Simulating hydro mechanical effects in rock deformation by combination of the discrete element method and the smoothed particle method

The discrete element method (DEM) has been used successfully to simulate rock failure. However, when considering the deformation of fluid-saturated rock, the DEM lacks the contribution of the fluid pressure. The presence of a (pore)-fluid can affect the effective stress state, which might result in a change in some of the mechanical properties of the rock, e.g. strength and modulus. Additionally, saturated rock is more susceptible to strain rate effects.