An interprocess communication-based two-way coupling approach for implicit–explicit multiphysics lattice discrete particle model simulations

Abstract

In this study, the researchers have developed a Multiphysics-Lattice Discrete Particle Model (M-LDPM) framework that deals with coupled-fracture-poroflow problems. The M-LDPM framework uses two lattice systems, the LDPM tessellation and the Flow Lattice Element (FLE) network, to represent the heterogeneous internal structure of typical quasi-brittle materials like concrete and rocks, and to simulate the material’s mechanical and transport behavior at the aggregate scale. The researchers revisited the LDPM governing equations and added the influence of fluid pore pressure. They also derived the Flow Lattice Model (FLM) governing equations for pore pressure flow through mass conservation balances for uncracked and cracked volumes. The M-LDPM framework was implemented using Abaqus user element subroutine VUEL for the explicit dynamic procedure of LDPM and user subroutine UEL for the implicit transient procedure of FLM. The coupling of the two models was achieved using Interprocess Communication (IPC) between Abaqus solvers. The M-LDPM framework can simulate the variation of permeability induced by fracturing processes by relating the transport properties of flow elements with local cracking behaviors. The researchers validated the M-LDPM framework by comparing the numerical simulation outcomes with analytical solutions of classical benchmarks in poromechanics.