A thermodynamics-based micro-macro elastoplastic micropolar continuum model for granular materials

Abstract

A micro–macro elastoplastic micropolar continuum model for granular materials in the dry and pendular states is proposed on the basis of thermodynamics. The independent rotational degrees of freedom are considered besides the translational degrees of freedom for particles among the discrete particle system, which is described by the equivalent micropolar continuum. In the framework of the micropolar continuum, the elastic part and yield locus at macroscale are firstly rigorously deduced from the general elastic constitutive relation and Coulomb-type yield criterion at inter-particle contacts, respectively. Furthermore, the micro–macro elastoplastic micropolar continuum model is proposed, in which the model parameters have clear physical meanings. Subsequently, a return mapping algorithm for the integration of the micropolar elastoplastic model is presented. Finally, the proposed model, coded into ABAQUS software, is validated by comparisons of test and discrete element method results in terms of the stress–strain relation and strain localization phenomenon. The stress–strain relation and shear band modes are well reproduced, and the effects of the confining pressure and the partially saturated state on granular materials can also be correctly predicted by the proposed model.