SIMULATING GRAIN SHAPE EFFECTS AND DAMAGE IN GRANULAR MEDIA USING PERIDEM

We provide a numerical platform for the analysis of particle shape and topology effect on the macroscopic behavior of granular media. We work within a discrete element method (DEM) framework and apply a peridynamic model for deformable particles accounting for deformation and damage of individual particles. To accommodate arbitrary particle shapes including nonconvex ones as well as particle topology, an efficient method is developed to keep intraparticle peridynamic interaction within particle boundaries. Particle contact with the rigid boundary wall is computed analytically to improve accuracy. To speed up simulations with particles of different shapes and sizes the initial configuration is chosen using security disks containing different particle shapes that are placed in a jammed state using an optimization-based method. The effect of particle shape and topology on settling and compaction of the aggregate for deformable particles is analyzed.

Automated summary

We provide a numerical platform for analyzing the influence of particle shape and topology on the macroscopic behavior of granular media. Our approach combines the discrete element method (DEM) with a peridynamic model, which considers deformation and damage of individual particles. To handle arbitrary particle shapes and topology, we develop an efficient method for intraparticle peridynamic interaction within particle boundaries. We also improve accuracy by analytically computing particle contact with the rigid boundary wall. Additionally, we use an optimization-based method to speed up simulations with particles of different shapes and sizes, by choosing an initial configuration using security disks in a jammed state. The effect of particle shape and topology on settling and compaction of deformable particles in the aggregate is analyzed.