Experimental and DEM Analysis on Secondary Crack Types of Rock-Like Material Containing Multiple Flaws Under Uniaxial Compression

Abstract

To better understand the evolution of crack propagation in brittle rock mass, the particle velocity field evolution on both sides of secondary crack in rock-like materials (cement mortar specimens) with pre-existing parallel double flaws under uniaxial compression is analyzed based on the discrete element theory. By bringing in strain rate tensor, a new technique is proposed for quantifying the failure mechanism of cracks to distinguish the types and mechanical behaviors of secondary cracks between pre-existing parallel flaws. The research results show that the types and mechanical behaviors of secondary cracks are distinct at different axial loading stages and can be directly identified and captured through the presented approach. The relative motion trend between particles determines the types and mechanical behaviors of secondary cracks. Based on particles movement on both sides of secondary cracks between cracks, the velocity fields of particles can be divided into four types to further analyze the causes of different types of cracks. In different axial loading stages, the velocity field types of particles on both sides of cracks are continuously evolving. According to the particle velocity field analysis and the proposed novel way, the types of macroscopic cracks are not directly determined by the types of dominated micro-cracks. Under uniaxial compression, the particles between secondary cracks and pre-existing parallel flaws form a confined compressive member. Under the confinement of lateral particles, secondary cracks appear as shear cracks between pre-existing parallel flaws at the beginning stage of crack initiation.