Geo-Bullet

Objects exhibiting relatively large stiffness, in such a way that their elastic deformation within the range of desired forces/stresses is negligible, can be modelled as Rigid Bodies. The rigid body module in Geo-Bullet uses Contact Dynamics approach to solve the contacts between the rigid bodies.

Objects such as rock pieces, anchors or spudcans of jack-up vessels can be modelled using Rigid body

The Figure shows the irregular-shaped polyhedrons modelled by Geo-Bullet are well representative of the real-like rock pieces. This will add additional realism and consequently accuracy to the simulation results.

The objects that their geometrical shape changes depending on the stress fields that they are subjected to are suitable to be represented by Soft Body Module. In these objects, two arbitrary positioned points on the geometrical domain of the object can translate or rotate about each other.

In Geo-Bullet, there are two core approaches to represent the Soft Bodies: Finite Element Method; and Material Point Method.

The Figure shows a woven geotextile modelled as a Soft Body under the impact load of dropping concrete block. The geotextile is placed over a concrete chamber filled with beach sand and constrained at the periphery.

Any fluid-like material such as water, mud and clay can be modelled via Fluids Module in Geo-Bullet. A parallel version of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic method has been occupied to model the fluids.

Alternatively, the Material Point Method can be used to represent the fluids, mud and clay. Depending on the simulation goals and demands, it can be decided which method to be undertaken.

The Figure shows a 2D pressure-field visualisation of a cylindrical chamber filled with clay while a smaller rigid cylinder is dropping and cutting through the clay. The clay is modelled using Fluids Module.