Micromechanics of breakage in sharp-edge particles using combined DEM and FEM

By combining DEM (Discrete Element Method) and FEM (Finite Element Method), a model is established to simulate the breakage of two-dimensional sharp-edge particles, in which the simulated particles are assumed to have no cracks. Particles can, however, crush during different stages of the numerical analysis, if stress-based breakage criteria are fulfilled inside the particles. With this model, it is possible to study the influence of particle breakage on macro- and micro-mechanical behavior of simulated angular materials. Two series of tests, with and without breakable particles, are simulated under different confining pressures based on conditions of biaxial tests. The results, presented in terms of micromechanical behavior for different confining pressures, are compared with macroparameters. The influence of particle breakage on microstructure of sharp-edge materials is discussed and the related confining pressure effects are investigated. Breakage of particles in rockfill materials are shown to reduce the anisotropy coefficients of the samples and therefore their strength and dilation behaviors.