Modelling blast induced damage from a fully coupled explosive charge.

Area of Science:

• Blasting Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Rock Mechanics

Background:

• Accurate modeling of rock breakage is crucial in blasting engineering.
• Existing models often struggle to precisely predict damage zones and wave propagation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM) for simulating blasting processes.
• To assess HSBM's capability in predicting rock damage extent and shape.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM) incorporating a rock breakage engine.
• Modeling of detonation, wave propagation, rock fragmentation, and muck pile formation.
• Validation using results from two controlled blasting experiments.

Main Results:

• HSBM adequately predicted the extent and shape of damage zones, influenced by initiation points and free-face boundaries.
• Modeled radial fractures aligned with experimental observations.
• Peak radial velocities were accurately predicted near the charge (1.59% difference at 0.3m).
• Model overestimated particle velocities and damage at greater distances due to attenuation deficiencies.

Conclusions:

• The Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM) shows significant promise for simulating blasting engineering scenarios.
• The model accurately captures near-field damage but requires refinement for accurately predicting far-field particle velocities and stress reflections.