Numerical Simulation of Ice Fractures Process of the Yellow River Based on Disk Specimen

Abstract

To study the influence of the changes in crystals on a micro scale as well as their effect on the macro mechanical properties of river ice and to mitigate the limitation of the objective conditions in a physical examination of river ice, it is necessary to analyze the fracture process of river ice using a micro numerical calculation method. Thus, a numerical model was established to simulate the cracking process of river ice based on disk specimen. Upon comparison with the physical experiment, the results of the numerical model show agreement with the fracture toughness and cracking process. Based on the numerical model, the obtained material parameters of Yellow River ice laid a foundation for the study of the cracking process of river ice on a macro-, meso-, and multiscale.