A field-enriched finite element method for simulating the failure process of rocks with different defects

A field-enriched finite element method is proposed in this paper to simulate the failure process of rocks. According to the different types of defects, the proposed method can select the appropriate failure criteria for voids and cracks. Field variables are used to characterize the crack location and to realize the influence of cracks on the physical field of the numerical model. The main features and the capability of the field-enriched finite element method to efficiently simulate the failure process of rocks with different defects are illustrated with some numerical examples. The results show that the field-enriched finite element method proposed in this paper can obtain the crack propagation path which is consistent with other numerical methods and experimental observations. Moreover, the numerical method proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple implementation process and higher computational efficiency and accuracy in some cases. Therefore, it is a promising numerical simulation method. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a field-enriched finite element method for simulating the failure process of rocks, which can select appropriate failure criteria for different defects and characterize crack locations using field variables. Numerical examples illustrate the main features and capabilities of the method, showing consistent crack propagation paths with other methods and experimental observations. The proposed method offers advantages of simple implementation process, higher computational efficiency, and accuracy in certain cases.