Polygons vs. clumps of discs: A numerical study of the influence of grain shape on the mechanical behaviour of granular materials

We performed a series of numerical vertical compression tests on assemblies of 2D granular material using a Discrete Element code and studied the results with regard to the grain shape. The samples consist of 5000 grains made from either 3 overlapping discs (clumps — grains with concavities) or six-edged polygons (convex grains). These two grain type have similar external envelope, which is a function of a geometrical parameter α.In this paper, the numerical procedure applied is briefly presented followed by the description of the granular model used. Observations and mechanical analysis of dense and loose granular assemblies under isotropic loading are made. The mechanical response of our numerical granular samples is studied in the framework of the classical vertical compression test with constant lateral stress (biaxial test). The comparison of macroscopic responses of dense and loose samples with various grain shapes shows that when α is considered a concavity parameter, it is therefore a relevant variable for increasing mechanical performances of dense samples. When α is considered an envelope deviation from perfect sphericity, it can control mechanical performances for large strains. Finally, we present some remarks concerning the kinematics of the deformed samples: while some polygon samples subjected to a vertical compression present large damage zones (any polygon shape), dense samples made of clumps always exhibit thin reflecting shear bands.

Graphical AbstractWe have simulated a granular medium using the Discrete Element Method to study the influence of particle shape on the behaviour of the whole assembly of 5000 grains. By comparing two shape groups: polygons and clumps of discs, we observed the effects of grain shape variations on both macro and microscopic levels and investigate the causes.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide