A micromechanical analysis on permeability evolutions of a dilatant shear band

Wai Ching Sun, Matthew R. Kuhn, John W. Rudnicki

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-scale lattice Boltzmann/finite element scheme that quantitatively links particulate mechanics to hydraulic properties of a grain assembly obtained from a simple shear discrete element simulation. A spatial homogenization is performed to recover the macroscopic stress from the micro-mechanical force chances. The pore geometries the shear band and host matrix are then quantitatively evaluated through morphology analysis and flow simulations. Hydraulic properties estimated from multiscale flow simulations are compared with those inferred from volume averaging and geometric averaging schemes. Results from the discrete element simulations imply that grain sliding and rotation occur predominately within the dilatant shear band. These granular motions lead to dilation of pore space inside the shear band and increases in local permeability. While considerable anisotropy in the contact fabric is observed within the shear band, anisotropy of the permeability is, at most, modest in the assemblies composed of spherical grains.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication48th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2014
EditorsLee Petersen, Ray Sterling, Emmanuel Detournay, Will Pettitt, Joseph F. Labuz
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages1305-1310
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781634395236
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event48th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2014: Rock Mechanics Across Length and Time Scales - Minneapolis, United States
Duration: Jun 1 2014Jun 4 2014

Publication series

Name48th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2014
Volume2

Conference

Conference48th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2014: Rock Mechanics Across Length and Time Scales
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMinneapolis
Period6/1/146/4/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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