Experiments and Fluent–Engineering Discrete Element Method-Based Numerical Analysis of Block Motion in Underwater Rock-Plug Blasting

Underwater rock-plug blasting is a special technique for excavating underwater inlets. In the process of excavation, blasting-block movement from difference in water pressure inside and outside tunnel one key factors successful construction. Laboratory experiments were conducted using small explosive charges, high-speed camera was adopted to observe study block motion. Then, numerical simulations model experiment based on Fluent Engineering Discrete Element Method (EDEM) coupling program developed user-defined function (UDF) interface reveal mechanism underpinning penetration blasting. The results showed that motion can be divided into two stages. first stage, broken blocks move sides along axis rock plug under blast load. A crater formed downstream end face effects free face, while upstream loosened, or are ejected influence pressure. second flow broken-rock pit scouring gravity, and, finally, penetrated. larger head opening angle are, better effect is. Fluent–EDEM algorithm good agreement with experimental terms velocity curve blocks, indicating method had favorable simulating interaction during findings expected promote application popularization provide reference water-intake water-diversion projects.