Framework for determining material genome of granular materials: Material characterization and numerical simulation at multiple spatial scales

Inspired by Human Genome Project, material genome initiative was launched in 2011 by the White House for the U.S., and similar research projects have also been funded in the other countries worldwide. While extending the genome idea from human to materials, the genome of granular materials is considered to be consisting of mineral compositions, crystal structure, and inherent defects. We envision the development of a database for the genome of sands by collecting the results of laboratory experiments at multiple scales. With the advancement of computational techniques and low-cost hardware, multiscale multiphysics models can be established according to the genome of granular materials from experimental-based database. This paper proposes a framework for determining genome of granular materials through laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Some preliminary results have provided for determining the genome of granular materials, with anticipated benefits as follows: (i) promote the design of new granular materials and/or civil engineering materials with targeted properties, (ii) shorten the process from discovery to application of new civil engineering materials, and (iii) provide comprehensive insights into the influence of material genomes on mechanical performances from first-principle.