DEVELOPMENT OF 3D NUMERICAL MANIFOLD METHOD

The numerical manifold method (NMM) is a combination of the finite element method (FEM) and discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method. It provides a robust numerical solution to a solid medium with dense discontinuities. This paper extends NMM to the three-dimensional domain based on the 2D fundamentals. The general framework of the 3D NMM is introduced, including the cover geometry patterns (GP) with division structure from hexahedron to tetrahedron, and general formulations based on the virtual work principle. The block cutting process to generate discrete blocks are discussed through the topological structure description of blocks, and the operation rule of blocks is explained. The proposed 3D block generation algorithm allows for any arbitrary discrete structure or block system. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate that the developed 3D numerical manifold code is effective and applicable to 3D continuum solids. Further developments aim to incorporate contact models to simulate complicated discrete block system.