International Numerical Modeling Contest of Rock Mechanics and Engineering - 2023

1.Introduction

Over the past two decades, with the rapid development of computing devices and computing power, various numerical calculation methods have emerged one after another, such as finite element method (FEM), boundary element method (BEM), finite difference method (FDM), discrete element method (DEM), discontinuous deformation method (DDA) and numerical manifold method (NMM). These calculation methods have greatly promoted numerical simulation in rock mechanics and engineering. In 2021, the first International Numerical Modeling Contest of Rock Mechanics and Engineering (INCR 2021) was held successfully and rich organization experience was accumulated. Due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the second contest could not proceed as scheduled. However, the third International Numerical Modeling Contest of Rock Mechanics and Engineering (INCR 2023) is set to resume in mid-October this year, and all necessary preparations have been completed. INCR 2023 encourages students to conduct open, transparent, and extensive verification of existing numerical methods and software for rock mechanics problems. INCR 2023 aims to provide a platform for sharing the experimental and numerical research of rock mechanics problems and promote the application of numerical simulation in rock mechanics and engineering.

INCR 2023 will be organized by the Commission on Discontinuous Deformation Analysis of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, the Commission on Rock Dynamics of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, the Commission on Radioactive Waste Disposal of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, the Commission on Discontinuous Deformation Analysis of the Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation of Tianjin University, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Nanjing University, Hebei University of Technology, Southeast University, Dalian University of Technology, Beijing University of Technology and Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology of China National Nuclear Corporation.

2. Schedule

3. Rules

3.1. Topics

Half-opened topic: there are two stages for the numerical modeling of classic rock mechanical problems. The first stage is called the "white box" stage, in which a group of experimental data will be provided for the parameter calibration. After the calibration, the team is asked to simulate and predict the results under given conditions. The following stage is the "black box". The experimental data and reference numerical results of the "black box" stage will be released after the contest.

3.2. Teams

Team Members: The contest is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctors. A team allows up to five members.

Team Advisor: Each team can have one team advisor.

3.3. Contest Rules

• Each team can have one team advisor, and each member can only participate in one team. However, one advisor can provide advice or guidance for multiple teams.

• The contest question will be sent to the participating team by email according to your selection.

• Each team should complete the task independently. It is not allowed to seek help from others in any way. Team members can use any resources, such as webpages, books, articles, research reports, and databases. Note that, the originality of your submitted paper must be declared. If there are any references, please indicate them in the text to ensure that they do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.

• Commercial software, self-made numerical code, or open-source code can be used in this contest. Whatever method you choose, please ensure the repeatability of the results. (Commercial software includes but is not limited to ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, FLAC, PFC, UDEC, 3DEC, RFPA, MatDem, etc. The participating teams need to have the corresponding copyright license.)

• Team members are strictly prohibited from posting or sharing content in any form during the contest.

• Each participating team is required to complete the contest task in 5 days (120 hours).

• The team's result paper should be written in English. The paper includes a complete presentation of your work ideas, calculation principles, modeling process, results analysis, innovation of the work, etc.

• The team leader should name the final paper in a special format, for example, INCR2023+leader's name+title. You should submit your team's result paper in PDF file format.

• The team result paper should be submitted to the official email, INCR_official@126.com. It should be submitted before the deadline.

• In alignment with the national dual-carbon goals and to reduce carbon emissions, all award certificates will be issued in electronic format, and paper copies will no longer be provided. The award ceremony will also be conducted online instead of in person.
  

Note: The organizational committee reserves the right to final interpretation.

4. Awards

If your report can be selected as the reference answer, the outstanding contribution award will be given to your team.

The first, second and third prizes will be awarded according marking results, and certificates will be issued.

5. Organizers

• Commission on Discontinuous Deformation Analysis, International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

• Commission on Rock Dynamics, International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

• Commission on Radioactive Waste Disposal, International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

• Commission on Discontinuous Deformation Analysis, Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering

• State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University

• China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), China

• Nanjing University, China

• Hebei University of Technology, China

• Southeast University, China

• Dalian University of Technology, China

• Beijing University of Technology, China

• Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, China National Nuclear Corporation

  
  

6. Sponsor

• State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University