Modified discontinuous deformation analysis for rock failure: Crack propagation

Deformation of rock masses is not only related to rock itself, but also related to discontinuities, the latter maybe greater. Study on crack propagation at discontinuities is important to reveal the damage law of rock masses. DDARF is a discontinuous deformation analysis method for rock failure and some modified algorithms are proposed in this study. Firstly, coupled modeling methods of AutoCAD-DDARF and ANSYS-DDARF are introduced, which could improve the modeling efficiency of DDARF compared to its original program. Secondly, a convergence criterion for automatically judging the computation equilibrium is established, it could overcome subjective drawbacks of ending one calculation by time steps. Lastly but not the least, relationship between the super relaxation factor and the calculation convergence is analyzed, and reasonable value range of the super relaxation factor is obtained. Based on these above modified programs, influences on crack propagation of joint angle, joint parameters and geo-stresses