ABSTRACT
The elastic strain energy stored in the model under gravity loading provides a unique condition for the study of phenomena of interest in rock mechanics. A versatile centrifuge was constructed in 1956 at the then Missouri School of Mines to extend the application of centrifugal testing to problems in rock mechanics. Available literature indicates that the first geotechnical research in centrifugal testing in rock mechanics was done by Bucky at Columbia University and this was followed by an intensive research program by Panek at the Bureau of Mines representing about two decades of effort in 1940 and 1960. Mathematical modelling methods offer means of solution of only relatively simple rock mechanics problems. Their capacity for solution of complex geological structural design problems, especially coupled problems, are markedly limited. The effective modelling of models, particularly as concerns the modelling of material properties, has a vital function in the present process of the development of rock mechanics centrifugal testing.
