Modeling the influence of thermo-mechanical crack opening and closure on rock stiffness

C. Zhu, C. Arson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

A thermodynamic framework is proposed to model the effect of mechanical stress and temperature on crack opening and closure in rocks. The model is based on Continuum Damage Mechanics with damage defined as the second-order crack density tensor. The free energy of damaged rock is expressed as a function of deformation, temperature and damage. The damage criterion controls mode I crack propagation, captures temperature-induced decrease of rock toughness, and accounts for the increase of energy release rate necessary to propagate cracks induced by damage. Crack closure is modeled through unilateral effects produced on rock stiffness. Simulations show that: (1) under anisotropic mechanical boundary conditions, crack closure occurs during cooling, (2) the thermo-mechanical strain energy necessary to close cracks during cooling is larger than the strain energy needed to close the cracks by mechanical compression. Parametric study highlights the thermo-mechanical stress redistributions occurring during closure. The proposed framework is expected to bring new insights in the design and reliability assessment of geotechnical reservoirs and repositories.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPoromechanics V - Proceedings of the 5th Biot Conference on Poromechanics
Pages2526-2535
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event5th Biot Conference on Poromechanics, BIOT 2013 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: Jul 10 2013Jul 12 2013

Publication series

NamePoromechanics V - Proceedings of the 5th Biot Conference on Poromechanics

Conference

Conference5th Biot Conference on Poromechanics, BIOT 2013
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period7/10/137/12/13

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanics of Materials

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