Statistical characterization of microstructure evolution during compaction of granular systems composed of spheres with hardening plastic behavior

An extensive numerical campaign of particle mechanics calculations that predict microstructure formation and evolution during die compaction, up to solid fractions close to one, of monodisperse plastic spheres that exhibit power-law plastic hardening behavior is presented. The study is focused on elucidating the relationship between particle plastic properties, loading conditions, and statistical features of the resulting microstructure. This communication provides fundamental insight into the achievable space of microstructures through die compaction, for given plastic stiffness and hardening exponent at the particle scale.