Hydrological–Thermal Coupling Simulation of Silty Clay during Unidirectional Freezing Based on the Discrete Element Method

A hydrological–thermal coupling discrete element model depicting the unidirectional freezing process of unsaturated silty clay was developed in order to investigate migration law unfrozen water under circumstances. The uses contact heat transfer equation calculate while taking into account latent phase transition. To obtain clay’s characteristic curve, combines content curve with Clausius–Clapeyron equation. from zone frozen calculated using Harlan’s and fringe hypothesis. application MatDEM 3.0 used incorporate mathematical for computation, output compared result indoor tests. soil closest stable front had largest content, according findings numerical modeling laboratory testing, would move action potential difference. results tests simulations can accurately describe temperature variation during freezing, demonstrating accuracy established proving viability method study soil.