Abstract
Grain fragmentation is simulated by means of a three-dimensional discrete element approach called bonded-cell method (BCM). In this method, grains and potential fragments may have any polyhedral shape and size, capturing the geometrical complexity of brittle grain failure. As an application of this method, we present the uniaxial compaction of samples composed of several grains and we analyse the load-density relations, the grain size evolution, and the failure mechanism within the grains. This numerical approach permitted us to analyse the effect of the grains internal strength on the macroscopic compaction behaviour and to study the evolution of the grain size distribution towards a power-law distribution as several experiments have shown in literature. Finally, we present a brief micro-mechanical analysis on the failure modes within the grains, letting us know the kind of stresses that prompts grain fragmentation.
Highlights
Fragmentation of brittle grains has major effects on the compressive and shear strength of granular materials [1, 2], packing fraction [10], the yielding surface [11], grain size distribution [8], etc
We present some results concerning the relation between the external load and the sample density, the grain size evolution, and the fragmentation mode within the grains
The sample density is analysed through the void ratio (e) that is the parameter relating the volume of voids in the sample (Vv) and the volume of grains (Vs) (e = Vv/Vs)
Summary
Fragmentation of brittle grains has major effects on the compressive and shear strength of granular materials [1, 2], packing fraction [10], the yielding surface [11], grain size distribution [8], etc. Most of these observations have been conducted or analysed through experimental or empirical approaches and, together with the concepts of fracture mechanics, they provide a remarkable insight into the behaviour of breakable grains. We discuss the current results and potential perspectives of this work
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