Micromechanical Behavior of Frictional Geologic Materials
Author: R. B. Nelson
Publisher:
Published: 1988
Total Pages: 117
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe objective of this research was to develop a coordinated experimental/analytical capability for investigating the basic physics of granular geologic materials emphasizing their microphysical behavior. The research is motivated by the fact that the inelastic behavior of geologic materials, except for very simple and thoroughly examined loading conditions, has been difficult to predict using classical continuum mechanical theories. A major conflict between theoretical and experimental results arises where laboratory tests demonstrate material behavior which cannot be captured using existing theoretical models for geologic materials. The primary issues have been centered around nonassociated flow, where inelastic flow is observed to differ significantly from theoretically accepted associated flow (perpendicular to material yield surfaces). According to conventional continuum mechanical theory such materials will be unstable when exercised along certain strain or stress paths. Yet in laboratory tests the materials may or may not be stable. Recognizing that continuum mechanical stress-strain models are fundamentally phenomenological in nature the current research is directed toward investigating geologic material behavior at the micromechanical level using both numerical and experimental methods. Section III is a description of a high pressure, high precision test facility. (AW).
