The computational engine of Irazu simulation software is based on the finite-discrete element method. This inherently means that Irazu is equipped with a finite element solver (FEM). The FEM solver uses linear elastic constitutive laws (isotropic and transversely isotropic) and solves the equations of motion using an explicit time integration scheme. Therefore, it is well … Read more
The multi-facetted experimental and numerical investigation forming the PhD thesis of Geomechanica’s Dr. Bryan Tatone entitled “Investigating the evolution of rock discontinuity asperity degradation and void space morphology under direct shear ” demonstrated the first experimentally-supported simulation of discontinuity shearing using a FDEM modelling approach. Dr. Tatone’s work coupled micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) with FDEM modelling … Read more
Irazu makes use of state-of-the-art high performance computing techniques to speed-up computations. In particular, we use GPU (graphics processing unit) computing on consumer-grade AMD graphics cards. To demonstrate the improvement in computation speed, five uniaxial compression strength (UCS) tests with an increasing number of finite elements were simulated using Irazu and the sequential CPU code … Read more
We are excited to announce that we have been working on the introduction of hydro-mechanical (H-M) coupling in our Irazu FDEM software. The introduction of H-M coupling arguably makes the Irazu software one of the most sophisticated simulation software currently available for geomechanical applications as a multitude of multi-physics processes can be taken into account, … Read more
Understanding and predicting the the rock mass mechanical response to temperature variations is relevant for a number of geo-engineering applications, including: underground disposal of nuclear waste, geothermal energy extraction, underground LNG storage, geological sequestration of CO2, and coal bed gas extraction. We are pleased to announce that we have been working on the introduction of … Read more