Background
Professor Kaiwen Xia is seeking to advance the understanding of the fracturing of rocks through dynamic testing using a variety of innovative approaches. This includes extensive development and application of the split-Hopkinson bar apparatus. Improved understanding of fractures, cracks and micro cracks is providing new insights into the formation of earthquakes, and leading to better methods for predicting stability of rock masses for application in mining, tunnelling, hydrocarbon reservoir production, and rock slope stability.
Education and Designations
B.S. & M.S. (Mech. Eng., U. of Sci. & Tech. China)
M.S. (Geophysics, Caltech)
Ph.D. (Mech. Eng, Caltech)
Publications
- Xia, K., C.L. Liu and P. Kanoplous, “On the energy of dynamic fractures”, International Journal of Nonlinear Sciences and Numerical Simulation, (Accepted on Oct. 20, 2011).
- Huang, S., K. Xia and F. Dai, “Establishment of a dynamic Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion for rocks”, International Journal of Nonlinear Sciences and Numerical Simulation, (Accepted on Oct. 5, 2011).
- Huang, S., S.N. Luo, B. Tatone and K. Xia, “Dynamic fracture tests of PMMA using a dynamic semi-circular bend technique”, Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, (Accepted on Oct. 10, 2010).
- Zhou, Y.X., K. Xia, et al., “Suggested methods for determining the dynamic strength parameters and mode-I fracture toughness of rock materials”, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, (In press).
- Dai, F., K. Xia, H. Zheng and Y.X. Wang, “Determination of Dynamic Rock Mode-I Fracture Parameters using Cracked Chevron Notched Semi-Circular Bend specimen”, Engineering Fracture Mechanics, doi:10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.06.02, 78(15), 2633-2644, 2011.
- Huang, S., X.T. Feng and K. Xia, “A dynamic punch method to quantify the dynamic shear strength of brittle solids”, Review of Scientific Instruments, 82, 053901, 2011.
- Huang, S., K. Xia and L. Qiao, “Dynamic tests of cemented paste backfill: effects of strain rate, curing time and cement content on compressive strength”, Journal of Materials Science, doi: 10.1007/s10853-011-5449-0, 46(15), 5165, 2011.
- Zhou, Z., B. Zhang, K. Xia, X. Li, G. Yan and K. Zhang “Smart film for crack monitoring of concrete bridges”,Structural Health Monitoring, doi:10.1177/1475921710373288, 10(3), 275–289, 2011.
- Dong, S.M., K. Xia, S. Huang and T. Yin, “Rate dependence of the tensile and flexural strengths of glass-ceramic Macor”,Journal of Materials Science, DOI:10.1007/s10853-010-4852-2, 46(2), 394-399, 2011.
- Tang, L. and K. Xia, “Seismological method for prediction of regional rockbursts in a deep mine with seismic source mechanism and rock unstable failure theory”, Journal of Central South University of Technology, 947-953, DOI: 10.1007/s11771-010-0582-5, 2010.
- Dai, F., S. Huang, K. Xia and Z. Tan, “Some fundamental issues in dynamic compression and tension tests of rocks using split Hopkinson pressure bar”, Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, DOI: 10.1007/s00603-010-0091-8, 43(6), 657-666, 2010.
- Huang, S., K. Xia, F. Yan and X.T. Feng, “An experimental study of the rate dependence of tensile strength softening of Longyou sandstone”, Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, DOI: 10.1007/s00603-010-0083-8, 43(6), 677-683, 2010.
- Dai, F. and K. Xia, “Loading rate dependence of tensile strength anisotropy of Barre granite”, Pure and Applied Geophysics, DOI: 10.1007/s00024-010-0103-3, 167, 1419-1432, 2010.
- Huang, S., R. Chen and K. Xia, “Quantification of dynamic tensile parameters of rocks using a modified Kolsky tension bar apparatus”, Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1235.2010.00162, 2(2), 162–168, 2010.
- Dai, F., R. Chen, and K. Xia, “Semi-circular bend in split Hopkinson pressure bar for dynamic fracture toughness measurements”, Experimental Mechanics, doi:10.1007/s11340-009-9273-2, 50(6), 783-791, 2010.
- Dai, F., R. Chen, J. M. Iqbal and K. Xia, “Dynamic Cracked Chevron Notched Brazilian Disc (CCNBD) Method for Measuring Rock Fracture Parameters”, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences,doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2010.04.00247, 47(4), 606-613, 2010.
- Dai, F., K. Xia and L. Tang, “Rate dependence of flexural tensile strength of Laurentian granite”, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 47(3), 469–475, 10.1016/j.ijrmms. 2009.05.001, 2010.
- Chen R., X. Guo, F. Lu and K. Xia, “Dynamic fracture study of Stanstead granite”, Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 29(2), 375-380, 2010.
- Xia K., “Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests on rocks”, News Journal-International Society for Rock Mechanics, 12, 72-75, 2009.
- Chen, R., F. Lu, Y. Lin, P. Zhao, J. Li and K. Xia, “A Critical Review of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Technique”,Advances in Mechanics, 39(5), 576-587, 2009.
- Chen, R., Y. Lin, F. Lu, K. Xia, “Analysis of failure feature of Barre granite under dynamic compression”, Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 28(S1), 2743-2748, 2009.
- Chen, R., S. Huang, K. Xia and F. Lu, “A modified Kolsky bar system for testing ultra-soft materials under intermediate strain rates”, Review of Scientific Instruments, 80, 076108(1-3), 2009.
- Chen, R., K. Xia, F. Dai, F. Lu and S.N. Luo, “Determination of dynamic fracture parameters using a semi-circular bend technique in split Hopkinson pressure bar testing”, Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 76, 1268-1276, 10.1016/ j.engfracmech.2009.02.001, 2009.
- Dai, F., K. Xia and S.N. Luo, “Semi-circular bend testing with split Hopkinson pressure bar for measuring dynamic tensile strength of brittle solids”, Review of Scientific Instruments 79(12), 123903 (1-6), 2008.
- Xia, K., M.H.B. Nassari, B. Mohanty, F. Lu, R. Chen and S.N. Luo, “Effects of microstructures on dynamic compression of Barre granite”, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science, doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.09.013, 45(6), 879-887, 2008.
- Xia, K., R. Chen, S. Huang and S.N., Luo, “Controlled multipulse loading with a stuffed striker in classical split Hopkinson pressure bar testing”, Review of Scientific Instruments, 79(5), 053906 (1-6), 2008.
- Xia, K., C. Rousseau and A.J. Rosakis, “Experimental investigations of spontaneous bimaterial interfacial fractures”,Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, 29(3), 173-184, 2008
- Luo, S.N., L. Han, Y. Xie, Q. An, L.Q. Zheng, and K.W. Xia, “The relation between shock-state particle velocity and free surface velocity: A molecular dynamics study on single crystal Cu and silica glass”, Journal of Applied Physics, 103(9), 093530 (1-6), 2008.
- Xia, K.W., V.B. Chalivendra and A.J. Rosakis, “Observing ideal ‘self-similar’ crack growth in experiments”,Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 73, 2748-2755, doi:10.1016/j.engfracmech.2006.05.001, 2006.
- Rosakis, A.J., H. Kanamori, and K.W. Xia, “Laboratory earthquake”, International Journal of Fracture 138, 211-218, DOI 10.1007/s10704-006-0030-6, 2006.
- Xia, K., V.B. Chalivendra and A.J. Rosakis, “Spontaneous mixed-mode fractures in bonded similar and dissimilar materials”, Experimental Mechanics, 46(2), 163-171, DOI 10.1007/s11340-006-6423-7, 2006.
- Xia, K.W., “Scaling model for fracture energies: the rationalization of different laboratory measurements”,Geophysical Research Letters, 33, L01305, doi:10.1029/ 2005GL024446, 2006.
- Xia, K., A.J. Rosakis and H. Kanamori, “Supershear and subRayleigh to supershear transition observed in laboratory earthquake experiments”, Experimental Techniques, 29(3), 63-66, 2005.
- Xia, K.W., A.J. Rosakis, H. Kanamori and J.R. Rice, “Laboratory earthquakes along inhomogeneous faults: directionality and supershear”, Science, 308 (5722), 681-684, 2005.
- Xia, K.W., A.J. Rosakis, and H. Kanamori, “Laboratory earthquakes: The sub-Rayleigh-to-supershear rupture transition”, Science, 303 (5665), 1859-1861, 2004.
- Xia K.W. and T.J. Ahrens, “Impact induced damage beneath craters”, Geophysical Research Letters, 28 (18): 3525-3527 SEP 15 2001.
- Xia K.W. and Z.P. Tang, “A constitutive relation for multi-component granular materials based on micro-contacts”, J. University of Science & Technology of China, 30(4): 422-429, AUG 2000.
- Xia K.W., W.Y. Liu and Z.P. Tang, “Experimental study of dynamic properties of 30CrMnSiA steel at high temperature”,Explosion and Shock Waves, 18(4): 310-316, OCT 1998.
- Xia K.W., J.Y. Cheng and S.S. Hu, “Application of SHPB apparatus to the measurement of high temperature dynamical mechanical behaviors of materials”, Experimental Mechanics of China, 13(3): 307-313, SEP 1998.
Books and Book Chapters
- Xia, K., F. Dai and R. Chen, “Advancements in Hopkinson pressure bar techniques and applications to rock strength and fracture”, in Advances in Rock Dynamics and Applications, edited by Y. Zhou and J. Zhao, Taylor & Francis, 2011.
- Wang, Y., K. Xia and Q. Shen, 2008 International Conference on Construction and Real Estate Management – Construction for a sustainable future, Chinese Construction Industry Press, Bejing, 2008.
- Rosakis, A. J., K. Xia, G. Lykotrafitis and H. Kanamori, “Dynamic shear rupture in frictional interfaces: speeds, directionality and modes”, in Treatise on Geophysics, Vol. 4, edited by H. Kanamori, Elsevier, 2007.
- Rosakis, A.J., H. Kanamori and K. Xia, “Laboratory earthquakes”, in Advances in Fracture Research, edited by A. Carpinteri, Y.W. Mai and R.O. Ritchie, Springer, 2006.
- Xia, K., F. Dai and R. Chen, “Advancements in Hopkinson pressure bar techniques and applications to rock strength and fracture”, in Advances in Rock Dynamics and Applications, edited by Y. Zhou and J. Zhao, Taylor & Francis, 2011.
- Wang, Y., K. Xia and Q. Shen, 2008 International Conference on Construction and Real Estate Management – Construction for a sustainable future, Chinese Construction Industry Press, Bejing, 2008.
- Rosakis, A. J., K. Xia, G. Lykotrafitis and H. Kanamori, “Dynamic shear rupture in frictional interfaces: speeds, directionality and modes”, in Treatise on Geophysics, Vol. 4, edited by H. Kanamori, Elsevier, 2007.
- Rosakis, A.J., H. Kanamori and K. Xia, “Laboratory earthquakes”, in Advances in Fracture Research, edited by A. Carpinteri, Y.W. Mai and R.O. Ritchie, Springer, 2006.
Teaching
| Course Code | Title & Description | Session | Day(s) | Start Time | End | Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIV521H GradList | Rock Mechanics This course provides general analytical tools and experimental methods that are used in rock mechanics. The lectures are complemented with laboratory experiments. Theoretical topics include: stress and strain, linear elasticity, failure modes and models of rocks, fracture of rocks, inelastic behavior of rock, seismic waves in rocks. Experiments include: preparation of rock samples, uniaxial compressive strength measurements, Brazilian disc tests for rock tensile strength, fracture toughness measurements with core-based rock samples. Prerequisite: CIV210H1/CME210H1. View full course description in the Engineering Undergrad Academic Calendar. | Fall 2019 | Scheduled by the Office of the Faculty Registrar. | |||
| CIV1422H GradList | Dynamic Response of Engineering Materials Fundamental theories and applications of response and failure of engineering materials (e.g. rocks, concretes, steels, polymers and glass) under highly dynamic loading. Topics include elastic and plastic stress wave propagation, failure and fracture theory under rapidly varying loads, dynamic fracture toughness, nucleation and propagation of damage in materials and their theoretical and experimental quantification. Lectures will be supplemented by selected laboratory exercises involving the newly built state-of-the-art Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar facilities, to illustrate the physics of dynamic loading, strain-rate effects, and high velocity fracture in engineering materials. | Summer TBA |
Contact
Kaiwen Xia
Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
University of Toronto
35 St. George St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M5S 1A4
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