Abstract:
Sustainable development and utilization of deep clean energy is one of the important guarantees for China to achieve its carbon neutrality and emission peak goals, and catastrophic effects of coupled multi-field processes and their regulation techniques in deep fractured rock masses are the key challenges faced by deep geo-energy projects for increasing and stabilizing production. Deep rock masses contain complex fracture networks, and under the combined effects of extreme conditions such as high ground stress, high ground temperature, high permeation pressure, and complex hydrochemical environments, their physical and mechanical properties have undergone fundamental changes compared to shallow rock masses. As a result, the intrinsic dynamic mechanisms of deformation and damage in deep fractured rock masses are more complex, the effects of coupled multi-field processes are more pronounced, and the unpredictability of engineering catastrophes is increasingly significant. In this paper, the research progress on the multi-field coupling theory in deep fractured rock masses is systematically reviewed. In addition, the water-rock interaction mechanisms and coupled heat transfer and mass transport behaviors in rock fractures under multi-field coupling conditions are highlighted, and the developments in experimental methodologies and equipment for characterizing these coupled multi-physics processes are summarized. Regarding modeling approaches, the evolution from analytical models to discrete fracture network models is systematically described, with the emphasis on the significance of coupling parameters and nonlinear constitutive models in accurately capturing the discontinuous and heterogeneous nature of fractured rock masses. Furthermore, the recent advances in multi-field coupling theory for deep fractured rock masses are summarized, and the catastrophe mechanisms and current research status under multi-field coupling are analyzed through typical deep underground engineering case studies. Finally, future research directions are outlined, focusing on extreme mechanics, hypergravity physical simulation, and deep integration with artificial intelligence.