Abstract:

The application of strain analysis and fracture prediction technology is of great importance in geosciences. However, the
discrete element method (DEM), which is suitable for solving problems with discontinuous property, has not been widely used in this
field. This paper presents an attempt to construct DEM model of a bulk of rock with realistic properties, followed by a simulation of the
evolution of a compressional detachment structure. The strain distribution and fracture formation are analyzed afterwards. As to the
detachment structure, the result shows that the interval in which the fracture generation reaches its peak precedes the one in which the
fault appears the most active. Additionally, fractures and strain distribution share the same concentrating areas, and the number of
fractures is proportional to the intensity of the strain. Also, fractures that are related to the same fault first concentrate on its fault plane,
then appear in the vicinity of that plane. It indicates that, within the range of fault influence, the further a fracture is from the fault
plane, the later it is generated. Above all, the result has revealed a great application potential of DEM in the field of strain analysis and
fracture prediction.

Key words: discrete element method, strain analysis, fracture prediction