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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1990; v. 54; p. 57-62;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1990.054.01.06
© 1990 Geological Society of London

Fracture and Faulting

Damage development during rupture of heterogeneous brittle materials: a numerical study

S. J. D. Cox & L. Paterson

CSIRO Division of Geomechanics, PO Box 54, Mt Waverley, Vic 3149 Australia

We have used a finite element method with an iterative algorithm to simulate rupture development in complex brittle materials such as rocks. A simple set of continuous distributions of properties has been used, and only tensile failure of elements allowed. Wider strength distribution leads to more damage and less abrupt mechanical breakdown characteristics. Variations in strength are found to have a greater effect on the geometry of breakdown than variations in elastic properties. The material behaviour simulated here gives a basic explanation for the extent to which natural fractures in the earth, such as joints and dykes, have a non-planar form.