Influence of heterogeneity on crack propagation modes in brittle rock

By using a rock failure process analysis code, RFPA(2D), the influence of h eterogeneity on crack propagation modes in rock sample containing existing flaw is numerically studied. The numerical simulation reproduces the evolut ion of the stress and strain fields in crack propagation process, the mode of acoustic emission related to the heterogeneity of rock and the phenomeno n of rock bridge related to discontinuous failure. it is shown that the het erogeneity of rock containing existing flaw has an important influence on t he deformation, failure process and failure mode.