Numerical investigation of drag force on a spherical intruder by granular material

Insertions of large objects or intruders into granular material are common both in nature and in industrial applications. The intruder experiences resistance or granular drag force (analogy from fluid) during penetration into granular material due to the formation of inter-particle force chains. The main aim of this article is to study the drag force on an intruder during penetration in granular material and explain the underlying physics. For this study, numerical simulations are performed using the discrete element method (DEM). It is observed by studying various characteristics of granular material that particles undergo jamming transition below the intruder, and the region of jammed particles increases with the depth of intrusion, which is the main reason for the increase in the granular drag force with the depth of intrusion.

Automated summary

This article studies the resistance or granular drag force experienced by an intruder during penetration into granular material, and explains the underlying physics. Numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) show that particles undergo a jamming transition below the intruder, and the region of jammed particles increases with the depth of intrusion, which leads to an increase in the granular drag force.