Numerical simulation of rock fragmentation mechanisms subject to wedge penetration for TBMs

• Published in: Tunnelling and underground space technology Vol. 53; pp. 96 - 108
• Main Authors: Li, X.F., Li, H.B., Liu, Y.Q., Zhou, Q.C., Xia, X.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Fracture mechanics; Fragmentation; Grain-based rock; Indenters; Mathematical models; Particle flow code; Penetration; Rock; TBM indentation; Wedge indenter; Wedges; Grain-based rock; Wedge indenter; TBM indentation; Particle flow code; Fragmentation

•DEM is utilized to simulate the process of TBMs indentation.•Clustered model for crystalline rock with PFC is firstly proposed.•Laboratory tests are conducted to calibrate the numerical results.•Fragmentation processes are analyzed on the meso-level.•Effects of wedge angle, confinement stress and p...