Publications

Abstract not provided.

Early attempts at estimation of stress wave damage due to blasting by use of finite element calculations met with limited success due to numerical instabilities that prevented calculations from being carried past the fragmentation limit. More recently, the improved damage model PRONTO has allowed finite element calculations which remain stable and yield good agreement between calculated fragmented regions and excavated crater profiles for blasting experiments in granite. Application of this damage model to blast experiments at the Straight Creek Mine in Bell County, Kentucky were complicated by anisotropic conditions and uncertainties in material properties. It appears that significant modifications to the damage model and extensive material testing may be necessary in order to estimate damage in these anisotropic materials. 18 refs., 18 figs.

Early attempts at estimation of stress wave damage due to blasting by use of finite element calculations met with limited success due to numerical instabilities that prevented calculations from being carried to late times. An improved damage model allows finite element calculations which remain stable at late times. Reasonable agreement between crater profiles calculated with this model using the PRONTO finite element program and excavated crater profiles from blasting experiments in granite demonstrate a successful application of this model. Detailed instructions for use of this new damage model with the PRONTO finite element programs are included. 18 refs., 16 figs.

Early attempts at estimation of stress wave damage in blasting by use of finite element analysis met with limited success due to numerical instabilities that prevented calculations from being carried to late times after significant fragmentation had occurred. A new damage model based on microcrack growth in tension allows finite element calculations which remain stable at late times. Estimation of crater profiles for blasting experiments in granite, using laboratory properties for all parameters, demonstrate a high level of success for this damage model. However, estimated crater profiles show systematic differences from excavated crater profiles which motivate further developments of this model. 19 refs., 16 figs.