Advancement of the SIGMA GT CAE system for numerical modeling of the stress-and-strain states

Abstract

The paper presents the directions and results of developing the Sigma GT software suite designed for numerical modeling of the stress-and-strain state of a rock mass using the finite element method. It describes the process of computational module optimization to ensure the possibility of refined simulation in subareas of the original model. The process of storing coarse grid matrices is upgraded, which optimizes the use of computational resources when calculating the stress-and-strain state of large-scale models. The trial-and-error procedure has been improved up to the system of hierarchical interrelation of different scale models, which allows to actualize the boundary conditions of individual block models when modifying the field model configuration. An extensible library of local models is presented, which makes it possible to quickly generate models of mining system elements with adequate boundary conditions. The expandable functionality of the software product is demonstrated, which allows to accelerate the process of finite element model creation. This tool allows the software user to generate local models of various configurations, minimizing time consumption and possible errors in preparation of the finite element mesh. Application and functionality of tools for post-processing of modeling results, both in 2D and 3D form, are described. Export of stress isolines allows saving the calculation data in the format used at the mining enterprise and combining them with the maps of mine working. 3D visualization of the calculated data contributes to a comprehensive assessment of the stress-and-strain state vector field and identification of the areas with critical stress and strain concentrations under a certain mining development option.