Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Discrete numerical modelling (DEM)'

Preserving monumental historic buildings has not been an easy task due to their high vulnerability to seismic events. Throughout the years, several studies have tried to predict their behavior with the use of different numerical models, but the response is such complex that it remains a challenge. One of the trending tools to simulate masonry is the Discrete Element Model (DEM), but unfortunately few researches have implemented the physical simulation to validate the numerical results, and that is the main motivation of this study, which aims to contribute to the better understanding of masonry structures using a DEM and a physical model of large dimensions. This investigation is part of the “SEBESMOVA3D” project (SEeismic BEhavior of Scaled MOdels of groin VAults made by 3D printers) granted by the Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe SERA. This investigation starts from the design of a 2m x 2m groin vault, which represents a very common typology of ceiling systems in historical masonry monuments. During the first project campaign, the springings are fixed to the base. Each block is formed by a plastic skin (hollow section) and the inner core is filled with mortar to acquire the corresponding mass for dynamic tests. The blocks are easy and fast to assemble, so a significant number of tests can be executed. Prior to the experimental phase, a series of numerical simulations are carried out to predict both static and dynamic behavior based on a defined material characterization, allowing to establish a frequency range to test the physical model. Experimental tests are performed on a 3m x 3m shaking table, and the data obtained from a motion capture system is processed to evaluate displacements and cumulative damage. DEM simulations are run to calibrate and validate the numerical model. The results will be relevant and considered for the next project campaign.

The goal of the project was to characterize the granular flows impact on the gas flow in a packed-bed-reactor. The study was created at Swerim as a master's thesis for Luleå University of Technology. The packed-bed-reactor geometry used in this study is a scaled down blast furnace model. The granular flow was modelled using the discrete element method (DEM) in LS-DYNA. Four models were created with different sizes and size distribution of the particles. To study the granular flows impact on gas flow, porosity is extracted from the DEM models and analyzed, since porosity has a direct impact on the gas flow. The supervisors form Swerim, Joakim Eck and Martin Flemström created computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in Ansys Fluent using the porosity from the DEM models. The DEM results are presented as granular flow profiles. This flow profile is created by injecting particles with alternating colors to see this profile. A total of 6 images are taken over the whole process. The porosity results are presented as a porosity field plots of the extracted porosity data using MATLAB. The CFD results are presented as plots of gas velocity and absolute pressure. The results show the different characteristics of the flow in the different DEM models, and how it relates to the different porosity fields that were found. Furthermore, the CFD models show how the flow of the gas is dependent on the porosity.

This thesis developed an advanced computational model to investigate the motion and deformation properties of red blood cells in capillaries. The novel model is based on the meshfree particle methods and is capable of modelling the large deformation of red blood cells moving through blood vessels. The developed model was employed to simulate the deformation behaviour of healthy and malaria infected red blood cells as well as the motion of red blood cells in stenosed capillaries.

L'ingénierie géotechnique est un domaine crucial dans la conception et la construction de fondations, de tunnels, de remblais et autres ouvrages en interaction avec le sol ou la roche. Cependant, la description de la réponse élastoplastique du sol, avec des déformations fortement non linéaires et irréversibles ainsi qu’une règle d'écoulement non associée, reste complexe. La difficulté est encore plus élevée dans le cas de chemins de chargement non monotones où les relations constitutives phénoménologiques nécessitent des paramètres d’histoire ad hoc et des essais mécaniques avancés pour leur calibration.La méthode des éléments discrets s'est avérée être une méthode efficace pour décrire quantitativement la réponse constitutive des sols, même dans le cas de chargements complexes (avec rotation des axes principaux de contraintes ou des cycles de chargement/déchargement) où les relations constitutives élastoplastiques conventionnelles peuvent conduire à des réponses simulées non réalistes. Pour les sols granulaires à granulométrie étroite, une représentation directe des grains du sol par des particules polyédriques ou à partir de level set est possible, tandis que pour les sols plus fins ou à granulométrie plus étalée, des solutions alternatives doivent être envisagées. Des particules sphériques avec des lois de contact enrichies ou des agrégats de sphères peuvent être utilisées pour conserver un modèle numérique relativement léger afin de résoudre des problèmes aux limites avec un coût en calcul limité. Cependant, même si ces modèles donnent des résultats satisfaisants pour des essais de cisaillement direct ou des compressions triaxiales drainées par rapport aux mesures expérimentales, leur validation par rapport à des trajets de chargement plus complexes tels que la compression isochore ou le chemin à déviateur de contrainte constant présente encore des difficultés, en particulier pour les assemblages granulaires initialement lâches.Dans cette étude, nous proposons tout d'abord de comparer de tels modèles. Cette comparaison se fait en termes de capacités prédictives à l'échelle macroscopique des réponses constitutives des sols, en particulier pour des trajets de chargement complexes. Deux types de modèles discrets sont considérés : (i) des particules sphériques avec une résistance au roulement, (ii) des agrégats simples composés de 2 à 6 sphères. Les modèles sont calibrés à partir de deux compressions triaxiales drainées sur du sable d’Hostun dense et lâche. Ils sont ensuite évalués, en fonction de la réponse macroscopique, sur des trajets de chargement nettement différents des trajets de calibration (compressions isochores, chemins de contrainte circulaires dans le plan déviatoire, chemin à déviateur de contrainte constant, etc.).Ensuite, nous étudions l'importance de la description de l'anisotropie de la micro-structure initiale et de la loi de frottement inter-particules dans les réponses simulées des assemblages granulaires lâches pour différents types de chemins de chargement. Cela montre comment la combinaison des deux peut modifier de manière importante les réponses simulées pour certains chemins de chargement. Cette étude est réalisée avec un modèle numérique discret composé de sphères comparé à des résultats expérimentaux réalisés sur un sable.Enfin, le modèle est utilisé pour simuler l'interaction non linéaire entre une fondation superficielle d'une structure de bâtiment et le sol lors de sollicitations sismiques intenses, comme testé expérimentalement pour le projet TRISEE avec un modèle physique à échelle 1. Une technique de discrétisation adaptative est mise en œuvre pour limiter le nombre de particules dans un tel problème aux limites et rendre le calcul possible avec un ordinateur de bureau classique. Les résultats numériques sont comparés aux mesures expérimentales du projet TRISEE, ainsi qu'à des simulations numériques par éléments finis (FEM) ou des modèles basés sur des macro-éléments
Geotechnical engineering is a crucial field in the design and construction of foundations, embankments, tunnels, and other structures interacting with soil and rock. However, the description of the elastoplastic response of soil, with preponderant non-linear and non-reversible deformations together with a non-associative flow rule, is complex. The difficulty is even higher in the case of non-monotonous loading paths where phenomenological constitutive relations require ad-hoc history parameters and advanced experimental tests for their calibration.Discrete element method has been proved to be an effective method in predicting quantitatively the constitutive response of soils, even in the case of complex loadings (with rotation of principal stress directions, or loading/unloading cycles) where conventional elastoplastic constitutive relations may fail to simulate realistic responses. For granular soils with a narrow grading, a direct representation of soil grains by polyhedral particles or with the level set method is possible, whereas for finer soils, or soils with a wider grading, alternative solutions should be considered. Spherical particles with enriched contact laws (e.g. by introducing rolling resistance at the contact) or rather simplified clumps of spheres can be used to keep the model relatively light to tackle further boundary value problems with limited computational cost. However, even if the models provide satisfying results for direct shear tests or drained triaxial compression loading paths compared to experimental measurements, their validation with respect to more complex loading paths as the isochoric compression or the path at constant stress deviator still present difficulties, in particular for initially loose granular assemblies.First, this study aims to compare such different approaches in terms of the prediction abilities at the macroscopic scale of the constitutive responses of soils, particularly for complex loading paths. Two kinds of discrete models are considered: (i) spherical particles with rolling resistance, (ii) simple clumps made of 2 to 6 spheres. The models are calibrated from two drained triaxial compressions on dense and loose Hostun sand. They are then assessed, according to the macroscopic response, on loading paths significantly different from the calibration loading paths (isochoric compressions, circular stress paths in the deviatoric plane, constant deviatoric stress path, etc.).Then, we investigate the importance of the description of the anisotropy of the initial fabric and of the inter-particle friction law in the simulated responses of loose granular assembly to different kinds of loading paths. It shows how the combination of both can modify importantly the simulated responses to some kinds of loading paths. This investigation is carried out for a numerical discrete model made of spheres by comparison with experimental results on sand.Finally, the model is used to simulate the nonlinear interaction between a shallow foundation of building structure and the supporting soil during strong seismic loadings, as tested experimentally for the TRISEE project with a full scale physical model. An adaptative discretization technique is implemented to limit the number of particles in such a boundary value problem and make the computation possible with a conventional desktop computer. Numerical results are benchmarked against experimental measurements from the TRISEE project, and FEM numerical simulations or macro-element models

This thesis focuses on the development and implementation of an advanced numerical model to investigate complex fluid flow behaviour through novel metal foam heat exchangers used in various industrial applications such as computer heat sinks and air-conditioners. The developed numerical model permits engineers to better optimize heat exchanger designs. Moreover, the project delves into heat exchanger fouling which is a multifaceted issue in the industry. In this regard, a non-toxic and cost-effective anti-fouling heat exchanger fouling is proposed.

Detonation is a branch of combustion that is initiated by an exothermic chemical reaction and it results in a supersonic shock wave called the “Detonation Wave”. Generally detonation occurs in homogeneous reacting gaseous, liquid or solid media. However sometimes, detonation is also observed in highly non-uniform medium which contains detonable sources (reacting gaseous, liquid or solid media) in a discrete pattern. This project focuses on the study of effect of discrete energy sources on the detonation wave velocity with the help of numerical modeling and simulations. The energy release as a result of detonation is continuous for a homogeneous gaseous mixture and generally results in a Chapman Jouguet (CJ) Detonation Velocity. However in the presence of discrete energy sources, the detonation velocity comes out to be higher than the CJ Detonation Velocity as observed theoretical by Higgins A. (Proc. 20th ICDERS, Montreal, 2005). This project aims to find numerical solutions for highly discrete detonation systems to verify the already existing theoretical results for discrete detonation systems. For the calculation of detonation wave velocities for medium with discrete sources, numerical analysis was carried out on an in-house one dimension Euler code. Modifications in the code were made to use it for continuous detonation purpose initially to verify the exact CJ detonation velocity through the code and then at a later stage, other modifications were made to the code to use it for discrete detonation phenomenon. Using the in-house numerical code for solving supersonic flow problems, the continuous detonation system was modeled and the results obtained were within 0.05% difference with respect to the exact CJ Detonation Velocity. After wards, discrete detonation system was modeled and numerical experiments were performed. It was observed that the detonation wave velocity increases with the increase in discreteness of energy source which is consistent with the
La détonation est une branche de la combustion qui est initiée par une réaction chimique exothermique duquel en résulte une onde de choc supersonique appelé «Detonation Wave". Généralement la détonation se produit dans une réaction homogène gazeuse, liquide ou solide. Mais parfois, la détonation est également observée en un milieu hautement non-uniforme qui contient des sources detonable (réaction gazeux, liquide ou solide ) dans un motif discret. Ce projet se concentre sur l'étude des effets des sources d'énergie discrets sur la vitesse de l'onde de détonation à l'aide de la modélisation numérique et des simulations. La libération d'énergie à la suite de la détonation est continue pour un mélange homogène de gaz et aboutit généralement à une vélocité de détonation appelé Chapman Jouguet (CJ). Toutefois, en présence de sources d'énergie distinctes, la vitesse de détonation sort d'être supérieure à la vitesse de détonation CJ observée théorique par A. Higgins (Proc. 20th ICDERS, Montréal, 2005). Ce projet vise à trouver des solutions numériques pour les systèmes de détonation très discrète afin de vérifier l'existance des résultats théoriques pour les systèmes de détonation discrets. Pour le calcul de vitesses des ondes de détonation pour les moyennes avec des sources discrètes, l'analyse numérique a été réalisée sur une maison d'une dimension de code Euler. Ces modifications du code ont été apportées à des fins de détonation continue . D'abord pour vérifier la vitesse de détonation CJ exacte dans lc code, puis à un stade ultérieur, d'autres modifications ont été apportées au code utiliser pour le phénomène de détonation discrets. Afin de pouvoir utiliser la maison en code numérique pour résoudre les problèmes d'écoulement supersoniques, le système continue de détonation a été modélisé et les résultats obtenus ont été de 0,05% de différence par rapport à la vitesse exacte d

Ce travail de thèse a pour objet l’étude numérique et expérimentale de la déstabilisation de milieux granulaires immergés par fluidisation. Cette instabilité hydromécanique est un mécanisme précurseur de l’érosion régressive, processus de dégradation au coeur de la problématique de l’érosion interne des ouvrages hydrauliques en terre. La compréhension de ces mécanismes d’érosion nécessite une description rigoureuse du couplage et de l’interaction entre le fluide et les particules de sol. A cette fin, un modèle 2D a été utilisé en couplant deux méthodes particulaires, la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM) pour modéliser le comportement mécanique de la phase solide et la méthode Lattice Boltzmann (LBM) pour la phase fluide. Des expériences servant de validation à cette simulation numérique 2D ont également été réalisées en s’appuyant sur une technique de visualisation interne d’un empilement granulaire combinant l’ajustement d’indice de réfraction des deux phases et la fluorescence induite par plan laser
The subject of this thesis is the numerical analysis and experimental investigation of the destabilization of submerged granular media caused by fluidization. This hydromechanical instability is one of the mechanisms that may trigger the regressive erosion, which is one of the main degradation phenomena driving the internal erosion of earthen hydraulic constructions. Such erosion mechanisms can only be understood through a rigorous description of the coupling and interaction between the eroding fluid and the soil particles. For this purpose, a 2D model has been used coupling two different numerical techniques, namely the discrete element method (DEM) for modelling the mechanical behaviour of the solid phase and the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for the fluid phase. The experimental validation of this numerical 2D simulation has been carried out using two optical techniques for the internal visualization of a granular sample, namely the adjustment of the refraction index of the two phases and the laser-induced fluorescence

This thesis presents a new bonded particle model that accurately predicts the wideranging behaviour of cementitious materials. There is an increasing use of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to study the behaviour of cementitious materials such as concrete and rock; the chief advantage of the DEM over continuum-based techniques is that it does not predetermine where cracking and fragmentation initiate and propagate, since the system is naturally discontinuous. The DEM’s ability to produce realistic representations of cementitious materials depends largely on the implementation of an inter-particle bonded-contact model. A new bonded-contact model is proposed, based on the Timoshenko beam theory which considers axial, shear and bending behaviour of inter-particle bonds. The developed model was implemented in the commercial EDEM code, in which a thorough verification procedure was conducted. A full parametric study then considered the uni-axial loading of a concrete cylinder; the influence of the input parameters on the bulk response was used to produce a calibrated model that has been shown to be capable of producing realistic predictions of a wide range of behaviour seen in cementitious materials. The model provides useful insights into the microscopic phenomena that result in the bulk loading responses observed for cementitious materials such as concrete. The new model was used to simulate the loading of a number of deformable structural elements including beams, frames, plates and rings; the numerical results produced by the model provided a close match to theoretical solutions.

With the advent of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) that flows freely, under the soleinfluence of gravity, the wish for hassle-free and predictable castings even in complexcases, spurged the simulation of concrete flow as a means to model and predictconcrete workability. To achieve complete and reliable form filling with smoothsurfaces of the concrete, the reinforced formwork geometry must be compatible withthe rheology of the fresh SCC. Predicting flow behavior in the formwork and linkingthe required rheological parameters to flow tests performed on the site will ensurean optimization of the casting process.In this thesis, numerical simulation of concrete flow is investigated, using both discreteas well as continuous approaches.The discrete particle model here serves as a means to simulate details and phenomenaconcerning aggregates modeled as individual objects. The here presented cases aresimulated with spherical particles. However, it is possible to make use of nonsphericalparticles as well. Aggregate surface roughness, size and aspect ratio maybe modeles by particle friction, size and clumping several spheres into forming thedesired particle shape.The continuous approach has been used to simulate large volumes of concrete. Theconcrete is modeled as a homogeneous material, particular effects of aggregates,such as blocking or segregation are not accounted for. Good correspondence wasachieved with a Bingham material model used to simulate concrete laboratory tests(e.g. slump flow, L-box) and form filling. Flow of concrete in a particularly congestedsection of a double-tee slab as well as two lifts of a multi-layered full scale wall castingwere simulated sucessfully.A large scale quantitative analysis is performed rather smoothly with the continuousapproach. Smaller scale details and phenomena are better captured qualitativelywith the discrete particle approach. As computer speed and capacity constantlyevolves, simulation detail and sample volume will be allowed to increase.A future merging of the homogeneous fluid model with the particle approach to formparticles in the fluid will feature the flow of concrete as the physical suspension thatit represents. One single ellipsoidal particle falling in a Newtonian fluid was studiedas a first step.

Med uppkomsten av självkompakterande betong (SKB) och dess möjligheter att flyta ut under inverkan av endast gravitation uppstod ett behov av att kunna förutsäga och kontrollera även mer komplicerade gjutningar. Numerisk simulering av SKBs flöde kan kommma att utgöra ett kraftfullt verktyg för att optimera gjutprocessen, ge möjlighet att förutsäga nödbvändig arbetbarhet och säkerställa kompatibilitet mellan den armerade formen och betongens reologi. I föreliggande avhandling undersöks betongens flöde med både diskreta och kontinuumbaserade simuleringsmetoder. Den diskreta partikelmodellen används för att simulera detaljer och fenomen hos t.ex. ballast i betong. I de här presenterade simuleringarna används sfäriska partiklar, men det är även möjligt att skapa ballastkorn av olika form. Ballastens ytråhet och storlek kan modelleras med parametrar för friktion och storlek medan sammanfogning av ett flertal partiklar kan ge ekvivalent form. Den kontinuumbaserade ansatsen används för att simulera större flödesmängder. Betongen modelleras som ett homogent material, eventuella effekter av ballastens inverkan, till exempel blockering eller separation, ingår ej. God överensstämmelse har uppnåtts med Binghams materialmodell som applicerats på några av SKBs provningsmetoder (bl a flytsättmått och L-låda) liksom även för större gjutningar. Formfyllnad av en hårt armerad sektion av ett STT-element, liksom två pumpade betongleveranser till en hög vägg, har framgångsrikt simulerats. En kvantitativ övergripande analys av betongflödet i formen kan göras med den kontinuumbaserade ansatsen för att upptäcka zoner med eventuella svårigheter. En högupplöst detaljstudie kompletterar sedan analysen på valda delar av och kring dessa zoner för att fånga partikelfenomen kvalitativt med hjälv av den diskreta modellen. Då datorkapaciteten ökar kommer även större volymer med högre detaljrikedom att kunna simuleras. En framtida modell simulerar med stor sannolikhet partiklar i flöde, vilket till fullo kan fånga betongens egenskaper som suspension. Som ett första steg på vägen har en fallande ellipsoid i en newtonsk vätska simulerats.

A two dimensional continuous numerical model based on Discrete Element Method is used to investigate the behaviour of accretionary wedges with different basal frictions. The models are based on elastic-plastic, brittle material and computational granular dynamics, and several characteristics of the influence of the basal friction are analysed. The model results illustrate that the wedge’s deformation and geometry, for example, fracture geometry, the compression force, area loss, displacement, height and length of the accretionary wedge etc., are strongly influenced by the basal friction. In general, the resulting wedge grows steeper, shorter  and higher, and the compression force is larger when shortened  above a larger friction basement.  Especially, when there is no basal friction, several symmetrical wedges will distribute symmetrically in the domain. The distribution of the internal stress when a new accretionary prime is forming is also studied. The results illustrate that when the stress in a certain zone is larger than a critical number, a new thrust will form there.

PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO
COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
PROGRAMA DE EXCELENCIA ACADEMICA
As alterações no solo decorrentes de um elemento de fundação profunda e seus desempenhos sob a aplicação de carga axial são processos há muito tempo estudados na engenharia civil. Diversos fatores como, método de instalação utilizado, formato da estaca, interações solo-estrutura, mecanismos de transferências de carga, movimentação do solo e alterações na compressibilidade e tensões do solo adjacente, apresentam desafios importantes que ainda não foram totalmente compreendidos nos fenômenos de penetração e capacidade de suporte em estacas. Diversos avanços foram realizados ao longo das últimas décadas para se investigar estes comportamentos, a partir procedimentos experimentais e novas formas de instrumentação, assim como ferramentas numéricas sofisticadas com o emprego de complexos modelos constitutivos em elementos finitos. Apesar destes avanços, a modelagem numérica dos processos citados, com todas as suas complexidades, ainda encontra alguns desafios. Devido a facilidade em lidar com simulações de grandes deformações e de captar o comportamento dilatante e nãolinear de solos granulares, o Método dos Elementos Discretos apresenta uma excelente ferramenta para investigar estes processos, sem grandes complicações. O presente trabalho procurou avaliar os comportamentos obtidos a partir de diferentes processos de instalação da estaca e seus efeitos nos resultados da prova de carga estática em solos granulares. As alterações de tensão e deslocamento foram avaliadas nos diferentes modelos e discutindo sobre uma metodologia básica para obter correspondências qualitativas e quantitativas com os diferentes comportamentos de campo e laboratório. Para este estudo foram utilizados os programas PFC, na versão 2D, e o programa UDEC, da Itasca co.
The disturbances experienced by the soil owing to the load applied to a deep foundation and its relative behavior consist of long time studied phenomena in civil engineering. Several factors such as the installation methods, the pile geometry, the interactions between soil and structure, the load-transfer mechanisms, the soil movements and the disturbances in the stress and compressibility fields present major challenges that have not yet been completely understood. Numerous advances have been observed throw-out the last decades, in order to investigate these behaviors starting from the different pile instrumentations, the use of calibration cameras and centrifuges and most recently the measurement of the stress and strain fields inside the soil mass in model tanks. Despite the advances the numerical modelling of those processes still faces major challenges. Due to simplified approach used by the Discrete Element Method to simulate large deformation and the dilant non-linear behavior of granular soils, it presents as an excellent tool to investigate these processes without further complications. The present work proposed to evaluate the different behaviors obtained with the variations of installation methods investigated as well as their effects in the results of the Pile Load Test. The disturbances were also evaluated in the different models considered and a basic method to achieve qualitative and quantitative comparisons was discussed. These studies were made possible with the help of the PFC2D and UDEC programs developed by Itasca co.

The numerical modelling of electromagnetic waves has been the focus of many research areas in the past. Some specific applications of electromagnetic wave scattering are in the fields of Microwave Heating and Radar Communication Systems. The equations that govern the fundamental behaviour of electromagnetic wave propagation in waveguides and cavities are the Maxwell's equations. In the literature, a number of methods have been employed to solve these equations. Of these methods, the classical Finite-Difference Time-Domain scheme, which uses a staggered time and space discretisation, is the most well known and widely used. However, it is complicated to implement this method on an irregular computational domain using an unstructured mesh. In this work, a coupled method is introduced for the solution of Maxwell's equations. It is proposed that the free-space component of the solution is computed in the time domain, whilst the load is resolved using the frequency dependent electric field Helmholtz equation. This methodology results in a timefrequency domain hybrid scheme. For the Helmholtz equation, boundary conditions are generated from the time dependent free-space solutions. The boundary information is mapped into the frequency domain using the Discrete Fourier Transform. The solution for the electric field components is obtained by solving a sparse-complex system of linear equations. The hybrid method has been tested for both waveguide and cavity configurations. Numerical tests performed on waveguides and cavities for inhomogeneous lossy materials highlight the accuracy and computational efficiency of the newly proposed hybrid computational electromagnetic strategy.

A numerical model based on the discrete element (DE) method, for modelling the flow of irregularly shaped, smooth-surfaced particles in a 3-D system is presented. An existing DE program for modelling the contact between spherical particles in periodic space (without real walls or boundaries) was modified to model non-spherical particles in a system with containing walls. The new model was validated against analytical calculations of single particle movements and also experimentally against data from physical experiments using synthetic non-spherical particles at both a particle and bulk scale. It was then used to study the effect of particle shape on the flow behaviour of assemblies of particles with various aspect ratios discharging from a flat-bottomed hopper. The particles were modelled using the Multi-Sphere Method (MSM) which is based on the CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) technique for construction of complex solids by combining primitive shapes. In this method particle geometry is approximated using overlapping spheres of arbitrary diameter which are fixed in position relative to each other. The contact mechanics and contact detection method are the same as those used for spheres, except that translation and rotation of element spheres are calculated with respect to the motion of the whole particle. Numerical simulations of packing and flow of particles from a flat-bottomed hopper with a range of aspect ratios were performed to investigate the effect of particle shape on packing and flow behaviour of a particulate assembly. It was found that the particle shape influenced both bed structure and flow characteristics such as flow pattern, shear band strength and the occurrence of bridging. The flow of the bed of spherical particles was smoother than the flow of beds of elongated particles in which flow was fluctuating and there was more resistance to shear.

The shape of particles is known to play an important role in soil behaviour, with significant effects of engineering responses. Investigating how the shape of particles can be measured and quantified is therefore considered increasingly important in modern soil mechanics. This is propelled by the advent of computer based image-analyses and discrete modelling algorithms, which have opened new ways to tackle this problem. This work demonstrates how these two techniques can be made to work together. Image analyses are performed on x-rays micro-tomographs (µ-CT) of triaxial sand specimens, focusing on the characterisation and quantification of particle shapes. Two with very different particle shape sands are studied in details: Caicos ooids (rounded) and Hostun sand (angular). A discrete Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) algorithm is then used to track the kinematics of individual grains (around 50000 for each sand specimen) during the triaxial test and measure, with good precision, their cumulated displacements and rotations. Joint analysis of the shape and kinematic databases acquired is performed to find how particle shape descriptors are related to observed kinematics at the microscale level. It appears that true sphericity is a good predictor of upper bound rotational restraint. Modelling is based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Models that introduce rolling resistance at the contact are widely employed in DEM simulations, these approaches offer substantial computational benefits at the prize of increased calibration complexity. In this work, the values of true sphericity obtained by image analysis of the grains, either directly by 3D acquisition or by correlation with simpler to obtain 2D shape measures, are used to establish mechanically equivalent rotational restrictions. An empirical relation between a contact parameter (rolling friction) and a 3D grain shape descriptor (true sphericity is first calibrated - using both specimen-scale and grain scale results from two triaxial tests in Hostun sand and Caicos ooids. It is then validated by simulating other triaxial tests (1) with the same sands, but in different conditions (2) with Ottawa sand, for which 3D grain images were also available for examination, and (3) with Ticino sand, for which only 2D grain images were available. Finally, results of large-scale DEM simulations on the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) - exploiting the new proposed contact model - are presented. Experimental data on the CPT performed in a Calibration Chamber (CC) comprised of Ticino sand are successfully fitted by the numerical penetration curves at different confining pressures and conditions. A parametric study about the influence of particle shape and particle shape variability put in evidence the strong-coupled effects of rolling and frictional resistances at the particles contacts. The work described in this thesis will ease the use of DEM for large-scale simulations of geotechnical engineering problems.
Se sabe que la forma de las partículas juega un papel importante en el comportamiento del suelo, con efectos significativos de las respuestas mecánicas relevantes en ingeniería geotécnica. Por lo tanto, investigar cómo se puede medir y cuantificar la forma de las partículas se considera cada vez más importante en la mecánica del suelo moderna. Esto se acrecienta debido a las técnicas de análisis computacionales de imágenes y algoritmos de modelado discreto (DEM), que han abierto nuevas formas de abordar este problema. Este trabajo demuestra cómo se pueden hacer que estas dos técnicas funcionen juntas. Los análisis de imagen se realizan sobre micro-tomografías de rayos X (µ-CT) de muestras de arena en celdas triaxiales, centrándose en la caracterización y cuantificación de la forma de las partículas. Se estudian en detalle dos arenas con la forma de sus partículas muy diferentes: Caicos ooids (redondeados) y Hostun sand (angular). Luego se utiliza un algoritmo discreto de correlación de volumen digital (DVC) para rastrear la cinemática de granos individuales (alrededor de 50000 por cada muestra de arena) durante la prueba triaxial y medir, con buena precisión, sus desplazamientos y rotaciones acumulados. El análisis conjunto de la forma y las bases de datos cinemáticas adquiridas se realiza para encontrar cómo los descriptores de forma de partículas se relacionan con la cinemática observada a nivel de micro-escala. Resulta que la esfericidad verdadera predice bien el límite superior de rotación de una partícula. La modelización numérica se basa en el Método de Elementos Discretos (DEM). Los modelos que introducen resistencia a la rotación en el contacto se emplean ampliamente en simulaciones DEM, estos enfoques ofrecen beneficios computacionales sustanciales a costa de una mayor complejidad de calibración. En este trabajo, los valores de esfericidad verdadera (i.e., true sphericity) obtenidos mediante análisis de imagen de los granos, ya sea directamente por adquisición 3D o por correlación con medidas de forma 2D más simples, se utilizan para establecer restricciones de rotación mecánicamente equivalentes. Una relación empírica entre un parámetro de contacto (rolling friction) y un descriptor de forma de grano 3D (la esfericidad verdadera) se calibra primero, utilizando los resultados de la escala de muestras y de la escala de granos de dos pruebas triaxiales en las arenas de Hostun y de Caicos. Luego se valida simulando otras pruebas triaxiales (1) con las mismas arenas, pero en diferentes condiciones (2) con arena de Ottawa, para la que también estaban disponibles imágenes 3D de granos para su examen, y (3) con arena de Ticino, para la cual solo estaban disponibles imágenes 2D de los granos. Finalmente, se presentan resultados de simulaciones DEM a gran escala de la prueba de penetración de cono (CPT), aprovechando el nuevo modelo de contacto propuesto. Los datos experimentales del CPT realizado en una cámara de calibración (CC) sobre arena de Ticino se ajustan con éxito por las curvas de penetración numérica a diferentes presiones y condiciones de confinamiento. Un estudio paramétrico sobre la influencia de la forma de las partículas y la variabilidad de las formas de las partículas puso de manifiesto los efectos fuertemente acoplados de las resistencias rotacional y friccional en los contactos entre partículas. El trabajo descrito en esta tesis facilitará el uso de DEM para simulaciones a gran escala en problemas de ingeniería geotécnica.

Many powders and particulate solids are stored and handled in large quantities across various industries. These solids often encounter handling and storage difficulties that are caused by the material cohesion. The cohesive strength of a bulk material is a function of its past consolidation stress. For example, high material cohesive strength as a result from high storage stresses in a silo can cause ratholing problems during discharge. Therefore, it is essential to consider the stress-history dependence when evaluating such handling behaviour. In recent years the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been used extensively to study the complex behaviour of granular materials. Whilst extensive DEM studies have been performed on cohesionless solids, much less work exists on modelling of cohesive solids. The commonly used DEM models to model adhesion such as the JKR, DMT and linear cohesion models have been shown to have difficulty in predicting the stress-history dependent behaviour for cohesive solids. DEM modelling of cohesive solid at individual particle level is very challenging. To apply the model at single particle level accurately would require one to determine the model parameters at particle level and consider the enormous complexity of interfacial interaction. Additionally it is computationally prohibitive to model each and every individual particle and cohesion arising from several different phenomena. In this study an adhesive elasto-plastic contact model for the mesoscopic discrete element method (DEM) with three dimensional non-spherical particles is proposed with the aim of achieving quantitative predictions of cohesive powder flowability. Simulations have been performed for uniaxial consolidation followed by unconfined compression to failure using this model. Additionally, the scaling laws necessary to produce scale independent predictions for cohesionless and cohesive solids was also investigated. The influence of DEM input parameters and model implementation have been explored to study the effect of particle (meso-scale) properties on the bulk behaviour in uniaxial test simulation. The DEM model calibration was achieved using the Edinburgh Powder Tester (EPT) – an extended uniaxial tester to measure flowability of bulk solids. The EPT produced highly repeatable flowability measurements and was shown to be a good candidate for DEM model calibration. The implemented contact model has been shown to be capable of predicting the experimental flow function (unconfined compressive strength versus the prior consolidation stress) for a limestone powder which has been selected as a reference solid in the Europe wide PARDEM research network. Contact plasticity in the model is shown to affect the flowability significantly and is thus essential for producing satisfactory computations of the behaviour of a cohesive granular material. The model predicted a linear relationship between a normalized unconfined compressive strength and the product of coordination number and solid fraction. Significantly, it has been found that contribution of adhesive force to the limiting friction has a significant effect on bulk unconfined strength. Failure to include the adhesive contribution in the calculation of the frictional resistance may lead to under-prediction of unconfined strength and incorrect failure mode. The results provide new insights and propose a micromechanical based measure for characterising the strength and flowability of cohesive granular materials. Scaling of DEM input parameters in a 3D simulation of the loading regimes in a uniaxial test indicated that whilst both normal and tangential contact stiffness (loading, unloading, and load dependent) scales linearly with radius of the particle, the adhesive forces scales with the square of the radius of the particles. This is a first step towards a mesoscopic representation of a cohesive powder that is phenomenological based to produce the key bulk characteristics of a granular solid and the results indicate that it has potential to gain considerable computational advantage for large scale DEM simulations. The contact model parameters explored include particle contact normal loading stiffness, tangential stiffness, and contact friction coefficient. The DEM model implementation parameters included numerical time step, strain rate, and boundary condition. Many useful observations have been made with significant implications for the relative importance of the DEM input parameters. Finally the calibration procedure was applied to a spray dried detergent powder and the simulation results are compared to whole spectrum of loading regime in a uniaxial experiment. The experimental and simulation results were found to be in reasonable agreement for the flow function and compression behaviour.

A cone crusher is a crushing machine which is widely used in the mining, construction and recycling industries. Previous research studies have proposed empirical mathematical models to simulate the operational performance of a cone crusher. These models attempt to match the size distributions of the feed and product streams. The flow of the rock and its breakage within the cone crusher chamber are not explicitly modelled by these methods. Moreover, the ability to investigate the changes in crusher performance affected by changes to the crusher design geometry and/or operating variables (including cavity profile, closed size setting and eccentric speed) are not easily achieved. Improvements to system design and performance are normally achieved by the combination of iterative modifications made to the design and manufacture of a series of prototype machines, and from a subsequent analysis of the results obtained from expensive and time consuming rock testing programs. The discrete element method (DEM) has in recent years proved to be a powerful tool in the execution of fundamental research to investigate the behaviour of granular material flow and rock breakage. Consequently, DEM models may provide the computational means to simulate the flow and breakage of rock as it passes through a cone crusher chamber. Thus, the development of field validated models may provide a cost effective tool to predict the changes in crusher performance that may be produced by incremental changes made to the dimensions or power delivered to the crusher chamber. To obtain an improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that take place within a cone crusher chamber, the two processes of rock flow and rock breakage may be decoupled. Consequently, this study firstly characterised the flow behaviour of broken rock through a static crusher chamber by conducting a series of experiments to investigate the flow of regular river pebbles down an inclined chute. A parallel computational study constructed and solved a series of DEM models to replicate the results of these experimental studies. An analysis of the results of these studies concluded that an accurate model replication of the shape of the pebbles and the method used to load the pebbles into the inclined chute were important to ensure that the DEM models successfully reproduced the observed particle flow behaviour. These studies also established relationships between the chute geometry and the time taken for the loaded pebble streams to clear the chute. To investigate the rock breakage behaviour observed within a cone crusher chamber, thirty quasi-spherical particles of Glensanda ballast aggregate were diametrically crushed in the laboratory using a Zwick crushing machine. The crushed rock particles used were of three sieve size fractions: 14-28mm, 30-37.5mm and 40-60mm. The effects that either a variation in the particle size or strength has on and the number and size distribution of the progeny rock fragments produced on breakage were studied. Subsequently, a series of DEM simulation models were constructed and solved to replicate the experimental results obtained from these crushing tests. The aggregate particles were represented by agglomerates consisting of a number of smaller diameter bonded micro-spheres. A new method was proposed to generate a dense, isotropic agglomerate with negligible initial overlap between the micro-spheres by inserting particles to fill the voids in the agglomerate. In addition, the effects that a variation in the particle packing configurations had on the simulated strength and breakage patterns experienced by the model agglomerate rock particles were investigated. The results from these DEM model studies were validated against the experimental data obtained from the ballast rock breakage tests. A comparative analysis of the experimental and modelling studies concluded that once the bond strengths between the constituent micro-spheres matched the values determined from the rock breakage tests, then the numerical models were able to replicate the measured variations in the aggregate particle strengths. Finally, the individual validated DEM aggregate particle flow and breakage modes were combined to construct a preliminary coupled prototype DErvl model to simulate the flow and breakage of an aggregate feed through a cone crusher chamber. The author employed two modelling approaches: the population balance model (PBM) and bonded particle model (BPM) to simulate the observed particle breakage characteristics. The application of the PBM model was successfully validated against historical experimental data available in the literature. However, the potential wider use of the BPM model was deemed impractical due to the high computation time. From a comparative analysis of the particle size distributions of the feed and computed product streams by the two modelling approaches, it is concluded that the simpler PBM produces more practical computationally efficient numerical solutions.

This project provides a steppingstone to comprehend the mechanisms that govern particulate fouling in metal foam heat exchangers. The method is based on development of an advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics model in addition to performing analytical validation. This novel method allows an engineer to better optimize heat exchanger designs, thereby mitigating fouling, reducing energy consumption caused by fouling, economize capital expenditure on heat exchanger maintenance, and reduce operation downtime. The robust model leads to the establishment of an alternative heat exchanger configuration that has lower pressure drop and particulate deposition propensity.

A number of three dimensional finite difference analyses using FLAC3D have been carried out to investigate the complex pile-soil interaction effects of single isolated pile and groups of piles. The three-dimensional numerical models developed to carry out these analyses are able to model the full pile-soil interaction problem including three dimensional and surface effects which cannot be understood fully using two dimensional analyses. FLAC3D analyses are initially carried out to investigate the response of a single pile subjected to lateral soil movements. These analyses explore and verify the failure mechanisms for landslide stabilising piles categorised by Viggiani (1981). The effect of the strength of the slip plane interface and a sloping ground surface on the behaviour of the pile is then investigated. The initial numerical results from models with a rigid pile, a distinct plane of sliding and a horizontal ground surface, as assumed by Viggiani, agree well with his limit equilibrium solutions. The further analyses show that the strength of the slip plane interface has a considerable influence on the pile behaviour, and that the slope of the ground surface is only significant above certain angles. The behaviour of single and two pile rows with increasing pile spacing is analysed numerically. The FLAC3D analyses show that pile-soil interaction within a group of piles has a significant influence on performance. If the performance of a single pile row is compared with that of two pile rows, the single pile row installed at a spacing of 2 d (where d is the diameter of the pile) and the two piles rows installed at a spacing between piles in a row of 3 d provide a stabilising force equivalent to the force obtained from a solid retaining wall. For both cases, soil movement through the piles remains very small, as a passive wedge type failure mechanism forms in front of the piles. The behaviour of rows of piles used to stabilise a landslide near Ironbridge, Telford is back analysed. The numerical analyses show that the FLAC3D models can be used to back analyse complex pile stabilised landslides, in a way not possible by simple limit equilibrium analysis. However, detailed material properties, and the location of slip planes and their strength parameters, are very important input parameters if accurate outputs are to be obtained

Compressive residual stresses (CRS) are beneficial for enhancing the fatigue life of metal components. Shot Peening (SP) is an industrial cold working process that is applied to induce a field of CRS and modify the mechanical properties of the metal component. The SP process involves impacting a surface with tiny shots with forces sufficient to create plastic deformation. The process is governed by a number of important parameters such as the shot size, angle of attack, initial velocity, mass flow rate and the distance from the shot nozzle to the surface being peened. The relationship between the optimal peening outcome, particularly the residual stress distribution of the treated surface, and the peening parameters is still unknown and needs to be investigated further. Manufacturers are interested in producing a uniform peening process for complex geometries which optimises the SP parameters. Modelling the process is complex as it involves the interaction of a metallic surface with a large number of shots of very small diameter. Conventionally, such problems are solved using finite element software to predict stresses and strains of a single shot impact then applying superposition. At the moment there are no Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling solutions involving more than tens of shots. The number of shots and elements required for such a modelling process made the approach unfeasible prior to the work described herein. The objective of this work is to develop an appropriate numerical modelling approach that can better simulate the real SP process. The model will be provided by combining Discrete Element Method (DEM) with FEM. The DEM is employed to get a distribution of impact velocities over space and time which are then implemented into a FEM analysis. A discrete element model with randomly distributed steel shots bombarding a steel component at various velocities has been developed as benchmark example. With this model the SP shot - shot interaction, the shot - target interaction, the surface coverage, angle of impingement, shot size, impact velocity and the overall shot flow can be parametrically studied in details and with little computational effort. The novel approach also proposes a new method to dynamically change the coefficient of restitution for repeated impacts during the simulation and predicts the CRS more effectively. The effects of SP on different materials of relevance to gas turbine engine components will be investigated in order to improve the understanding of the interaction between the shots and the targeted material. Initially, an uncoupled analysis was peforned, in order to assess the capabilities of the two modelling systems, DEM and FEM, to delivery an improved solutuion when combining two commercially available codes. This parametric analysis is performed using the state-of-the-art Discrete Element (DE) application EDEM. In the subsequent part of this work, a dynamic Finite Element (FE) application Abaqus will be used to investigate single shot impacts and to obtain the residual stress distribution. This gives us a prescribed residual stress distribution and peening coverage. A Combined DEM/FEM tool (DEST) is proposed that eliminates any manual pre-processing required for linking/coupling, eliminating the use of two different applications and provide an integrated solution for the simulation of the Shot Peening process. In the subsequent chapter, the implementation of essential tools for the enchanced modelling of Shot Peening process functionalities, such as the nozzle, bounding box, coverage and intensity is described. A number of computational improvements are also implemented to reduce the computation time. The existing binary search is enhanced to self-balancing search tree and further improved to allow insertion and deletion of elements. A bounding box feature which removes shots that move out of the domain during the course of the simulation is also implemented. Experiments featuring single shot impacts are performed to gain better understanding the deformation process in the target material subjected to impact conditions to those occurring in the production peening. The single shot impacts are experimentally examined using SEM and EBSD. During final chapter, case studies are performed to compare the results of the simulations with large-scale experimental work. The coverage of peening of single and multiple nozzles with different angle of impingements are assessed. Finally, possible directions for further research concerning the accurate quantification of material responses to SP are identified in the report.

The purpose of this work is split into two categories, the first was to analyse the application of real-time Physics Engine software libraries for use in calculating a geological numerical model. Second was the analysis of the applicability of glyph and implicit surface based visualization techniques to explore fault systems produced by the model. The current state of the art in Physics Engines was explored by redeveloping a Discrete Element Model to be calculated using NVIDIA's PhysX engine. Analyses regarding the suitability of the engine in terms of numerical accuracy and developmental capabilities is given, as well as the definition of a specialised and bespoke parallelisation technique. The use of various glyph based visualizations is explored to define a new standardised taxonomy for geological data and the MetaBall visualization technique was applied to reveal three dimensional fault structures as an implicit surface. Qualitative analysis was undertaken in the form of a user study, comprising of interviews with expert geologists. The processing pipeline used by many Physics Engines was found to be comparable to the design of Discrete Element Model software, however, aspects of their design, such as integration accuracy, limitation to single precision floating point and imposed limits on the scale of n-body problem means their suitability is restricted to specific modelling cases. Glyph and implicit surface based visualization have been shown to be an effective way to present a geological Discrete Element Model, with the majority of experts interviewed able to perceive the fault structures that it contained. Development of a new engine, or modification of one that exists in accordance with the findings of this thesis would result in a library extremely well suited to the problem of rigid-body simulation for the sciences.

Across industry the majority of raw materials handled are particulate in nature, ranging in size and properties from aggregates to powders. The stress regimes experienced by the granular solids vary and the exhibited bulk behaviours can be complex and unexpected. The prevalence of granular solids makes them an area of interest for industry and researchers alike as many challenges still remain, such as dealing with complex cohesive behaviour in materials, which often gives rise to handling difficulties. Storage and transportation are an important part of the process chain for industries where particulate solids are commonplace. Failure to properly account for the cohesive nature of a particulate solid can be costly as it can easily lead to blockages in a silo such as ratholing or arching near the outlet during discharge. The cohesive strength of a bulk material depends on the consolidation stress it has experienced. As a result, the stress history in the material leading up to a handling scenario needs to be considered when evaluating its handling behaviour. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been extensively used to simulate the behaviour of granular materials, however the majority of the focus has been on noncohesive systems. For cohesive solids, it is crucial that the stress history dependent behaviour is adequately captured. Many of the contact models commonly used in DEM simulations to simulate cohesive granular materials such as the JKR model or liquid bridge models are elastic in nature and may not capture the stress history dependent behaviour observed in cohesive particulate solids. A comprehensive study on the effect of cohesion arising from the addition of moisture on the behaviour of two types of LKAB iron ore fines (KPBO and KPRS) has been carried out. The addition of moisture to the sample has been found to have a significant effect on both kinds of fines. KPRS fines were found to have a much higher unconfined strength and flow function at higher moisture contents, and also show a greater increase in cohesion with the addition of moisture, while at moisture contents of less than 2% the KPBO fines demonstrate higher unconfined yield strength. The KPBO fines were also found to achieve a significantly looser initial packing at much lower moisture content when compared to the KPRS fines. The lateral pressure ratio has also been evaluated. In this study a mesoscopic adhesive contact model that accounts for contact plasticity and stress history dependency in the bulk solid, the Edinburgh Elasto-Plastic Adhesion (EEPA) mode, has been presented and mathematically verified. A parametric study of the DEM contact model parameters was conducted to gain a deeper understating of the effect of input parameters on the simulated cohesive bulk behaviour. The EEPA contact model has been used to predict an experimental flow function of KPRS iron ore fines. The contact model has demonstrated the ability to capture the stress history dependent behaviour that exists in cohesive granular solids. The DEM simulations provide a very close match to the experimental flow functions, with the predicted unconfined strengths found to be within the standard deviations of the experimental results. Investigations into the failure mode predicted by the DEM simulations show that the samples are failing from the development of shear planes similar to those observed experimentally. The effect of increasing levels of adhesion has been explored for a flat bottomed silo where the level of adhesion has been varied. The DEM simulations were found to capture the major phenomena occurring in silo discharge including the various flow zones associated with a flat bottomed silo. Funnel flow, the effective transition and mass flow which are associated with a mixed flow pattern were observed in the model silo. The location of the effective transition height was identified: above this was mass flow. The velocity determined from the discharge rate was found to be in excellent agreement with the velocity profiles found in the zones of mass flow. A high velocity core flow zone was observed above the outlet where velocities were greater than 1.25 times the mass flow velocity, VMF. The level of adhesion in the silo was found to affect the discharge rate - a reduced flow rate was found until the eventual blockage of the silo at a high level of adhesion was found. As the level of adhesion increased the probability of arching also increased, and the formation of intermittent arching behaviour was noted in the cases with higher levels of adhesion in the system. The development of both temporary and permanent cohesive arches over the silo outlet were also observed with stopped flow from the silo.

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-153).
The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a powerful modelling tool that characterises the system at the individual particle level. This makes it particularly well suited for simulating tumbling mills whose charge is principally individual particles (steel balls, rocks and fines). The use of DEM to simulate tumbling mills has proliferated since the early 1990s and been successfully employed to predict important milling parameters such as charge motion, power draw, liner wear and impact energy distribution. The ultimate aim of any model of the tumbling mill is to predict the product of the milling process. Current DEM simulations of the tumbling mill however do not simulate the breakage of the particles and as such can not directly predict the product. In order to predict the performance of industrial-scale tumbling mills, laboratory-scale mills are used to experimentally obtain data, which is then scaled up using black box mathematical models. In this thesis a tumbling mill model that utilises the power of DEM to provide the mechanical environment and the energies available for breakage is proposed. The incorporation of DEM eliminates the need to scale up because DEM is able to simulate the actual industrial-scale device. Data from breakage experiments on the ore being treated is also incorporated into the model to determine the breakage functions. Population balance techniques are applied in the mathematical framework of the model to predict the product of the comminution process. In order to test the proposed tumbling mill model, DEM simulations of a 1.695m diameter pilot SAG mill using charge based on actual operation data were performed and analysed. Results from the DEM simulation and Drop Weight Tester breakage experiments were then used in the proposed tumbling mill model to predict the evolution of the product size distribution.

A literature review found no rigorous solution for the ultimate lateral pile-soil pressure ( ) in a soil characterised by a frictional failure criterion, and that the popular empirical methods to estimate give profiles with depth that differ significantly. Most existing solutions for the lateral pile capacity in a group are for soil characterised by an undrained shear strength failure condition. Plane strain and constant overburden finite difference analyses (in FLAC3D) were used to model flow of soil around a pile but did not appear to give sensible solutions for a frictional soil. The ultimate pile-soil line load from three-dimensional analysis in FLAC3D behaved as physically expected; passive wedges formed close to the surface giving lower normalised resistance than at greater depths. A number of parametric analyses were carried out using the three-dimensional model to investigate the variation in the ultimate pile-soil line load with the soil strength and pile-soil interface strength. Larger values of initial earth pressure coefficient K0 led to enhanced values of and the mechanisms for this was further investigated by analysing the soil stresses mobilised around the pile as the soil was pushed with the pile. Limit equilibrium pile failure mechanisms were developed from conditions of force and moment equilibrium for the pile based on failure in the soil. Pile limit equilibrium conditions were determined for three failure modes to understand the relationships between pile shear force, bending moment and pile embedment length ratio. Three-dimensional numerical (FLAC3D) models were used to verify the limit equilibrium failure mechanisms. The limit equilibrium equations were found to provide unconservative predictions for the force that the pile can provide to stabilise a slope, compared with the FLAC3D analysis. The program Alp (which models the pile as a beam on springs) gave results that were close to the limit equilibrium calculations. Three-dimensional FLAC3D models were modified to investigate the conditions over which the derived limit equilibrium pile failure mechanisms could reasonably be applied. The centre-to-centre pile spacing was varied from 1 d to 10 d, where d is the diameter of the pile, to understand the pile-soil interaction for a row of piles using the FLAC3D model. When the pile spacing was less than 2 d, the pile stabilising force was the same as for a solid retaining wall. Beyond about 4 d, the piles were found to act individually.

Recently, powders of the size d (0.1 μm < d < 10 μm) have been referred to ultrafine particles. The particle shape considered is assumed to be a sphere of the diameter d. The handling of powders is of great importance for processing of pharmaceuticals, cement, chemicals and other products. Most of these technological processes involve powder compaction, storage, transportation, mixing, etc, therefore, understanding of the fundamentals of particles interaction behaviour is very essential in the design of machines and equipment as well as in powder technology, cleaning of environment and other areas. The dynamic behaviour of particulate systems is very complicated due to the complex interactions between individual particles and their interaction with the surroundings. Understanding the underlying mechanisms can be effectively achieved via particle scale research. The problem of a normal contact may be resolved in a number of ways. In spite of huge progress in experimental techniques, direct lab tests with individual particles are still rather time-consuming and expensive. The interaction of particles as solid bodies is actually a classical problem of contact mechanics. In the case of ultrafine particles, the reduction of the particle size shifts the contact zones into the nanoscale or subnanoscale. Thus, steadily increasing contribution of adhesion has to be considered in the development of the physically correct constitutive models and numerical tools. Consequently, it may... [to full text]
Ultrasmulkios dalelės yra šiuolaikinės chemijos, farmacijos, maisto ir kitų pramonės šakų produktų sudėtinė dalis. Tiriant pramoninius technologinius procesus, neišvengiamai reikalingos teorinės žinios apie ultrasmulkių dalelių elgseną. Išsamus supratimas įmanomas tik atlikus įvairius tyrimus. Pastaruoju metu milteliai, klasifikuojami kaip ultrasmulkios (0,1 < d < 10 μm) dalelės, imti plačiai naudoti pramoniniuose procesuose, todėl suprasti ultrasmulkių dalelių elgsenos fundamentalumą miltelių technologijoje yra labai svarbu. Ultrasmulki dalelė yra itin maža, todėl su ja atlikti fizinį eksperimentą, kuris reikalauja specialios įrangos bei žinių, labai sunku. Tokiu atveju dažniausiai naudojamas skaitinis eksperimentas, kurį galima atlikti virtualiai. Skaitinio eksperimento metu yra tiriamos dinaminės ultrasmulkios dalelės savybės bei sprendžiamas dinaminis uždavinys. Taikant skaitinius modelius bei dalelės judėjimą aprašančias jėgų lygtis, naudojami sąveikos modeliai, apimantys adhezinę, klampią, tamprią bei tampriai plastinę sąveikas. Mikroskopinis adhezinės sąveikos modeliavimas – aktualus mechanikos mokslo uždavinys. Taikant sąveikos modelius, svarbu pritaikyti ir diskrečiųjų elementų metodą, kadangi, norint aprašyti dalelių elgseną, visų pirma reikia su-vokti ir aprašyti dalelės modelį. Dalelės elgsenos skaitiniam modeliavimui siūlomi teoriniai modeliai leidžia tirti dalelės sąveiką su dalele ar tampria puserdve bei sąveikos dinamiką. Šie modeliai galėtų būti pritaikyti... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Blending processes in a silo minimise the fluctuations in the property of bulk solids with the blending performance being strongly influenced by the flow pattern and operating mode among other process parameters such as batch size and type of input fluctuations. An accurate prediction of flow characteristics such as flow channel boundary and velocity profiles is important for understanding and quantifying the blending performance, thereby increasing the scope for new design by minimising the number of expensive pilot scale experiments required. In this thesis, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is deployed to predict and understand the flow characteristics and blending of cylindrical plastic pellets in a planar flat bottom silo and a multi-flow blender (a silo with an insert and a blending tube). The predictions are validated against high-resolution velocity measurements analysed using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. A planar model silo was built to measure the flow of pellets using PIV technique. The existing GeoPIV Matlab module was customised to extract the velocity fields in the Eulerian frame of reference and its accuracy has been verified. The developed tool was then applied to quantitatively investigate the mechanism of evolution of flow in a flat bottom silo and the dependency of the state of developed flow on the depth of the planar silo. It was shown that the development of flow during discharge can be divided into two stages: a rapid upward propagation of plug flow followed by a widening of the flow channel with increasing shearing boundaries. The size of the flow channel was found to be increasing with the depth of the silo. For the 100 mm deep silo, the flow is three dimensional with significant retardation in velocity at the frontal walls, whilst a negligible retardation was found for the 20 and 40 mm deep model silos. The thickness and frontal wall friction in planar silos thus play an important role in the development of flow patterns in model silos. In this thesis, DEM model calibration relating the macro-scale bulk friction and micro- scale particle friction at different rolling friction values was developed from DEM simulations of Jenike direct shear box. During the direct shear simulation, a constant normal force was achieved with the use of a shear lid geometry made with glued spheres thereby eliminating the use of a traditional servo control function. The influence of particle rotations and rolling friction on the limiting bulk friction for different particle sliding friction coefficients was explored. The accuracy of the calibration data was assessed by simulating the flow in a flat bottom silo and comparing the model predictions of flow rate, velocity profiles and flow channel boundary with the experiments. A good quantitative agreement was found between the experiment and simulations. The DEM model predictions were also compared with the kinematic model. Following the validation of the model, it was shown that the frontal friction and rolling friction are the influential parameters in simulating the flow patterns such as semi-mass and internal flow. It was further shown that flow transits from semi-mass flow to internal flow with the increase of frontal wall friction. The drastic influence of frontal wall friction on stress, flow patterns and force chains were analysed highlighting its implications on interpretations in 2D test silos. Finally, the developed DEM and PIV tools are employed to investigate blending in a flat bottom and multi-flow blender silo for different flow patterns. The analysis showed that the blending is more effective with the internal flow when compared to semi-mass flow in a flat bottom silo, in both continuous and discontinuous modes for a variety of process conditions such as batch size, the number of recirculation and frequency of input fluctuations. An algorithm was developed to evaluate the blending performance from the spatially averaged Eulerian velocity fields. The flow in a relatively large-scale multi-flow blender comprising nearly 606,000 particles, thereby fully replicating the test silo, was simulated and the challenges in reproducing the test conditions of continuous and discontinuous modes of operation were discussed. The flow patterns and blending were first analysed from the experiments in different configurations of the insert. Using the same input parameters for the model, it was shown that the model predictions of the velocity profiles along the height of the silo are in good agreement with the experiments. Internal flow, mixed flow and mass flow were predicted for the diverging, straight and converging insert configurations respectively and the blending performance for each of these configurations suggests an optimal configuration of the blender thereby demonstrating the potential of PIV and DEM in design optimisation. The possibility of conducting the DEM simulations under increased gravity in order to reduce the computational time has also been explored.

This thesis provides a novel investigation into rainfall-runoff processes occurring within a unique two-tiered depth-driven overland flow physical modelling environment, as well as within a numerical model context where parameterisation and DEM/building resolution influences have been investigated using an innovative de-coupled methodology. Two approaches to simulating urban rainfall-runoff responses were used. Firstly, a novel, 9 m2 physical modelling environment consisting of a: (i) a low-cost rainfall simulator component able to simulate consistent, uniformly distributed rainfall events of varying duration and intensity, and; (ii) a modular plot surface layer was used. Secondly, a numerical hydroinundation model (FloodMap2D-HydroInundation) was used to simulate a short-duration, high intensity surface water flood event (28th June 2012, Loughborough University campus). The physical model showed sensitivities to a number of meteorological and terrestrial factors. Results demonstrated intuitive model sensitivity to increasing the intensity and duration of rainfall, resulting in higher peak discharges and larger outflow volumes at the model outflow unit, as well as increases in the water depth within the physical model plot surface. Increases in percentage permeability were also shown to alter outflow flood hydrograph shape, volume, magnitude and timing due to storages within the physical model plot. Thus, a reduction in the overall volume of water received at the outflow hydrograph and a decrease in the peak of the flood event was observed with an increase in permeability coverage. Increases in the density of buildings resulted in a more rapid receding limb of the hydrograph and a steeper rising limb, suggesting a more rapid hydrological response. This indicates that buildings can have a channelling influence on surface water flows as well as a blockage effect. The layout and distribution of permeable elements was also shown to affect the rainfall-runoff response recorded at the model outflow, with downstream concentrated permeability resulting in statistically different hydrograph outflow data, but the layout of buildings was not seen to result in significant changes to the outflow flood hydrographs; outflow hydrographs appeared to only be influenced by the actual quantity and density of buildings, rather than their spatial distribution and placement within the catchment. Parameterisation of hydraulic (roughness) and hydrological (drainage rate, infiltration and evapotranspiration) model variables, and the influence of mesh resolution of elevation and building elements on surface water inundation outputs, both at the global and local level, were studied. Further, the viability of crowdsourced approaches to provide external model validation data in conjunction with dGPS water depth data was assessed. Parameterisation demonstrated that drainage rate changes within the expected range of parameter values resulted in considerable losses from the numerical model domain at global and local scales. Further, the model was also shown to be moderately sensitive to hydraulic conductivity and roughness parameterisation at both scales of analysis. Conversely, the parameterisation of evapotranspiration demonstrated that the model was largely insensitive to any changes of evapotranspiration rates at the global and local scales. Detailed analyses at the hotspot level were critical to calibrate and validate the numerical model, as well as allowing small-scale variations to be understood using at-a-point hydrograph assessments. A localised analysis was shown to be especially important to identify the effects of resolution changes in the DEM and buildings which were shown to be spatially dependent on the density, presence, size and geometry of buildings within the study site. The resolution of the topographic elements of a DEM were also shown to be crucial in altering the flood characteristics at the global and localised hotspot levels. A novel de-coupled investigation of the elevation and building components of the DEM in a strategic matrix of scenarios was used to understand the independent influence of building and topographic mesh resolution effects on surface water flood outputs. Notably, the inclusion of buildings on a DEM surface was shown to have a considerable influence on the distribution of flood waters through time (regardless of resolution), with the exclusion of buildings from the DEM grid being shown to produce less accurate results than altering the overall resolution of the horizontal DEM grid cells. This suggests that future surface water flood studies should focus on the inclusion and representation of buildings and structural features present on the DEM surface as these have a crucial role in modifying rainfall-runoff responses. Focus on building representation was shown to be more vital than concentrating on advances in the horizontal resolution of the grid cells which make up a DEM, as a DEM resolution of 2 m was shown to be sufficiently detailed to conduct the urban surface water flood modelling undertaken, supporting previous inundation research.

Le renforcement des sols par géosynthétique est appliqué dans de nombreux types d'ouvrage : remblais sur sol compressible, talus sur fondations stables, remblais sur des cavités et ouvrages de soutènement. La stabilité de ces ouvrages dépend entre autres de l'efficacité des ancrages des nappes géosynthétiques. Les ancrages droit et avec retour sont les plus couramment utilisés. Afin d'améliorer les connaissances actuelles sur le comportement des systèmes d'ancrage, des études expérimentales et numériques ont été développées conjointement. Ce travail de thèse concerne dans une première partie, la modélisation physique tridimensionnelle du comportement des géosynthétiques pour deux types ancrages (ancrage droit et ancrage avec retour). Ces essais ont été réalisés dans une chambre d'étalonnage en conditions contrôlées et instrumentées en laboratoire. Dans une deuxième partie de cette thèse, les paramètres d'interaction sol/géosynthétique déduits à partir de l'étude expérimentale ont été implémentés dans le code de calcul numérique bidimensionnel en milieu continu FLAC2D pour une meilleure compréhension du comportement des géosynthétique en ancrage. L'influence de plusieurs paramètres sur le comportement du géosynthétique en ancrage avec et sans retour a été traitée dans cette étude numérique. Parallèlement à cette modélisation, une autre modélisation numérique (discontinue) par la méthode des éléments discrets (PFC2D) a été réalisée. Ces modélisations ont donné des résultats proches de ceux obtenus expérimentalement et confirme l'analyse faite au sujet des mécanismes d'ancrage.

Fluviokarst landscapes are dominated by both fluvial and karst features. Interpreting hydrologic pathways of fluviokarst can be confounded by the unknown connectivity of the various flow regimes. A combined discrete-continuum (CDC) hybrid numeric model for simulating the surface and subsurface hydrology and hydraulics in fluviokarst basins was formulated to investigate fluviokarst pathways. This model was applied to the Cane Run Royal Springs basin in Kentucky USA. A priori constraints on parameterization were avoided via multi-stage optimization utilizing Sobol sequencing and high performance computing. Modelling results provide evidence of hydrologic pathways dominated by fracture flow, epikarst transfer and runoff. Fractures in karst basins with high fracture-matrix permeability ratios may influence both springflow and streamflow. Swallet features can be as important as spring features as they are sink features in streamflow during hydrologic events. Inflections in spring hydrographs represent shifts in the surface-subsurface connectivity via the fractures, as opposed to shifts in dominant storage zones. Existing methods of dual- and triunal hydrograph separation of karst springflow may not be directly transferrable to fluviokarst springs. The numerical model herein has advantages of suggesting dominant pathways in complex terrane and highlighting unforeseen surface-subsurface connectivity. However, disadvantages include computational expense and previous site studies.

Numerous studies presented in this thesis have reported failure of the rock mass surrounding an anchor, as a result of applied external tensile loads (i.e. pullout loads) transferred to rock mass from the anchor and the overlying structure. Resistance to this failure mechanism is provided in design by assuming that the dead weight of a uniformly shaped inverted “cone”, with an assumed initiation point and breakout angle, provides resistance to the design loads. In some cases, a minor contribution of rock mass tensile or shear strength is considered by designers across the area of the assumed pullout cone. Strength estimates for this additional resistance are based primarily on sparse historic testing data, rock mass rating type relationships developed for other applications, and engineering judgement. However, rock mass rating systems assume that the rock mass is homogenous and isotropic, and at the scale of the anchor this assumption may not be valid since individual fractures may influence anchor stability. As an alternative to the current foundation anchor design method, this research presents a new approach to the rock cone pullout problem using Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN) combined with numerical simulations. The simulations presented in the research investigate the influence of fractures in a synthetic rock mass on ultimate anchor strength, with the purpose of developing a method for incorporation of scale effects of jointing in anchor design. By using numerical simulations that allow the load transfer mechanism from the anchor to the rock mass to vary with stiffness, it is contended that the failure mechanism of the rock mass under the applied loading can be considered more appropriately in anchor designs. It is also contended that some aleatory variability associated with fractures can be quantified using a DFN-based approach. Fractures are observed to have an influence on both the load distribution in the anchor as well as the ultimate resistance of the rock mass to pullout. The mapping considerations required to produce a DFN model for anchor pullout are described in this thesis and recommendations for incorporating DFN based models in anchor design are provided herein.
Applied Science, Faculty of
Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of
Graduate

Undulatory locomotion is a common and powerful strategy used in nature at different biological scales by a broad range of living organisms, from flagellated bacteria to prehistoric snakes, which have overcome the complexity of living in ”flowable” media. By taking inspiration from this evolution-induced strategy, we aim at modelling the locomotion in a granular and viscous environment with the objective to provide more insights for designing robots for soil-like media exploration. Moreover, in contrast to common types of movement, the granular locomotion is still not well understood and is an open and challenging field. We approached this phenomenon with several tools: (i.) numerically, via coupling the Finite Element Method (FEM) with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) using ABAQUS; (ii.) analytically, by employing the Lagrangian formalism to derive the equations of motion of a discrete and continuous system subject to non-conservative forces, and (iii.) experimentally, by creating an ad-hoc set up in order to observe the migration of microfibres used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The computational attempts to model the motion in a granular medium involved the simulation of the dynamics of an elastic beam (FEM) surrounded by rigid spherical particles (DEM). A propulsion mechanism was introduced by sinusoidally forcing the beam’s tip normally to the longitudinal axis, while the performance of the locomotion was evaluated by means of a parametric study. Depending on the parameters of the external excitation, after a transient phase, the slender body reached a steady-state with a constant translational velocity. In order to gain physical insights, we studied a simplified version of the previous continuous beam by introducing a discrete multi-bar system. The dynamics of the latter was analytically derived, by taking into account the forces exchanged between the locomotor and the environment, according to the Resistive Force Theory. By numerically solving the equations of motion and evaluating the input energy and dissipations, we were able to define the efficiency and thus provide an effective tool to optimise the locomotion. It is worth mentioning that the two approaches, despite the different physical hypothesis, show a qualitatively and quantitatively good accordance. The numerical and analytical models previously analysed have shown promising results for the interpretation of "ad-hoc" experiments that demonstrate the migration of a microfibre embedded in a spinal cord-like matrix. This migration needs to be avoided, once the regenerative microfibre is implanted in the lesioned spinal cord, for the sake of the patients health.

Undulatory locomotion is a common and powerful strategy used in nature at different biological scales by a broad range of living organisms, from flagellated bacteria to prehistoric snakes, which have overcome the complexity of living in ”flowable” media. By taking inspiration from this evolution-induced strategy, we aim at modelling the locomotion in a granular and viscous environment with the objective to provide more insights for designing robots for soil-like media exploration. Moreover, in contrast to common types of movement, the granular locomotion is still not well understood and is an open and challenging field. We approached this phenomenon with several tools: (i.) numerically, via coupling the Finite Element Method (FEM) with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) using ABAQUS; (ii.) analytically, by employing the Lagrangian formalism to derive the equations of motion of a discrete and continuous system subject to non-conservative forces, and (iii.) experimentally, by creating an ad-hoc set up in order to observe the migration of microfibres used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The computational attempts to model the motion in a granular medium involved the simulation of the dynamics of an elastic beam (FEM) surrounded by rigid spherical particles (DEM). A propulsion mechanism was introduced by sinusoidally forcing the beam’s tip normally to the longitudinal axis, while the performance of the locomotion was evaluated by means of a parametric study. Depending on the parameters of the external excitation, after a transient phase, the slender body reached a steady-state with a constant translational velocity. In order to gain physical insights, we studied a simplified version of the previous continuous beam by introducing a discrete multi-bar system. The dynamics of the latter was analytically derived, by taking into account the forces exchanged between the locomotor and the environment, according to the Resistive Force Theory. By numerically solving the equations of motion and evaluating the input energy and dissipations, we were able to define the efficiency and thus provide an effective tool to optimise the locomotion. It is worth mentioning that the two approaches, despite the different physical hypothesis, show a qualitatively and quantitatively good accordance. The numerical and analytical models previously analysed have shown promising results for the interpretation of "ad-hoc" experiments that demonstrate the migration of a microfibre embedded in a spinal cord-like matrix. This migration needs to be avoided, once the regenerative microfibre is implanted in the lesioned spinal cord, for the sake of the patients health.

The expression “landslide from massive rock slope failure” (MRSF) is used to indicate large-scale landslides characterised by a variety of complex initial failure processes and unpredictable postfailure behaviour. In this context, deep-seated landslides are classified as “landslides from massive rock slope failure”. Typically, deep-seated landslides are slow mountain deformations which may involve movement along discrete shear surfaces and deep seated mass creep. The long-term development of deep-seated slope deformations creates suitable conditions for the subsequent occurrence of other slope deformations. Deep-seated landslides in mountain areas can be spatially interconnected with other types of slope deformations such as debris flows, debris slides, rock avalanches, topple, translational, rotational and compound sliding and complex type of mass movements. It is to be recognized that many aspects of large-scale landslides need be investigated in order to gain the necessary confidence in the understanding and prediction of their behaviour and in the associated risk assessment. The present thesis is to contribute to such understanding with specific reference to a number of mass movements which characterize large-scale landslides. An advanced numerical technique (FDEM) which combines finite elements with discrete elements has been applied in this thesis for improving such understanding. The open source research code, called Y2D, developed at the Queen Mary, University of London by Prof. Munjiza has been used. Considering that this code has not yet been applied to slope stability problems, a series of numerical tests have been carried out to assess its suitability to properly and efficiently simulate geomechanical problems. To this purpose standard rock failure mechanisms as well as laboratory tests have been modelled first and the results obtained have been compared with available analytical and numerical solutions. The advantages of the application of FDEM has been outlined by showing that both the simulation of failure initiation and progressive development to fragmentation of the rock mass is possible as this is deposited at the slope toe. The case study of interest for this thesis is the Beauregard massive landslide located in the Aosta Valley (Northwestern Italy). At this site the presence of an extensive deep-landslide insisting on the left abutment of an arch-gravity dam is well recognised. Based on detailed studies, the investigated area has been subdivided into zones which are characterised by different geomorphologic and geostructural features. Different landslide mechanics as well as different landslide activities upstream of the dam site have been identified and studied in detail. Such an area is thought to be at an intermediate stage of development of the deep seated landslide compared with the sector which insists on the dam. The observed failure mechanism has been ascribed to a large sliding on a compound surface. Some other failure mechanisms have been recognized, such as large flexural toppling and local block toppling instability. The final part of the thesis has been devoted to the FDEM numerical modelling of a large scale failure mechanism based on brittle behaviour of the rock mass. The aim is to apply the “total slope failure” approach through the application of FDEM. Such a technique has demonstrated the significant potential in predicting the development of possible slope instability phenomena.

[ES] El principal objetivo de la presente tesis es el desarrollo de una completa metodología para el modelado numérico del UHPFRC desde el material hasta el elemento estructural. Se pretende contribuir al avance del conocimiento del comportamiento mecánico del UHPFRC obteniendo como resultado un procedimiento para la modelización numérica que permita el modelado y diseño estructural que permitiría hacer que este material fuera competitivo para ser utilizado en el mercado de la construcción. En la metodología de modelado propuesta, se considera un comportamiento constitutivo del UHPFRC optimizado por medio de un procedimiento directo y fiable con el que se aprovechan las ventajas del material, resultando en un diseño estructural eficiente desde el punto de vista mecánico y económico. ¿Es necesario producir SH-UHPFRC para conseguir grandes propiedades mecánicas? ¿Es posible generar SS-UHPFRC de manera que queden reducidos los costos iniciales y se mantengan unas propiedades mecánicas y de durabilidad competitivas que comporten un diseño estructural efectivo? El desarrollo de UHPFRC con bajo endurecimiento por deformación y de SS-UHPFRC puede reducir sus propiedades mecánicas, pero si son adecuadamente estudiadas y controladas, éstos podrían ser optimizados. La tesis aborda algunas de estas cuestiones a través del estudio del comportamiento a tracción que va desde SH-UHPFRC hasta SS-UHPFRC. Se pretende llevar a cabo una propuesta de procedimiento fiable para caracterizar el comportamiento constitutivo a tracción y definir un modelo numérico de elementos finitos fiable para modelar con precisión la respuesta de probetas y elementos estructurales armados de UHPFRC. Para definir el procedimiento directo para caracterizar a tracción tanto SH-UHPFRC como SS-UHPFRC, se ha llevado a cabo una campaña experimental y numérica en la que se ha analizado el resultado de ensayar 227 probetas sin armadura fabricadas con UHPFRC con cantidades de fibras cortas y lisas de acero de 120-130kg/m3 y 160kg/m3, ensayadas a flexión a través del ensayo a cuatro puntos (4PBT). El desarrollo y la validación de dicho proceso se respaldan mediante un modelo no lineal de elementos finitos (NLFEM) fiable. La validación numérica llevada a cabo ha sido decisiva para que este procedimiento sea preciso, simple y fiable. Utilizando esta campaña experimental, se ha desarrollado una aplicación predictiva para estimar los parámetros que definen el comportamiento constitutivo a tracción del UHPFRC. Esta aplicación es simple y directa y evita la posible variabilidad producida por malas interpretaciones en la aplicación del proceso. Además, se ha llevado a cabo una segunda campaña experimental constituida por vigas de UHPFRC armadas a flexión con diferentes escalas: 36 vigas cortas con 130 y 160kg/m3 de fibras y dos vigas largas. Esta campaña experimental se ha modelado con el NLFEM aquí desarrollado teniendo en cuenta efectos importantes debidos a la interacción del UHPFRC con las barras de armado. También se han modelado con el NLFEM tirantes de UHPFRC armados de una campaña experimental de otra investigación. El modelo considera efectos debidos a la retracción, al 3D y comportamiento tensión stiffening que generan resultados muy precisos cuando se comparan con los resultados experimentales. Como resultado de la presente tesis doctoral, se ha obtenido un modelo de elementos finitos capaz de modelar con precisión elementos estructurales de UHPFRC armados. Los resultados no sólo demuestran la fiabilidad del NLFEM llevado a cabo sino también la coherencia del procedimiento desarrollado para caracterizar el comportamiento constitutivo a tracción del UHPFRC para los dos casos, tanto SH-UHPFRC como SS-UHPFRC, tanto en elementos estructurales armados a flexión como en elementos estructurales armados a tracción directa. Consecuentemente se ha propuesto una metodología completa y efectiva para el modelado numérico del UHPFRC
[CA] El principal objectiu de la present tesi es el desenvolupament d'una completa metodologia per al modelat numèric de l'UHPFRC des del nivell material fins arribar als elements estructurals. Es pretén contribuir a l'avanç del coneixement del comportament mecànic de l'UHPFRC per mitjà d'un procediment per al modelat numèric útil per al modelat i disseny estructural que permeta fer que aquest material siga competitiu al mercat de la construcció. En la metodologia de modelat proposta, es considera un comportament constitutiu de l'UHPFRC optimitzat per mitjà d'un procediment directe i fiable amb el qual s'aprofiten els avantatges del material, resultant en un disseny estructural eficient des del punt de vista mecànic i econòmic. És necessari produir SH-UHPFRC per a aconseguir grans propietats mecàniques? És possible generar SS-UHPFRC amb el qual queden reduïts els costs inicials mantenint unes propietats mecàniques i de durabilitat competitives que comporten un disseny estructural efectiu? El desenvolupament d'UHPFRC amb baix enduriment per deformació i de SS-UHPFRC pot reduir les seues propietats mecàniques però, si són adequadament estudiades i controlades, aquests podrien ser optimitzats. La tesi aborda algunes d'aquestes qüestions per mitjà de l'estudi del comportament a tracció de l'UHPFRC que va des de SH-UHPFRC fins SS-UHPFRC. Es pretén dur a terme una proposta de procediment fiable per a caracteritzar el comportament constitutiu a tracció i definir un model numèric d'elements finits fiable per a modelar amb precisió la resposta de provetes i elements estructurals armats d'UHPFRC. Per a definir el procediment directe per a caracteritzar a tracció tant SH-UHPFRC com SS-UHPFRC, s'ha dut a terme una campanya experimental i numèrica en la que s'ha analitzat el resultat d'assajar 227 provetes sense armadura fabricades amb UHPFRC amb quantitats de fibres curtes i llises d'acer de 120-130kg/m3 i 160kg/m3, assajades a flexió per mitjà de l'assaig a quatre punts (4PBT). El desenvolupament i la validació de l'esmentat procés són assegurats per mitjà d'un model no lineal d'elements finits (NLFEM) fiable. La validació numèrica duta a terme ha estat decisiva per a que aquest procediment siga precís, simple i fiable. Utilitzant aquesta campanya experimental, s'ha desenvolupat una aplicació predictiva per a estimar els paràmetres que defineixen el comportament constitutiu a tracció de l'UHPFRC. Aquesta aplicació és simple i directa i evita la possible variabilitat produïda per males interpretacions en l'aplicació del procés. A més a més, també s'ha dut a terme una segon campanya experimental constituïda per bigues d'UHPFRC armades a flexió amb diferents escales: 36 bigues curtes amb 130 i 160kg/m3 de fibres i dos bigues llargues de gran escala. Aquesta campanya s'ha modelat amb el NLFEM ací desenvolupat incloent efectes importants deguts a la interacció de l'UHPFRC amb les barres d'armat. Addicionalment, també s'han modelat amb el NLFEM tirants d'UHPFRC armats a tracció provinents d'una campanya experimental d'altra investigació. El model considera efectes deguts a la retracció, al 3D i comportament tensió stiffening que generen resultats molt precisos quan es comparen amb els resultats experimentals. Per tant, com a resultat de la present tesi doctoral, s'ha obtingut un model d'elements finits capaç de modelar amb precisió elements estructurals d'UHPFRC armats. Els resultats del model comparats amb els resultats experimentals no sols demostren la fiabilitat del NLFEM dut a terme sinó que també la coherència del procediment directe desenvolupat per a caracteritzar el comportament constitutiu a tracció de l'UHPFRC als dos casos, tant per a SH-UHPFRC com SS-UHPFRC, tant en elements estructurals armats a flexió com amb elements estructurals armats a tracció directa. Conseqüentment, s'ha proposat una metodologia completa i efectiva per al modelat numèric de l'UHPFRC des del niv
[EN] The main objective of the present PhD thesis is to develop a complete methodology for the numerical modelling of UHPFRC from the material level to structural elements. It intends to contribute to advanced knowledge of mechanical UHPFRC behaviour to lead to a numerically modelling proposal that is useful for structural modelling and design that allows options for this material to be competitive in the construction market. Optimised UHPFRC material constitutive behaviour, characterised by a direct reliable defined procedure, is considered in the proposed modelling methodology to take advantage of these properties, and to lead to an efficient structural design from the mechanical and economical points of view. Is it necessary to produce SH-UHPFRC to obtain excellent properties? Is it possible to develop SS-UHPFRC that leads to lower initial costs and to maintain competitive mechanical and durability properties that result in an effective structural design? The development of low strain-hardening and SS-UHPFRC would lead to reduce its mechanical properties, but they can be optimised if they are studied and controlled. The thesis addresses some of these questions by studying tensile UHPFRC behaviour to cover a wide range of tensile constitutive behaviours from SH-UHPFRC to SS-UHPFRC. It intends to propose a reliable tensile characterisation process and a reliable finite element model capable of accurately simulating the response of UHPFRC specimens and reinforced structural elements. An extensive experimental and numerical campaign with 227 unreinforced four-point bending test (4PBT) specimens with amounts of smooth-straight (13/0.20) steel fibres of 1.53-1.66% (120-130kg/m3) in volume and with 2.00% (160kg/m3), which represents SS-UHPFRC and SH-UHPFRC tensile behaviours, was carried out to set up a direct tensile characterisation procedure involving SS-UHPFRC and SH-UHPFRC. The direct procedure's development and validity are ensured by a reliable non-linear finite element model (NLFEM). Numerical validation was carried out and is decisive for performing the direct procedure to characterise the tensile behaviour of both SS and SH-UHPFRC herein developed accurately, simply and reliably. With the experimental programme herein, a predictive application for estimating tensile UHPFRC parameters was developed. The prediction offers reliable results. The application is simple and direct, and avoids variability in the characterisation procedure due to possible misinterpretations in its application. In addition, a second experimental programme, which includes reinforced concrete flexural beams on different scales, with 36 UHPFRC reinforced short beams with 130 and 160kg/m3 of steel fibres and two full-scale long beams, was carried out and modelled with the NLFEM herein developed including major effects due to the interaction between UHPFRC and reinforcement bars. Additionally, reinforced UHPFRC tensile bars from a recent experimental campaign performed by other researchers were modelled with the NLFEM. The model considers shrinkage effects, tension stiffening behaviour and 3D effects due to the particularities of the test, which provide very accurate results compared to those obtained with the experimental tests. As a result of this PhD thesis, an accurate NLFEM was obtained to model reinforced UHPFRC structural elements. The results of the model compared to the experimental ones demonstrate not only the reliability of the developed NLFEM, but also the coherence of the developed direct procedure to characterise tensile UHPFRC behaviour in both strain-softening and strain-hardening in reinforced flexural and direct tensile structural elements. Consequently, a complete and effective methodology for numerical UHPFRC modelling from the material level to structural elements is proposed.
Mezquida Alcaraz, EJ. (2021). Numerical Modelling of UHPFRC: from the Material to the Structural Element [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/167017
TESIS

In this thesis, fractured rock masses are treated asequivalent continua for large-scale analyses of rockengineering projects. Systematic developments are made for thedetermination of equivalent mechanical and hydraulic propertiesof fractured rock masses using a hybrid discrete fracturenetwork - distinct element method (DFN-DEM) approach. Thedetermined equivalent properties are then used for a far-fieldfinite element analysis of the thermo-mechanical impacts on thestress, deformation and permeability of fractured rockssurrounding a hypothetical geological repository of nuclearwaste. The geological data were extracted from the results ofan extensive site investigation programme at Sellafield, UK,conducted by Nirex UK Ltd.

The scale dependencies of the hydraulic and mechanicalproperties were investigated by using multiple realizations ofthe fracture system geometry with increasing model sizes untilproperly defined hydraulic and mechanical representativeelementary volumes (REVs) were reached. The validity of thesecond order permeability tensor and the fourth-ordermechanical compliance tensor were tested for continuum analysesat larger scales. The REV was determined to be around 5 m formechanical and hydraulic data in this study.

Analysis of the stress-dependent mechanical and hydraulicproperties shows that the effect of rock stresses is crucial.The elastic moduli increase significantly with the increase ofstress and an empirical equation of stress-dependent elasticmodulus is suggested based on results of numerical experiments.Calculations of the Poisson's ratios suggest greater valuesthan are normally assumed in practice. Depending on the stateof stress, permeability decreases or increases with increasingcompressive stress. Stress-induced flow channeling effect iscaptured by numerical modeling for the first time and detailedmechanisms of shear dilation of fractures are provided. Basedon the numerical experiments, a set of empirical equations wassuggested for the stress-dependent permeability, consideringboth normal deformation and shear dilation of fractures.

Thermo-mechanical impact on the performance of ahypothetical repository at a far-field scale (5 km by 1 km) wasinvestigated with the stress-dependent equivalent propertiesdetermined at the REV scale. This analysis shows thatmechanical responses vary significantly depending on how themechanical properties were determined. The change ofpermeability due to the thermal loading is, however, notsignificant in this particular case.

The thesis provides a framework for systematic analysis oflarge-scale engineering applications in fractured rock masses,such as geological repositories of nuclear wastes.

Keyword:Fractured rock masses, Equivalent Continuum,Discrete Fracture Network (DFN), Distinct Element Method (DEM),Finite Element Method (FEM), Nuclear Waste Disposal, CoupledThermo-Hydro-Mechanical Processes

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Production of graphite dust inside the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) influences the reactor operation negatively. Graphite is used as a moderator in the reactor core and the formation and transportation of graphite dust away from the reactor core decreases the amount of moderator which in turn has a negative impact on the reactor operation. High levels of radioactive dust may also contaminate reactor components which may pose a health risk to maintenance personnel. In this study a pressure vessel was designed and used to measure the wear of a graphite pebble in helium at elevated temperatures. By means of a multi-linear regression analysis a proper mathematical function was established in order to relate graphite wear to certain tribological parameters. These parameters were identified through a literature study. Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) was used to simulate the gravitational flow of graphite pebbles through the reactor core. The experimentally determined mathematical function was incorporated into the DEM simulation to estimate the annual mass of graphite dust to be produced by the PBMR pebble bed as a result of pebble-pebble interaction and pebble-wall interaction during refuelling.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vorming van grafiet stof binne die korrelbed-modulêre reaktor (PBMR) beïnvloed die werking daarvan negatief. Grafiet word gebruik as 'n moderator in die reaktor kern en die vorming en vervoer van grafietstof weg van die reaktor kern lei tot 'n afname in die hoeveelheid moderator en dit het 'n negatiewe impak op die werking van die reaktor. Hoë vlakke van radioaktiewe grafietstof kontamineer ook reaktorkomponente wat 'n gesondheidsrisiko vir onderhoudspersoneel inhou. In hierdie studie was 'n drukvat ontwerp en gebruik om die slytasie van 'n grafietkorrel in helium by verhoogde temperature te meet. 'n Multi-lineêre regressie analise is dan gebruik om 'n wiskundige funksie daar te stel wat die verband tussen grafietslytasie en die eksperimentele parameters vas stel. Hierdie parameters was met behulp van 'n literatuurstudie geïdentifiseer. Diskrete Element Modellering (DEM) was gebruik om die gravitasionele vloei van grafietkorrels in die reaktor te modelleer. Die eksperimenteel bepaalde wiskundige funksie word in die DEM simulasie ge-inkorporeer om 'n skatting te maak van die jaarlikse massa grafietstof wat gevorm sal word in die PBMR korrelbed as 'n gevolg van korrel-korrel interaksie en korrel-wand interaksie gedurende hersirkulasie.

Debris flow is a dangerous landslide phenomenon occurring after intense rainfall in mountainous regions. It can be defined as a very rapid flow of heterogeneous material of different grain sizes with high water content. Due to its multi-phase nature, in which solid, fluid and air continuously interact, debris flow is a complex phenomenon, difficult both to analyze and to simulate. Because of its rapidity and unpredictability, it can cause loss of lives and extended damages to environment and structures. Thus, efficient mitigation measures are often desirable. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon, the design of barriers is still a challenging problem. Since a proper regulation does not exist, several of them have been designed only by imitating previously built barriers that have exhibited the proper functions during past events. Moreover, different types exist. The present thesis focuses on structural mitigation measures, with particular reference to open rigid barriers. Several Authors suggested that these barriers have to lower the kinetic energy of the flowing mass and to retain coarse sediments, allowing water and fine particles to pass. The main aspects to consider in the design of such barriers are: (1) the filter size problem, i.e. the size of the outlets, (2) the forces exerted on the barrier by the flowing mass during and after its impact. Thus, the present thesis addresses such two problems through a novel numerical method. An existing DEM-LBM code (Leonardi et al., 2015) has been enhanced with a complete friction model, which allows the creation of stable structures among grains. The result, a 3D continuum- discrete two-phase code, is able to consider the three-dimensional behaviour of the granular mass, the influence of the fluid phase, and their effects when they impact on the barrier. The new code has been validated and adopted to study the clogging mechanisms and the outlet geometry that promotes a retention of coarse grains. First, a monosized dry granular mass has been released under the effect of gravity in an inclined channel, at end of which the barrier is set. A complete parametric study on a single outlet barrier has been performed to provide the bases for furthersimulations on multiple-outlets barriers. The influence of the impact angle, of the channel slope, and of the normalized outlet width on both the trapping efficiency and the impact force has been evaluated and critically discussed. Then, progressively weakening the assumption of dry monosized mass, more realistic configurations have been analyzed. On one hand, bidisized dry granular simulations have been performed accounting for the presence of fine particles. On the other hand, a fluid phase, representing water and fine particles, has been added to the monosized dry granular mass. Interesting outcomes have been obtained on both trapping efficiency and impact forces. Starting from the dry monosized material and a single outlet barrier, a geometrical setting which provides a complete clogging of the barrier has been found. For opening width lower than 5 times the mean particle radius, the trapping efficiency is almost 100%. This result can be extended to the multiple-outlets barrier case if the width of the barrier piles is at least 6 times the mean particle radius. Moreover, introducing a bidispersion in grain size, the efficiency of the retaining function of the barrier is preserved up to a 70% in volume of small particles. The addition of a fluid phase, for solid volume fraction greater than 5%, does not affect the results. Considering the impact forces, high stresses are localized in the outlet neighbourhood, and their intensity increases by increasing the outlet width. The presence of bidispersion lowers the global impact forces, almost independently from the fraction of fine particles. Comparing the dry cases with those in which the fluid is added, it is noted that, in the first seconds after the impact, the presence of the fluid slightly lowers the impact forces due to the solid phase. Then, the fluid phase mainly transfers its momentum to the clogged solid phase, rather than directly to the barrier.

Cette thèse est une étude expérimentale et numérique du comportement au cisaillement de milieu granulaire humide sous l’effet de la quantité de liquide introduite et la contrainte normale appliquée. Les expériences ont été faites sur une cellule de cisaillement annulaire, pour une large gamme de contraintes appliquées allant de presque 0.3 kPa à 12 kPa. Les résultats donnent la variation de la contrainte de cisaillement en régime stationnaire en fonction de la contrainte normale pour une large variation de la quantité de liquide. Le liquide dans le milieu granulaire va de ponts liquides formés au point de contact jusqu’au remplissage totale de l'espace entre les grains. L’effet de liquide sur la résistance au cisaillement et la porosité de milieu granulaire a été analysé. Différents régimes du comportement de milieu granulaire humide ont été identifiés. Afin d’acquérir une compréhension microscopique du comportement au cisaillement de milieu granulaire sec et partiellement humide, la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM) a été utilisée. Des billes de verre de grande taille (2 mm de diamètre) ont été utilisées pour réduire le temps de simulation et faciliter la caractérisation à l’échelle de particule. Une première partie a été consacrée à l’étude de l’effet des propriétés microscopiques de particule (Module de Young et la friction de glissement) sur les propriétés macroscopiques de milieu granulaire sec et humide (le nombre de coordination, la porosité, le ratio de contraintes et la vitesse de particules). Une deuxième partie a été concernée par l’étude du comportement au cisaillement de milieu granulaire humide pour différentes fractions de liquide et différentes contraintes normales appliquées. En particulier, les forces capillaires et le nombre de ponts liquide ont été quantitativement analysés
We study experimentally and numerically the shear behaviour of wet granular material. We investigate the effect of the liquid content and the applied normal stresses to this behaviour. An annular shear cell was used to carry out the experiments, for a large range of applied normal stress from about 0.3 kPa to 12 kPa. The results give the variation of the shear stress at steady-state as a function of the normal stress for a wide range of liquid fraction. The incorporated liquid goes from forming bridges at the contact point to completely filling the space between grains. The shear resistance and the voidage fraction variations with the liquid fraction were analysed. Depending on the applied normal stress and the liquid fraction, different regimes of the shear resistance were identified. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to gain a microscopic understanding of the shear behaviour of dry and partially wet granular material in the shear cell. Large size glass beads were used to speed up the computational time and to facilitate characterisation at the particle scale. First, the influence of the microscopic properties of the particle (The Young’s modulus and the sliding friction) on the macroscopic properties of dry and wet granular materials (the coordination number, the voidage fraction, the shear ratio and the velocity of particles) was investigated. Secondly, the shear behaviour of the partially wet granular material for different liquid fractions and normal stresses was studied. The capillary forces and the number of liquid bridges were quantitatively analysed

The need to predict the fractured behaviour of a structure with a high degree of certainty is becoming a significant problem in the construction industry, whether for designing new structures or for assessing and strengthening existing structures. Considerable advances in the construction industry – with the introduction of new materials and technologies and constant demand for safer, more cost-efficient, sustainable and bold designs – are overturning established design rules. It is becoming critical to bring new predictive tools to assure the safety and serviceability of these structures, and to accomplish the full potential of the new construction designs that are now becoming possible. This research developed a computational framework based on the discrete crack approach that can be efficiently used in engineering for the reliable simulation of the behaviour of concrete structures. The framework is built on an object-oriented finite element platform, specifically tailored to accommodate embedded strong discontinuities, and having tools to improve the simulation of discrete models, such as a non-iterative solution algorithm and a powerful direct sparse solver. Different new formulations are proposed for simulating and capturing crack propagation with embedded discontinuities, which: i) are based on local degrees of freedom, ii) are combined with embedded steel fibres, and iii) require minimum enhanced global degrees of freedom. Multiple case studies are performed for the validation of the new proposed techniques against important laboratory benchmark tests. The framework enables a close-to-reality prediction of the structural behaviour of plain, steel reinforced, and steel fibre reinforced concrete, with improved performance and without convergence issues in fracture simulations.

Dans l’industrie pharmaceutique, la granulation sèche par compactage à rouleaux est un procédé d’agglomération de poudres en granulés pour améliorer les propriétés d’écoulement nécessaire pour le procédé de compression en matrice. Comprendre le procédé de compactage à rouleaux et optimiser l’efficacité de production est limitée par l’utilisation de l’approche expérimentale à cause du coût élevé des poudres, le temps des essais et la complexité du procédé. Dans ce travail, une méthode d’éléments finis en 3D, est développée dans le but d’identifier les paramètres critiques du matériau et du procédé pour le contrôle de la qualité de la production. Le modèle de comportement de Drucker-Prager Cap est utilisé pour décrire le comportement en compression de poudres et sa calibration est déterminée à partir des essais standard. Pour surmonter la complexité liée à l’existence de deux mécanismes différents, l’alimentation en poudre par une vis sans fin et le compactage entre les rouleaux, une nouvelle méthode d’interfaçage entre la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM) employée pour décrire l’écoulement dans l’alimentation et la méthode des éléments finis (FEM) utilisée pour le compactage entre les rouleaux est développée. Enfin, pour une modélisation de compactage de rouleaux plus réaliste, prenant en compte la variation de l’entrefer entre les rouleaux, une nouvelle approche de couplage Euler-Lagrange est proposée. Les résultats de simulations par éléments finis montrent clairement l’effet des différents paramètres du procédé sur les distributions de pression et de densité dans la zone de compactage. En outre, les résultats montrent que l'utilisation de plaques de confinement de la poudre entre les rouleaux, développe une distribution de pression et de densité non homogène dans le compact, avec une densité plus élevée au centre et plus faible aux bords. D'autre part, l’utilisation de rouleaux dont l’un est surmonté d’une jante de confinement, a montré une distribution de propriétés globalement plus uniforme sur la largeur du compact avec des valeurs légèrement plus élevées aux bords qu’au centre. La méthodologie combinant les méthodes DEM & FEM montre clairement une corrélation directe entre la vitesse des particules entraînées par la vis dans la zone d’alimentation et la pression du rouleau. Tous les deux oscillent avec la même période. Cela se traduit par un compact anisotrope avec un profile de densité variant de manière sinusoïdale le long de sa largeur. Afin d'étudier la capacité du modèle à prédire les propriétés des compacts produits par compactage à rouleaux, les prédictions par simulations numériques sont comparées aux données de la littérature et validées par des mesures spécifiques
In the pharmaceutical industry, dry granulation by roll compaction is a process of size enlargement of powder into granules with good flowability for subsequent die compaction process. Understanding the roll compaction process and optimizing manufacturing efficiency is limited using the experimental approach due to the high cost of powder, time-consuming and the complexity of the process. In this work, a 3D Finite Element Method (FEM) model was developed to identify the critical material properties, roll press designs and process parameters controlling the quality of the product. The Drucker-Prager Cap (DPC) model was used to describe the powder compaction behavior and was determined based on standard calibration method. To overcome the complexity involving two different mechanisms of powder feeding by the screw and powder compaction between rolls, a novel combined approach of Discrete Element Method (DEM), used to predict the granular material flow in the feed zone and the Finite Elements Method (FEM) employed for roll compaction, was developed. Lastly, for a more realistic roll compaction modelling, allowing the fluctuation of the gap between rolls, a Coupled-Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) approach was developed. FEM simulation results clearly show the effect of different process parameters on roll pressure and density distribution in the compaction zone of powder between the rolls. Moreover, results show that using a cheek-plates sealing system causes a nonuniform roll pressure and density distribution with the highest values in the middle and the lowest at the edges. On the other hand, the resultant pressure and density distributions with the rimmed-roll obtained higher values in the edges than in the middle and overall a more uniform distribution. The combined DEM-FEM methodology clearly shows a direct correlation between the particle velocity driven by the screw conveyor to the feed zone and the roll pressure, both oscillating in the same period. This translates into an anisotropic ribbon with a density profile varying sinusoidally along its length. To validate the results, the simulations are compared with literature and experimentally measured values in order to assess the ability of the model to predict the properties of the produced ribbons

L'approche multi-échelle FEMxDEM est une méthode numérique innovante pour les problèmes géotechniques impliquant des matériaux granulaires. La méthode des éléments finis (FEM) et la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM) sont simultanément appliquées à résoudre, respectivement, le problème structurel à la macro-échelle et la microstructure du matériau à la micro-échelle. L'avantage d'utiliser une telle configuration à double échelle est de permettre d'étudier un problème d'ingénierie sans la nécessité de lois de comportement standard, capturant ainsi l'essence des propriétés des matériaux. Le lien entre les échelles est obtenu par homogénéisation numérique, de sorte que la loi de comportement continu numérique et la matrice tangente correspondante sont obtenues directement à partir de la réponse discrète de la microstructure.En règle générale, l'approche FEMxDEM présente quelques inconvénients; la vitesse de convergence et la robustesse de la méthode ne sont pas aussi efficaces que dans les modèles FEM classiques. De plus, le coût de calcul de l'intégration de la micro-échelle et la dépendance du maillage typique de la macro-échelle, rendent l'approche multi-échelle FEMxDEM discutable pour des utilisations pratiques. Le but de ce travail est de se concentrer sur ces questions théoriques et numériques avec l'objectif de rendre l'approche multi-échelle FEMxDEM robuste et applicable à des configurations à l'échelle réelle. Une variété d'opérateurs est proposée afin d'améliorer la convergence et la solidité de la méthode dans un cadre quasi-Newton. L'indépendance de l’intégration des différents points de Gauss et les caractéristiques d’intensivité sur les d'éléments sont exploités par l'utilisation d’une parallélisation en utilisant un paradigme OpenMP. Au niveau macro, une relation constitutive second gradient est mise en œuvre afin d'enrichir la relation de Cauchy de premier gradient apportant indépendance du maillage au modèle.Les améliorations susmentionnées rendent l'approche FEMxDEM compétitive avec les modèles FEM classiques en termes de coût de calcul permettant ainsi d'effectuer des simulations multi-échelle FEMxDEM robustes et indépendantes du maillage, depuis l'échelle du laboratoire (par exemple essaie biaxiale test) jusqu’à celle du problème à l'échelle de l'ingénierie (par exemple, excavation d’une galerie).Mots clés:Double échelle, homogénéisation numérique, loi constitutive numérique, élasto-plasticité, second gradient, matériaux microstructurés, grande déformation, éléments finis, éléments discrets, méthode de Newton, parallélisation, unicité
The multi-scale FEMxDEM approach is an innovative numerical method for geotechnical problems involving granular materials. The Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Discrete Element Method (DEM) are simultaneously applied to solve, respectively, the structural problem at the macro-scale and the material microstructure at the micro-scale. The advantage of using such a double scale configuration is that it allows to study an engineering problem without the need of standard constitutive laws, thus capturing the essence of the material properties. The link between scales is obtained via numerical homogenization, so that, the continuum numerical constitutive law and the corresponding tangent matrix are obtained directly from the discrete response of the microstructure.Typically, the FEMxDEM approach presents some drawbacks; the convergence velocity and robustness of the method are not as efficient as in classical FEM models. Furthermore, the computational cost of the microscale integration and the typical mesh-dependency at the macro-scale, make the multi-scale FEMxDEM approach questionable for practical uses. The aim of this work is to focus on these theoretical and numerical issues with the objective of making the multiscale FEMxDEM approach robust and applicable to real-scale configurations. A variety of operators is proposed in order to improve the convergence and robustness of the method in a quasi-Newton framework. The independence of the Gauss point integrations and the element intensive characteristics of the code are exploited by the use of parallelization using an OpenMP paradigm. At the macro level, a second gradient constitutive relation is implemented in order to enrich the first gradient Cauchy relation bringing mesh-independency to the model.The aforementioned improvements makes the FEMxDEM approach competitive with classical FEM models in terms of computational cost thus allowing to perform robust and mesh-independent multi-scale FEMxDEM simulations, from the laboratory scale (e.g. biaxial test) to the engineering-scale problem, (e.g. gallery excavation).Keywords:Double scale, numerical homogenization, numerical constitutive law, elasto-plasticity, second gradient, microstructured materials, large strain, finite elements, discrete elements, Newton method, parallelization, uniqueness

Les composites à base de fibres naturelles suscitent un intérêt croissant. Cependant, les pièces élaborées à base de ce type de matériaux présentent une forte variabilité des propriétés mécaniques qui les rend moins compétitifs par rapport aux matériaux classiques. Dans le présent travail, une méthodologie numérique basée sur le couplage entre la Méthode des Éléments Discrets (MED) et l'approche probabiliste Certain Generalized Stress Method (CGSM) est proposée pour prendre en compte les différentes sources de variabilité, (géométriques ou physiques). À des fins de validation, le cadre d'un matériau composite biosourcé à base de fibres de lin unidirectionnelles est considéré. Une première partie du travail réalisé décrit l'élaboration du matériau et la caractérisation expérimentale de ses propriétés élastiques et de leur niveau de variabilité. La MED est dans un second temps introduite pour simuler le comportement macroscopique du matériau. Le champ de contrainte résultant de la modélisation par la MED étant hétérogène par nature, une approche nommée Halo est introduite afin de contrôler cette dispersion. L'approche proposée est testée et validée dans le cadre de milieux homogènes et hétérogènes. Finalement, la variabilité des propriétés élastiques est introduite dans le modèle discret via un couplage avec l'approche probabiliste CGSM
Natural fiber composites are attracting growing interest. However, pieces made from this type of material exhibit a high variability in terms of mechanical properties, which makes them less competitive compared to conventional materials. In this work, a numerical approach, based on Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the probabilistic method Certain Generalized Stress Method (CGSM) is proposed, in order to take into account the different sources of variability. For validation purposes, a unidirectional bio-based composite material based on flax fibers is considered. The first part of this work describes the material's manufacturing, the elastic properties experimental characterization and the quantification of their variability. The DEM is then introduced to simulate the macroscopic behaviour of the material. Since the stress field obtained using DEM modelling is heterogeneous, an approach named Halo is introduced to control this dispersion. The proposed approach is tested and validated in homogeneous and heterogeneous media. Finally, the variability of elastic properties is introduced into the discrete model via a coupling approach with the probabilistic method CGSM

This thesis presents a systematic numerical modeling framework to simulate the stress-deformation and coupled stress-deformation-flow processes by performing uniaxial and biaxial compressive tests on fractured rock models with considering the effects of different loading conditions, different loading directions (anisotropy), and coupled hydro-mechanical processes for evaluating strength and deformability behavior of fractured rocks. By using code UDEC of discrete element method (DEM), a series of numerical experiments were conducted on discrete fracture network models (DFN) at an established representative elementary volume (REV), based on realistic geometrical and mechanical data of fracture systems from field mapping at Sellafield, UK. The results were used to estimate the equivalent Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio and to fit the Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown failure criteria, represented by equivalent material properties defining these two criteria. The results demonstrate that strength and deformation parameters of fractured rocks are dependent on confining pressures, loading directions, water pressure, and mechanical and hydraulic boundary conditions. Fractured rocks behave nonlinearly, represented by their elasto-plastic behavior with a strain hardening trend. Fluid flow analysis in fractured rocks under hydro-mechanical loading conditions show an important impact of water pressure on the strength and deformability parameters of fractured rocks, due to the effective stress phenomenon, but the values of stress and strength reduction may or may not equal to the magnitude of water pressure, due to the influence of fracture system complexity. Stochastic analysis indicates that the strength and deformation properties of fractured rocks have ranges of values instead of fixed values, hence such analyses should be considered especially in cases where there is significant scatter in the rock and fracture parameters. These scientific achievements can improve our understanding of fractured rocks’ hydro-mechanical behavior and are useful for the design of large-scale in-situ experiments with large volumes of fractured rocks, considering coupled stress-deformation-flow processes in engineering practice.

QC 20141111

The study and modelling of two-phase flow, even the simplest ones such as the bubbly flow, remains a challenge that requires exploring the physical phenomena from different spatial and temporal resolution levels. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is a widespread and promising tool for modelling, but nowadays, there is no single approach or method to predict the dynamics of these systems at the different resolution levels providing enough precision of the results. The inherent difficulties of the events occurring in this flow, mainly those related with the interface between phases, makes that low or intermediate resolution level approaches as system codes (RELAP, TRACE, ...) or 3D TFM (Two-Fluid Model) have significant issues to reproduce acceptable results, unless well-known scenarios and global values are considered. Instead, methods based on high resolution level such as Interfacial Tracking Method (ITM) or Volume Of Fluid (VOF) require a high computational effort that makes unfeasible its use in complex systems. In this thesis, an open-source simulation framework has been designed and developed using the OpenFOAM library to analyze the cases from microescale to macroscale levels. The different approaches and the information that is required in each one of them have been studied for bubbly flow. In the first part, the dynamics of single bubbles at a high resolution level have been examined through VOF. This technique has allowed to obtain accurate results related to the bubble formation, terminal velocity, path, wake and instabilities produced by the wake. However, this approach has been impractical for real scenarios with more than dozens of bubbles. Alternatively, this thesis proposes a CFD Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) technique, where each bubble is represented discretely. A novel solver for bubbly flow has been developed in this thesis. This includes a large number of improvements necessary to reproduce the bubble-bubble and bubble-wall interactions, turbulence, velocity seen by the bubbles, momentum and mass exchange term over the cells or bubble expansion, among others. But also new implementations as an algorithm to seed the bubbles in the system have been incorporated. As a result, this new solver gives more accurate results as the provided up to date. Following the decrease on resolution level, and therefore the required computational resources, a 3D TFM have been developed with a population balance equation solved with an implementation of the Quadrature Method Of Moments (QMOM). The solver is implemented with the same closure models as the CFD-DEM to analyze the effects involved with the lost of information due to the averaging of the instantaneous Navier-Stokes equation. The analysis of the results with CFD-DEM reveals the discrepancies found by considering averaged values and homogeneous flow in the models of the classical TFM formulation. Finally, for the lowest resolution level approach, the system code RELAP5/MOD3 is used for modelling the bubbly flow regime. The code has been modified to reproduce properly the two-phase flow characteristics in vertical pipes, comparing the performance of the calculation of the drag term based on drift-velocity and drag coefficient approaches.
El estudio y modelado de flujos bifásicos, incluso los más simples como el bubbly flow, sigue siendo un reto que conlleva aproximarse a los fenómenos físicos que lo rigen desde diferentes niveles de resolución espacial y temporal. El uso de códigos CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) como herramienta de modelado está muy extendida y resulta prometedora, pero hoy por hoy, no existe una única aproximación o técnica de resolución que permita predecir la dinámica de estos sistemas en los diferentes niveles de resolución, y que ofrezca suficiente precisión en sus resultados. La dificultad intrínseca de los fenómenos que allí ocurren, sobre todo los ligados a la interfase entre ambas fases, hace que los códigos de bajo o medio nivel de resolución, como pueden ser los códigos de sistema (RELAP, TRACE, etc.) o los basados en aproximaciones 3D TFM (Two-Fluid Model) tengan serios problemas para ofrecer resultados aceptables, a no ser que se trate de escenarios muy conocidos y se busquen resultados globales. En cambio, códigos basados en alto nivel de resolución, como los que utilizan VOF (Volume Of Fluid), requirieren de un esfuerzo computacional tan elevado que no pueden ser aplicados a sistemas complejos. En esta tesis, mediante el uso de la librería OpenFOAM se ha creado un marco de simulación de código abierto para analizar los escenarios desde niveles de resolución de microescala a macroescala, analizando las diferentes aproximaciones, así como la información que es necesaria aportar en cada una de ellas, para el estudio del régimen de bubbly flow. En la primera parte se estudia la dinámica de burbujas individuales a un alto nivel de resolución mediante el uso del método VOF (Volume Of Fluid). Esta técnica ha permitido obtener resultados precisos como la formación de la burbuja, velocidad terminal, camino recorrido, estela producida por la burbuja e inestabilidades que produce en su camino. Pero esta aproximación resulta inviable para entornos reales con la participación de más de unas pocas decenas de burbujas. Como alternativa, se propone el uso de técnicas CFD-DEM (Discrete Element Methods) en la que se representa a las burbujas como partículas discretas. En esta tesis se ha desarrollado un nuevo solver para bubbly flow en el que se han añadido un gran número de nuevos modelos, como los necesarios para contemplar los choques entre burbujas o con las paredes, la turbulencia, la velocidad vista por las burbujas, la distribución del intercambio de momento y masas con el fluido en las diferentes celdas por cada una de las burbujas o la expansión de la fase gaseosa entre otros. Pero también se han tenido que incluir nuevos algoritmos como el necesario para inyectar de forma adecuada la fase gaseosa en el sistema. Este nuevo solver ofrece resultados con un nivel de resolución superior a los desarrollados hasta la fecha. Siguiendo con la reducción del nivel de resolución, y por tanto los recursos computacionales necesarios, se efectúa el desarrollo de un solver tridimensional de TFM en el que se ha implementado el método QMOM (Quadrature Method Of Moments) para resolver la ecuación de balance poblacional. El solver se desarrolla con los mismos modelos de cierre que el CFD-DEM para analizar los efectos relacionados con la pérdida de información debido al promediado de las ecuaciones instantáneas de Navier-Stokes. El análisis de resultados de CFD-DEM permite determinar las discrepancias encontradas por considerar los valores promediados y el flujo homogéneo de los modelos clásicos de TFM. Por último, como aproximación de nivel de resolución más bajo, se investiga el uso uso de códigos de sistema, utilizando el código RELAP5/MOD3 para analizar el modelado del flujo en condiciones de bubbly flow. El código es modificado para reproducir correctamente el flujo bifásico en tuberías verticales, comparando el comportamiento de aproximaciones para el cálculo del término d
L'estudi i modelatge de fluxos bifàsics, fins i tot els més simples com bubbly flow, segueix sent un repte que comporta aproximar-se als fenòmens físics que ho regeixen des de diferents nivells de resolució espacial i temporal. L'ús de codis CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) com a eina de modelatge està molt estesa i resulta prometedora, però ara per ara, no existeix una única aproximació o tècnica de resolució que permeta predir la dinàmica d'aquests sistemes en els diferents nivells de resolució, i que oferisca suficient precisió en els seus resultats. Les dificultat intrínseques dels fenòmens que allí ocorren, sobre tots els lligats a la interfase entre les dues fases, fa que els codis de baix o mig nivell de resolució, com poden ser els codis de sistema (RELAP,TRACE, etc.) o els basats en aproximacions 3D TFM (Two-Fluid Model) tinguen seriosos problemes per a oferir resultats acceptables , llevat que es tracte d'escenaris molt coneguts i se persegueixen resultats globals. En canvi, codis basats en alt nivell de resolució, com els que utilitzen VOF (Volume Of Fluid), requereixen d'un esforç computacional tan elevat que no poden ser aplicats a sistemes complexos. En aquesta tesi, mitjançant l'ús de la llibreria OpenFOAM s'ha creat un marc de simulació de codi obert per a analitzar els escenaris des de nivells de resolució de microescala a macroescala, analitzant les diferents aproximacions, així com la informació que és necessària aportar en cadascuna d'elles, per a l'estudi del règim de bubbly flow. En la primera part s'estudia la dinàmica de bambolles individuals a un alt nivell de resolució mitjançant l'ús del mètode VOF. Aquesta tècnica ha permès obtenir resultats precisos com la formació de la bambolla, velocitat terminal, camí recorregut, estela produida per la bambolla i inestabilitats que produeix en el seu camí. Però aquesta aproximació resulta inviable per a entorns reals amb la participació de més d'unes poques desenes de bambolles. Com a alternativa en aqueix cas es proposa l'ús de tècniques CFD-DEM (Discrete Element Methods) en la qual es representa a les bambolles com a partícules discretes. En aquesta tesi s'ha desenvolupat un nou solver per a bubbly flow en el qual s'han afegit un gran nombre de nous models, com els necessaris per a contemplar els xocs entre bambolles o amb les parets, la turbulència, la velocitat vista per les bambolles, la distribució de l'intercanvi de moment i masses amb el fluid en les diferents cel·les per cadascuna de les bambolles o els models d'expansió de la fase gasosa entre uns altres. Però també s'ha hagut d'incloure nous algoritmes com el necessari per a injectar de forma adequada la fase gasosa en el sistema. Aquest nou solver ofereix resultats amb un nivell de resolució superior als desenvolupat fins la data. Seguint amb la reducció del nivell de resolució, i per tant els recursos computacionals necessaris, s'efectua el desenvolupament d'un solver tridimensional de TFM en el qual s'ha implementat el mètode QMOM (Quadrature Method Of Moments) per a resoldre l'equació de balanç poblacional. El solver es desenvolupa amb els mateixos models de tancament que el CFD-DEM per a analitzar els efectes relacionats amb la pèrdua d'informació a causa del promitjat de les equacions instantànies de Navier-Stokes. L'anàlisi de resultats de CFD-DEM permet determinar les discrepàncies ocasionades per considerar els valors promitjats i el flux homogeni dels models clàssics de TFM. Finalment, com a aproximació de nivell de resolució més baix, s'analitza l'ús de codis de sistema, utilitzant el codi RELAP5/MOD3 per a analitzar el modelatge del fluxos en règim de bubbly flow. El codi és modificat per a reproduir correctament les característiques del flux bifàsic en canonades verticals, comparant el comportament d'aproximacions per al càlcul del terme de drag basades en velocitat de drift flux model i de les basades en coe
Peña Monferrer, C. (2017). Computational fluid dynamics multiscale modelling of bubbly flow. A critical study and new developments on volume of fluid, discrete element and two-fluid methods [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/90493
TESIS

Over the last century, numerous practitioners and researchers have investigated the particle behaviour of granular soils based on laboratory testing, to improve their knowledge of strength qualities. The discrete element modelling (DEM) technique has been commonly used to improve the understanding of granular soil behaviour. Since 1979 from the development by Cundall and Strack, spheres have commonly been used to represent soil particles or aggregates in DEM, despite increasing appreciation that particle shape significantly influences the strength properties of granular soil when subjected to shear. As such, it is widely acknowledged that results from spheroidal modelling do not accurately portray how particle edges and shapes affect a grain’s true strength, however there is an absence of a ‘more accurate’ alternative technique. Addressing this lack of accuracy in the DEM technique, this study investigated the characteristics and threedimensional behaviour of granular geomaterials due to shear. The first step for this study was to investigate the shear behaviour of poorly graded angular metasandstone particles. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and the four-stage shearing model were used to interpret the shear behaviour of metasandstone. Large direct shear tests were conducted on gravel-size metasandstone at normal stress of 50 kPa, 100 kPa and 150 kPa. A novel process of X-Ray scanning was used to obtain the actual particle shape of metasandstone gravels. Micro-CT scanning was used to scan 20 types of metasandstone particles which were converted into a 3D mesh format known as Standard Tessellation Language (STL). Using ‘Rocky DEM’ software, the actual scanned particle shapes were incorporated into an ‘advanced-DEM’ technique to represent soil particles in simulations without the use of sphere clumping. These advanced-DEM results using realistic particle shapes were then compared with spheroidal modelling simulation results. To validate the advanced-DEM technique, 3D-printed synthetic particles were also produced from the X-Ray scans, and then sheared as a calibration and validation exercise. Using the known material properties and shear behaviour of the synthetic particles, the material interaction parameters were calibrated in DEM to ensure adequate simulation results were produced. Direct shear test simulations using sphere particles were found to overestimate the peak shear stress while an underestimate was observed at residual state across various normal stresses. The difference in shear stress when using sphere particles compared to laboratory results ranged from 8.9% to 42.8% in DEM. This broadly agreeable magnitude of shear stress was significantly improved by adopting the realistic particle shapes in DEM where the difference in shear stress was reduced to a range of 3.2% to 6.5% compared to the laboratory results. The research findings are immediately useful for the design and construction sector, where accurate soil characterisation and modelling can enable more streamlined design due to removing additional ‘factors of safety’ margins that have been necessary with ‘approximate’ spheroidal DEM results. Given the significant cost associated with bulk earthworks and soil stabilisation, there are significant gains to be made in spending more time ‘up front’ in project to accurately model the granular structure of major soil types present. In the pursuit of improved understanding of the effects of particle geometries on soilstructure interaction and composite material behavioural properties for designing geostructures, the research findings were implemented in the assessment of pipe-jacking forces. The shear strength properties of metasandstone aggregates were used to assess the vertical stress acting onto two pipe jacking drives to demonstrate the possible occurrence of arching phenomenon. Using the laboratory test results of metasandstone, the calculated jacking forces were found to match agreeably with the site records. With the improved DEM technique, it is hoped to simulate a complete pipe jacking process in the near future.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Eng & Built Env
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
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Les analyses structurale et mécanique des pentes rocheuses constituent des éléments clés pour l'évaluation de leur stabilité. L'utilisation complémentaire de la photogrammétrie et des modèles numériques qui couplent les réseaux discrets de discontinuités (DFN selon son sigle en anglais) avec la méthode des éléments discrets (DEM selon son sigle en anglais), présente une méthodologie qui peut être utilisée pour évaluer le comportement mécanique des configurations tridimensionnelles de terrain pour lesquelles l'existence de discontinuités non persistantes peut être supposée. La stabilité des masses rocheuses est généralement supposée être contrôlée par la résistance au cisaillement le long des plans de discontinuité. Si les discontinuités sont non persistantes, avec leur continuité interrompue par la présence de ponts rocheux (portions de roche intacte reliant la masse rocheuse au massif), leur résistance apparente augmente considérablement. Dans ce cas, la contribution des ponts rocheux localisés entre ces discontinuités doit être prise en compte dans l'analyse de stabilité. La déstabilisation progressive des massifs rocheux dans lesquels des discontinuités non persistantes sont présentes, peut être étudiée par des simulations numériques réalisées à l'aide de l'approche DEM. La roche intacte est représentée comme un assemblage de particules (ou éléments discrets) liées entre elles par des contacts dont les lois de comportement spécifiques peuvent être calibrées pour représenter correctement le comportement de la roche. L'intérêt de la méthode est qu'elle permet de simuler l'initiation de la rupture et sa propagation à l'intérieur de la matrice rocheuse du fait de la rupture des contacts cohésifs entre les particules. De plus, les discontinuités préexistantes peuvent être prises en compte explicitement dans le modèle en utilisant une loi de contact ad hoc qui assure un comportement mécanique représentatif des plans de discontinuité. Des analyses de stabilité ont été effectuées et ont mis en évidence le rôle des ponts rocheux dans la génération de nouvelles surfaces de rupture qui peuvent se développer à travers des mécanismes de rupture mixte en traction et en cisaillement. On peut considérer la formulation de Jennings comme l'une des premières méthodes d'analyse de la stabilité des pentes rocheuses qui évaluent la résistance au glissement comme une combinaison pondérée des résistances mécaniques des ponts rocheux et des plans de discontinuité. Sa validité a été discutée et systématiquement comparée aux résultats obtenus à partir de simulations numériques. Il a pu être montré que la formulation de Jennings perd sa validité dès que la rupture des ponts rocheux intervient majoritairement par des mécanismes de traction. Une formulation complémentaire a alors été proposée. En ce qui concerne l'étude de la stabilité des massifs rocheux sur site, il a été montré que l'association entre les données issues de la photogrammétrie en haute résolution et l'approche DFN-DEM peut être utilisée pour identifier des scénarios de rupture. L'analyse en retour de cas réels a montré que les surfaces de rupture peuvent être simulées comme le résultat de mécanismes combinant la fracturation des ponts rocheux et le glissement le long des discontinuités préexistantes. La rupture d'un dièdre qui a eu lieu dans une mine de charbon australienne, a été utilisée pour valider cette méthodologie. Des simulations numériques ont été réalisées pour déterminer les scénarios pour lesquels les surfaces de rupture simulées et celles repérées sur le terrain, peuvent être utilisés pour calibrer les paramètres de résistance du modèle numérique. Le travail présenté ici répond à un besoin plus général visant à améliorer la gestion des risques naturels et miniers liés aux masses rocheuses instables. La méthodologie proposée constitue une alternative robuste dédiée à renforcer la fiabilité des analyses de stabilité pour les pentes rocheuses fracturées à structure complexe
Structural and mechanical analyses of rock mass are key components for rock slope stability assessment. The complementary use of photogrammetric techniques and numerical models coupling discrete fracture networks (DFN) with the discrete element method (DEM) provides a methodology that can be applied to assess the mechanical behaviour of realistic three-dimensional (3D) configurations for which fracture persistence cannot be assumed. The stability of the rock mass is generally assumed to be controlled by the shear strength along discontinuity planes present within the slope. If the discontinuities are non–persistent with their continuity being interrupted by the presence of intact rock bridges, their apparent strength increases considerably. In this case, the contribution of the rock bridges located in-between these discontinuities have to be accounted for in the stability analysis. The progressive failure of rock slope involving non–persistent discontinuities can be numerically investigated based upon simulations performed using a DEM approach. The intact material is represented as an assembly of bonded particles interacting through dedicated contact laws that can be calibrated to properly represent the behaviour of the rock material. The advantage of the method is that it enables to simulate fracture initiation and propagation inside the rock matrix as a result of inter-particle bond breakage. In addition, pre–existing discontinuities can be explicitly included in the model by using a modified contact logic that ensures an explicit and constitutive mechanical behaviour of the discontinuity planes. Stability analyses were carried out with emphasis on the contribution of rock bridges failure through a mixed shear-tensile failure process, leading to the generation of new failure surfaces. Jennings' formulation being considered to be one of the first rock slope stability analysis that evaluates the resistance to sliding as a weighted combination of both, intact rock bridges and discontinuity planes strengths, its validity was discussed and systematically compared to results obtained from numerical simulations. We demonstrate that the validity of Jennings' formulation is limited as soon as tensile failure becomes predominant and an alternative formulation is proposed to assess the resulting equivalent strength. Regarding field slope stability, we show that the combination of high resolution photogrammetric data and DFN-DEM modelling can be used to identify valid model scenarios of unstable wedges and blocks daylighting at the surface of both natural and engineered rock slopes. Back analysis of a real case study confirmed that failure surfaces can be simulated as a result of both fracture propagation across rock bridges and sliding along pre-existing discontinuities. An identified wedge failure that occurred in an Australian coal mine was used to validate the methodology. Numerical simulations were undertaken to determine in what scenarios the measured and predicted failure surfaces can be used to calibrate strength parameters in the model. The work presented here is part of a more global need to improve natural and mining hazards management related to unstable rock masses. We believe that the proposed methodology can strengthen the basis for a more comprehensive stability analysis of complex fractured rock slopes