Abstract Rock slopes with intermittent joints in open-pit mines are complex geological bodies composed of intact rock and discontinuous structural planes, their stability analysis necessary for mine disaster prevention. In this study, a series base friction tests were performed to determine the failure process displacement field evolution using speckle technique noncontact measurement system. N...

Groundwater level plays an important role in triggering landslides. In this paper, Distinct Element Method is used to investigate the impact of groundwater table fluctuation on stability jointed rock slopes. For purpose, 110 cases including different number joint sets, friction angles, spacings, and angles are considered influence changing a slope investigated through series parametric studies....

Unmanned planetary landers to date have landed "blind"; that is, without the benefit of onboard landing hazard detection and avoidance systems. This constrains landing site selection to very benign terrain, which in turn constrains the scientific agenda of missions. The state of the art Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) technology can land a spacecraft on Mars somewhere within a very large land...