Numerical study on the mechanism of tool impact fragmentation in heterogeneous rock under confining pressure
Huihe Zhao, Hongxiang Jiang*, Zijian Wu, Dongsheng Zhao, Airong Wang
Deep Resources Engineering. 2026, 3(2): 100208. 
doi.org10.1016j.deepre.2025.100208.pdf
Abstract: To address the problems of damage observation and stress extraction during the impact breaking of granite by tools under confining pressure, a numerical model for the fragmentation of heterogeneous rocks by hammer-tool impact was established based on the pre-processing model modifications. The crack propagation and damage distribution of heterogeneous rock impacted by machinery were studied in this article. The results indicate that during tool impact rock breaking, the rock at the impact point mainly experiences compression and shear failure, whereas tensile stress dominates the propagation of rock cracks around the point of impact. Interlayer distribution and boundary layer ambiguity exist in the propagation of stress waves in heterogeneous rocks. The confining pressure primarily suppresses the propagation of internal cracks and damage in rocks, as it influences tensile and shear stresses. The research results provide a theoretical reference for improving the efficiency of rock breaking by mining machinery impact.
Highlights:
• The propagation of stress waves in heterogeneous rock has been studied.
• Analyzed the influence of various stresses on tool impact rock breaking.
• Studied the effect of confining pressure on tool impact rock breaking.
Keywords: Mechanical impact; Heterogeneous rock; Confining pressure; Rock-breaking mechanism
Cite: Zhao, H.H.; Jiang, H.X.; Wu, Z.J.; Zhao, D.S.; Wang, A.R., Numerical study on the mechanism of tool impact fragmentation in heterogeneous rock under confining pressure, Deep Resources Engineering 2026, 3 (2), 100208.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.deepre.2025.100208
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