Module predicts tunnel failure, and more

The Geomechanics Module, which works with the Structural Mechanics Module add-on for Comsol Multiphysics software, is for geotechnical and civil-engineering applications such as evaluating slope stability and predicting tunnel, retaining structure, and excavation failures. The Geomechanics Module’s interfaces let users study plasticity, deformation, and failure of soils and rocks, as well as their interaction with concrete and manmade structures. For example, the module comes with a suite of sophisticated soil material models that take into account the internal friction and interlocking mechanisms of soil particles. The models include Cam-Clay, Drucker-Prager, Mohr-Coulomb, Matsuoka-Nakai, and Lade-Duncan. The Geomechanics Module also combines with the Comsol Subsurface Flow Module for simulating poroelasticity and other porous media applications. Comsol Inc., 1 New England Executive Park, Suite 350, Burlington, Mass,. 01803, (781) 273-3322, www.comsol.com