Journal Published Online: 12 July 2019
Volume 48, Issue 3

Discrete Element Methods for Characterizing the Elastic Behavior of the Granular Particles

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Focusing on characterizing the elastic behavior of the granular particles based on the discrete element method (DEM), this study utilized the Mustoe and Griffiths’ equations and a homogenization method to predict the performance of the continuous elastic medium precisely, including the elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and the brittle fracture criterion. A commercial DEM software named Particle Flow Code in Two Dimensions (PFC2D) was used to conduct the numerical simulations because the macrobehavior predicted by the PFC2D highly depends on the sphere size and arrangements. The hexagonal parking arrangements were applied further herein for better theoretical calculations. With the combined analysis of the discontinuum theory and continuum theory, the DEM parameters were determined theoretically and were verified based on the virtual compression and tension tests. The factors (including sphere size, stiffness ratios, etc.) influencing the prediction accuracy were also analyzed further. The results showed that by the parameter determination methods proposed in this study, the behavior of the continuous elastic medium could be well characterized.

Author Information

Ding, Xunhao
School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Ma, Tao
School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Gu, Linhao
School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Zhang, Deyu
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Huang, Xiaoming
School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Pages: 15
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JTE20190178
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20190178