Visual propagation of explosion stress waves in gradient media

Layered composite rock masses are widely found in mining, tunnel excavation, and slope stabilization engineering, representing a common geological structure in nature. Due to their formation conditions, the internal strength of layered composite rock masses often exhibits gradient variations. This study simulates layered composite rock masses using epoxy resin materials and employs a dynamic photoelasticity-digital image correlation integrated experimental system to conduct a visualized, detailed analysis of the propagation process of explosive stress waves in gradient media. To investigate the attenuation patterns and energy flux density evolution of explosive stress waves under both forward and reverse gradient conditions. By comparing the dynamic photoelastic stripe patterns, the study visually analyzes the transmission and reflection characteristics under different propagation paths, and uses digital image correlation to quantitatively assess the differences in the attenuation rates of explosive stress waves. The results indicate that the fringe order of the explosive stress wave remains unchanged in the forward propagation path, with significant reflection at the joint surface. In the reverse propagation path, the fringe order exhibits a decaying pattern, and the dynamic photoelastic fringes maintain good continuity at the joint surface. The explosive stress wave demonstrates better penetration in reverse gradient media. Changes in joints and materials within gradient media alter the rate of horizontal stress attenuation, with faster attenuation observed in positive gradient media. By introducing the Poynting vector to compare energy flux density, it was found that energy flux density decays faster in positive gradient materials at the same measurement points, and the propagation of explosive stress waves in positive gradient materials exhibits an energy-absorbing process.