Visualization of the complex structure and stress field inside rock by means of 3D printing technology

摘要: Accurate characterization and visualization of the complex inner structure stress distribution rocks are vital significance to solve a variety underground engineering problems. In this paper, we incorporate several advanced technologies, such as CT scan, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, 3D printing, produce physical model representing natural coal rock that inherently contains fractures or joints. We employ frozen photoelastic technologies characterize visualize within fractured under uniaxial compression. The printed presents fracture structures identical those prototype. mechanical properties model, including compression strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, testified be similar prototype rock. tests show location concentration gradient around discontinuous in good agreement with numerical predictions real sample. proposed method appears capable visually quantifying influences discontinuous, irregular on deformation, incorporating printing shows promising way quantify their rocks, which can also used verify simulations.