹性静力学问题,对3个具有解析解的不同基准算例进行了数值应用,验证了所提方法的有效性和效率。计算结果表明,提高局部基的阶次可有效提高方法的计算精度。     

Application of the numerical manifold method for stress wave propagation across rock masses

In this paper, the numerical manifold method (NMM) is extended to study wave propagation across rock masses. First, improvements to the system equations, contact treatment, and boundary conditions of the NMM are performed, where new system equations are derived based on the Newmark assumption of the space–time relationship, the edge‐to‐edge contact treatment is further developed for the NMM to handle stress wave propagation across discontinuities, and the viscous non‐reflection boundary condition is derived based on the energy minimisation principle. After the modification, numerical comparisons between the original and improved NMM are presented. The results show that the original system equations result in artificial numerical damping, which can be overcome by the Newmark system equations. Meanwhile, the original contact scheme suffers some calculation problems when modelling stress wave propagation across a discontinuity, which can be solved by the proposed edge‐to‐edge contact scheme. Subsequently, the influence of the mesh size and time step on the improved NMM for stress wave propagation is studied. Finally, 2D wave propagation is modelled, and the model's results are in good agreement with the analytical solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling progressive failures in rock slopes with non‐persistent joints using the numerical manifold method

Rock slope failure is a complex process that usually involves both opening/sliding along pre‐existing discontinuities as well as fracturing of intact rock bridges. Discontinuity persistence is an important factor governing rock slope instabilities. However, traditional slope failure analysis assumes persistent discontinuities, and rock slope fails along a predefined persistent continuous potential failure surface because of the limitations of the analysis tools. This paper proposes the numerical manifold method (NMM) incorporated with a Mohr–Coulomb criterion‐based fracturing algorithm to simulate the progressive failure of rock slopes with non‐persistent joints. Detailed fracturing algorithm is first presented. Then, the NMM enabling fracturing is calibrated through simulating an edge‐cracked plate and the Brazilian test. Lastly, the developed code is applied to investigate the failure process of rock slopes involving non‐persistent joints. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method can capture the opening/sliding along existing discontinuities, the fracturing in intact rock bridges and the final kinematic release. Progressive slope failure is well exhibited. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A coupled time integration algorithm for discontinuous deformation analysis using the numerical manifold method

To improve the computational efficiency of the numerical manifold method for discontinuous deformation simulations, a spatial-domain coupled explicit-implicit time integration algorithm is proposed. A subdomain partition algorithm based on a super manifold element is developed for the numerical manifold method to simulate dynamic motions of blocky rock mass. In different subdomains, explicit or implicit time integration method is employed respectively based on its contact and motion status. These subdomains interact through assembling the corresponding explicit or implicit time integration-based matrices of different rock blocks. The computational efficiency of the discontinuity system under dynamic loading is improved by partially diagonalizing the global matrices. Two verification examples of a sliding block along an inclined plane under a horizontal acceleration excitation and a multiblock system acted on by dynamic forces are studied to examine the accuracy of the proposed numerical method, respectively. A highly fractured rock mass situated on an inclined slope subjected to seismic excitations is then studied to show the computational efficiency of the developed algorithm. The simulated results are in good agreement with those from the versions using purely implicit or explicit time integration algorithm for the numerical manifold method. The computational efficiency is shown to be higher using the proposed algorithm, which demonstrates its potential for application in dynamic analysis of highly fractured rock masses.     

三维数值流形法块体切割技术研究

运用布尔碎片运算实现了简单的三维块体切割功能,形成覆盖整个求解域的六面体网格,再将六面体单元拆分生成48个四面体单元,从而生成四面体数学覆盖。运用布尔交运算将四面体单元与求解域求交集得到流形块体,再根据三维拓扑有向性原理和三维单纯形积分理论,形成了有向边、有向环、有向面和有向壳4种有向几何数据结构,用来构造生成封闭的有向三维流形单元。定义了有向流形单元的连通内面对和连通的有向流形单元的概念,利用有向流形单元的连通内面对搜索生成物理覆盖体系。概括总结了基于修正对称和反对称分解的三维数值流形元法的求解计算要点,在不考虑三维接触、三维裂纹尖端奇异场和三维裂纹扩展的假设下,模拟了三维节理面的有限塑性变形张拉过程,得到了比较合理的数值模拟结果,验证了前处理和计算求解算法的正确性。     

岩体材料物理网格对流形元覆盖系统形成的影响

流形元的数学覆盖与物理网格相对独立,使流形元覆盖系统的形成比有限元单元网格的形成有更大的灵活性和方便性,但在形成流形元覆盖系统时对物理网格也有一定的依赖。笔者讨论了使用规则网格作为数学覆盖时,岩体材料普遍存在的裂隙和岩层界面这两种物理网格对流形元覆盖系统形成的影响,指出数学覆盖的构造要与岩体裂隙和岩层界面相适应,并提出了相应的流形元覆盖系统的形成方法,有利于流形元法应用于大型岩体工程问题。     

Extension of numerical manifold method for coupled fluid flow and fracturing problems

The present study extends the numerical manifold method to include the hydro‐mechanical model to investigate the effect of water flow in fractures on the stability of rock structures, particularly slopes. The proposed flow model is verified by a simple 2‐D flow problem in a homogeneous aquifer. Combining the water flow model with the earlier developed fracture evolution technique, the entire failure process of the rock slope due to a heavy rain is simulated. The results illustrate that the developed numerical manifold method can not only determine the trigger factor of the crack initiation but also model the failure processes related to crack initiation, propagation, block formation, detachment and sliding due to the water effect successfully. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of a discontinuous approach for modeling fluid flow in heterogeneous media using the numerical manifold method

In the numerical modeling of fluid flow in heterogeneous geological media, large material contrasts associated with complexly intersected material interfaces are challenging, not only related to mesh discretization but also for the accurate realization of the corresponding boundary constraints. To address these challenges, we developed a discontinuous approach for modeling fluid flow in heterogeneous media using the numerical manifold method (NMM) and the Lagrange multiplier method (LMM) for modeling boundary constraints. The advantages of NMM include meshing efficiency with fixed mathematical grids (covers), the convenience of increasing the approximation precision, and the high integration precision provided by simplex integration. In this discontinuous approach, the elements intersected by material interfaces are divided into different elements and linked together using the LMM. We derive and compare different forms of LMMs and arrive at a new LMM that is efficient in terms of not requiring additional Lagrange multiplier topology, yet stringently derived by physical principles, and accurate in numerical performance. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the NMM with the developed LMM for boundary constraints, we simulate a number of verification and demonstration examples, involving a Dirichlet boundary condition and dense and intersected material interfaces. Last, we applied the developed model for modeling fluid flow in heterogeneous media with several material zones containing a fault and an opening. We show that the developed discontinuous approach is very suitable for modeling fluid flow in strongly heterogeneous media with good accuracy for large material contrasts, complex Dirichlet boundary conditions, or complexly intersected material interfaces. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Energy‐work‐based numerical manifold seepage analysis with an efficient scheme to locate the phreatic surface

A major challenge in seepage analysis is to locate the phreatic surface in an unconfined aquifer. The phreatic surface is unknown and assumed as a discontinuity separating the seepage domain into dry and wet parts, thus should be determined iteratively with special schemes. In this study, we systematically developed a new numerical manifold method (NMM) model for unconfined seepage analysis. The NMM is a general numerical method for modeling continuous and discontinuous deformation in a unified mathematical form. The novelty of our NMM model is rooted in the NMM two‐cover‐mesh system: the mathematical covers are fixed and the physical covers are adjusted with iterations to account for the discontinuity feature of the phreatic surface. We developed an energy‐work seepage model, which accommodates flexible approaches for boundary conditions and provides a form consistent with that in mechanical analysis with clarified physical meaning of the potential energy. In the framework of this energy‐work seepage model, we proposed a physical concept model (a pipe model) for constructing the penalty function used in the penalty method to uniformly deal with Dirichlet, Neumann, and material boundaries. The new NMM model was applied to study four example problems of unconfined seepage with varying geometric shape, boundary conditions, and material domains. The comparison of our simulation results to those of existing numerical models for these examples indicates that our NMM model can achieve a high accuracy and faster convergence speed with relatively coarse meshes. This NMM seepage model will be a key component of our future coupled hydro‐mechanical NMM model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Image‐based modelling and analysis of microstructures for two‐scale problems in geomechanics

This paper focuses on the geometry modelling and numerical analysis of microstructures of geomaterials employing the concept of image‐based engineering. The novel modelling and analysis techniques with digital images are incorporated with the mathematical homogenization method to study the interaction between individual phases, each of whose shape and spatial distribution are irregular. Owing to the distinctive features of these computational techniques, the evaluation of homogenized properties for geomaterials provides the reliable information about the micro‐ or macroscopic mechanical behaviours for engineering practice. It is, naturally, inevitable that engineers' demands on safety and efficient design place emphasis on quantitative estimates for these values. Thus, calibration accompanied with actual measurements comes within the scope of this study so that these properties would be realistic and practical from the engineering viewpoints. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.