Micro–macro homogenization of granular materials based on the average-field theory of Cosserat continuum

This paper performs further study on the micro–macro homogenization approach of granular materials (Li et al., 2010) based on the advancement of Hill’s lemma for Cosserat continuum (Liu, 2013). Firstly, the average couple stress tensor, expressed as the volume integration of quantities over the representative volume element (RVE) in the average-field theory of Cosserat continuum, is further deduced and expressed in terms of discrete quantities on the discrete particle assembly RVE of granular materials. The expression is also discussed and compared with other typical definitions of the effective couple stress tensor for granular materials in the literature. Then, rate forms of micromechanically based constitutive models consistent with different types of RVE boundary conditions are derived and discussed. Since the presented micro–macro homogenization approach is used, not only the micro–macro energy equivalence is satisfied, but also the microstructure and its evolution can be taken into account in the constitutive formulation with no need of specifying macroscopic phenomenological constitutive model.

Graphical abstractMicro–macro homogenization of granular materials: discrete particle assembly – Cosserat continuum modelingFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights•The previous homogenization scheme of granular materials is further developed.•An effective couple stress expression is given based on the average-field theory.•Three micromechanically based constitutive models are derived and discussed.