Application of combinational sphere element in meso-mechanical analysis of cemented particulate composite

Combinational sphere element method is introduced to simulate the mechanical behavior of cemented particulate composite. A pair of particles and the cement matrix in middle are extracted from the composite, and they constitute a combinational sphere element (CSE). The stiffness of a CSE on axial direction, tangential direction and bending direction can be derived based on the mechanical model and assumptions. The stress distribution function in matrix can also be gained when the CSE supports load on each direction. The element stiffness matrix of CSE is obtained through the direct method. The CSE can be described by an equivalent rigid beam-spring model according to the element stiffness matrix, so the composite can be described by an equivalent rigid beam-spring lattice. Finally, an example is taken out to show the application of this new method. Stress distribution function, stiffness on three directions and macro effective elastic constants of composite can be obtained. The results agree well with the simulation results of the representative volume element. According to the damage criterion set reasonably, the damage evolution of the models with defects can be simulated.