The smoothed particle hydrodynamics in modelling rock fracture and caving

Abstract

It has been well known that particle-based methods like Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) have advantages over mesh based ones like the Finite Element Method, thanks to its versatility in handling large deformation and material flow. This is particular important in block cave mining where flow of granulated materials usually follows fracture and fragmentation due to the material self-weight, as a consequence of caving process. Modelling this process requires a powerful numerical tool combined with appropriate material models to correctly describe the fragmentation process and flow of granulated materials. In this study, we present a numerical framework based on the SPH method for modelling material fracture, fragmentation and flow of fragments. The capability of the SPH together with a constitutive model for quasi-brittle fracture is demonstrated through a series of numerical simulations that ranges from simple to complicated. In particular, the popular Brazilian disc test is simulated to show the ability of both SPH and the constitutive model in handling brittle fracture. This is the first step towards more challenging modelling problems in mining. Simulation of a caving process is then used to illustrate the fracture and fragmentation in the rock mass that consequently induces gravity flow of fragmented materials. The preliminary results in this study demonstrate the success of the proposed approach, and serve as a basis for further developments to improve both the material model and the SPH-based framework.