High-resolution numeric simulation of a standard rockfall test setup

摘要

A standard test setup in high-resolution detailing was numerically simulated with SONAR software. The multibody dynamic-simulation software SONAR offers a new, universal approach in terms of the modeling, connection and interaction between objects in a complex mechanical system. The certified "Falling Rock Protection Barrier RXE-1000", which has been intensively tested, experimentally measured and analyzed, formed the basis for investigating this approach. The core hardware equipment consists of several elastic ring-nets which, together with the dissipating device, can absorb energy of up to 1000 kJ. For the corresponding practical tests, there are detailed results for the deformation behavior of the overall system and of various specific parts. Further, comprehensive measurements at various key positions were also taken during the practical tests. Slow motion recordings of the impact from various perspectives complete the base material. This entire rockfall test setup was then modelled three-dimensionally at a very high level of detail (down to the bolts and cables) and simulated dynamically. A comparison of the results shows that in the future, we will be able to make precise predictions about the dynamic movement behavior of complex systems in full detail as well as associated exact predictions of the physical loads. The match between experiment and theory will be documented in the next steps in a series of video clips that show comparative movement behavior as a function of time of various parts of the system. The success of this dynamic analysis prompted us to develop a special SONAR module that's industry-specific in terms of simulation for the rockfall and security-system fields. This will allow for the creation and simulation of a model of a complete system within a reasonably short time.