Mechanical Numerical Simulation of Microcapsule Self-healing Cement Rock Based on Lattice Model

Concrete is the most widely used material globally, but it is prone to micro-cracks, which negatively affect the strength and durability of concrete structures. Therefore, there is significant interest in developing materials that can spontaneously repair these micro-cracks. Drawing inspiration from the self-healing properties found in organisms, researchers have proposed a microcapsule-based self-healing system capable of improving material strength. This study examines the impact of microcapsule parameters on the mechanical and repair properties of cement rock by establishing a fracture model that incorporates self-healing microcapsules, based on lattice model theory. The effects of microcapsule content and particle size on the strength, elastic modulus, stress-strain curve, crack development, and repair properties of cement rock were analyzed through simulations of its mechanical response and fracture process under uniaxial tensile and compression conditions. The results indicate that as microcapsule content increases, both the compressive and tensile strength of cement rock decrease, although the microcapsules provide a measurable repair effect.