Visualizing Tensor Fields in Geomechanics
* Computer Science Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
+ Dept. of Civil and Environmental Eng., University of California, Davis
Abstract:
The study of stress and strains in soils and structures (solids) help us
gain a better understanding of events such as failure of bridges, dams
and
buildings, or accumulated stresses and strains in geological subduction
zones that could trigger earthquakes and subsequently tsunamis.
In such domains,
the key feature of interest is the location
and orientation of maximal shearing planes.
This paper describes a method that highlights
this feature in stress tensor fields.
It uses a plane-in-a-box glyph
which provides a global perspective of shearing
planes based on local analysis of tensors.
The analysis can be performed over the entire domain,
or the user can interactively specify where to
introduce these glyphs.
Alternatively, they can also be placed depending
on the threshold level of several physical relevant parameters
such as double couple and compensated linear vector dipole.
Both methods are tested on stress tensor fields from geomechanics.
Paper:
A
pdf
version of the paper is available.
Images:
-
Boussinesq Dual Pointload (one compression, one tension):
(a) Linear scale isotropy; (b) Log scale isotropy and opacity; (c) Double
Couple, 0-71.5%;
(d) Double Couple, 97.5-100%.
Arrows show applied force.
-
Bridge Supports Embedded in Soil:
(a) Double Couple, bridge parts labeled;
(b) Eigen Difference, arrow shows applied force
(c) Log Scale Isotropy: thresholding shows shadowing effect (0-25% and
75-100%)
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