Impact of particle elongation on the behavior of round and angular granular media: Consequences of particle rotation and force chain development

Usman Ali, Mamoru Kikumoto (Lead / Corresponding author), Matteo Ciantia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We developed a 2D discrete element model to simulate shearing response of elongated round and angular particles. Model was calibrated and validated by comparing numerical results with corresponding biaxial shearing tests on circular (round) and hexagonal (angular) rods at microscopic and macroscopic scales. Then, the systematic effect of particles aspect ratio was investigated on quasi-static shearing response of round and angular granular materials. Macroscopically, we observed a nonlinear tendency wherein as the aspect ratio decreased from 1, the critical state stress ratio initially increased, reaching a maximum, followed by a decreasing trend. This effect was more prominent in round samples. Microscopically, decreasing the aspect ratio from 1 reduced particle rotations and increased the mean coordination number. Elongated particles exhibited significant contact anisotropy, forming irregular force chains, facilitating interparticle sliding, and reducing overall strength. Additionally, we explored the impact of the interparticle friction coefficient. A high value of interparticle friction coefficient led to a monotonically increasing strength with elongation, underscoring the importance of accurately calibrating microscopic friction coefficients.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105858
Number of pages18
JournalComputers and Geotechnics
Volume165
Early online date21 Oct 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Elongation
  • Aspect ratio
  • Shearing
  • Interparticle friction
  • Particle rotation
  • Force chain

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