SPH-FEM coupling simulation of rock blast damage based on the determination and optimization of the RHT model parameters

Abstract To improve the accuracy of the results of rock blast damage simulation, a numerical scheme of ascertaining and optimizing the Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) model parameters was developed. First, the RHT model was adopted to simulate limestone penetration experiments, and the 31 RHT model parameters were initially determined based on the published data and theoretical derivation. Subsequently, sensitivity analyses were conducted using the “controlled variable method” to optimally determine the parameters. Finally, the RHT model parameters and coupled smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH)-finite element method (FEM) were employed to simulate the limestone blast damage. The results demonstrate that the relative sensitive parameters obtained by taking the penetration depth of the projectile as the investigation index are ρ 0 , ρ s , p e , G , f ϕ , B , M, and F G . The proposed “constant-amplitude adjustment method” can guarantee the integrity of the parameter ascertainment to a certain extent. The blast simulations indicate that the RHT model parameters determined based on the penetration experiment have certain applicability for the blast simulation and that the coupled SPH-FEM algorithm has a great advantage over FEM or SPH and can realistically show the whole process of rock blasting.