Experimental study on the particles geometric shape and fractal characteristics of different particle size tailings

By using the self-developed observation apparatus for micromechanics and deformation of tailings, this paper researched the geometric and fractal characteristics of different particles size tailings. The results show that: For the same region, major and minor axis of tailings particles have a good linear relationship, and the ratio of each major axis to the minor has small difference; the range is 1.118 similar to 1.8426; particles shape is close to spherical. Tailings particles have a significant fractal feature, its fractal dimensions of perimeter-area are 1.288 similar to 1.533. Tailings particles fractal dimension of perimeter-area has a close relationship with the particles size, its value reduces significantly with the increase of particles size at first, and when particles size reaches a certain value, it increases slightly, and the relationship presents a sunken shear curve. These research results can provide theoretical basis for quantitatively describe the tailings particles' structural features and damage deformation of tailings dam.