The discrete element method (DEM) is becoming widely accepted as an effective method of addressing tectonic problems in granular materials. It is capable of reproducing structures observed in the analogue model (AM). However, the previous experiments also pointed to variability among DEM and AM models in the number of fault zones, the dip angle and spacing, and in the evolution of surface slope of thrust wedge. The accuracy of DEM depends on the input parameter values, so the calibration of the discrete element method is very important. Microscopic properties of particles and macroscopic properties of loose quartz sand were calibrated through a series of repose angle and biaxial tests. Furthermore, an AM was constructed to simulate the evolution of the thrust wedge to compare with DEM results. DEM and AM results indicate an encouraging overall agreement in model evolution. Based on a new automated wedge quantification method, DEM results were systematically compared with AM in the number of fault zones, their dip angle and spacing, the evolution of surface slope of thrust wedge, and other parameters. Our study provides a necessary comparison between commonly applied modeling approaches, which is important for more confidently applying these methods to understand real fold and thrust belt systems.

中文翻译：

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离散元方法的标定和缩短实验的建模

离散元素方法（DEM）被广泛认为是解决颗粒材料中构造问题的有效方法。它能够复制在模拟模型（AM）中观察到的结构。但是，先前的实验也指出了DEM和AM模型之间在断层带数量，倾角和间距以及推力楔形表面坡度演化方面的差异。DEM的精度取决于输入参数值，因此离散元素方法的校准非常重要。通过一系列休止角和双轴测试，对颗粒的微观性质和疏松石英砂的宏观性质进行了校准。此外，构造了一个AM以模拟推力楔的演变，以与DEM结果进行比较。DEM和AM结果表明，在模型演化方面令人鼓舞的总体共识。基于一种新的自动楔形定量方法，在断层带的数量，倾角和间距，推力楔形表面坡度的演变以及其他参数方面，将DEM结果与AM进行了系统地比较。我们的研究提供了常用建模方法之间的必要比较，这对于更自信地应用这些方法来了解真实的褶皱和逆冲带系统非常重要。