Numerical investigation on blast-induced rock fragmentation with different stemming structures

Abstract Stemming is one of the main concerns in blast rock engineering due to its impact on explosion energy consumption and excavation performance. In this study, blast-induced fragmentation under different stemming conditions numerically studied using combined numerical modelling image processing. After careful determination parameters constitutive material models, developed model LS-DYNA verified based testing results including fracturing fragment size distribution (FSD). The calibrated models are then used pressure variation disintegration produced by blasting with structures. data simulated obtained image-processing cut surfaces program ImageJ, blast-created FSD characterized a three-parameter generalized extreme value function. effects combination explosive, air/sand deck quantitatively analysed, considering various modes, lengths lengths. show that decreases an increase length, decreasing replacement top (stemming at borehole collar air deck) bottom directly contact explosive) alteration sand deck, while range exhibits opposite tendency. Bottom recommended for practical efficiency robustness respect length.