Finite element simulation of time dependent fracture and fragmentation processes in rock blasting

Two constitutive models for the simulation of fracture and fragmentation processes in rapidly loaded rocks are studied. The models were included in a wave propagation finite element code. The results obtained from the two models were compared by a study of the intensity and extent of fracturing obtained from two different configurations of explosive charge and reflecting surfaces in a plane strain problem. The evolution of the time dependent fracture pattern and fragmentation process is also presented.