A mesh-free continuum based computational approach to modelling rock fracture

Abstract

The prediction of rock fracture behaviour is a crucial aspect in many engineering applications. To facilitate this process, it is essential to develop a robust computational approach capable of predicting both the onset and post-fracture processes of the material. In this paper, the mesh-free SPH method in conjunction with a size dependent continuum constitutive model with an embedded cohesive fracture is proposed to analyse mode-I fracture behaviour of rock. To verify the SPH model, the Brazilian disc test is conducted and compared with experimental data available in the literature. A very good agreement between the simulation and experiment suggests that the proposed SPH model is a promising approach for modelling rock fracture problems.