DISCONTINUOUS DEFORMATION ANALYSIS: A NEW NUMERICAL MODEL FOR THE STATICS AND DYNAMICS OF DEFORMABLE BLOCK STRUCTURES

A numerical model of deformable block systems that gives a unique solution for large displacement, large deformation and failure computations is presented. The forces acting on each block, from external loading or contact with other blocks, satisfy the equilibrium equations. Equilibrium is also achieved between external forces and the block stresses. Furthermore, the analysis fulfills constraints of no tension between blocks and no penetration of one block into another. Also, Coloumb's law is fulfilled at all contact positions for both static and dynamic computations. The program ready algorithms with brief derivations are stated in this paper.