Description of local dilatancy and local rotation of granular assemblies by microstretch modeling

This study investigates the microstretch continuum modeling of granular assemblies while accounting for both the dilatant and rotational degrees of freedom of a macroelement. By introducing the solid volume fraction and the gyration radius of a granular system, the balance equations of the microstretch continuum are transformed into a new formulation of evolution equations comprising six variables: the solid volume fraction, the gyration radius, the velocity field, the averaged angular velocity, the rate of gyration radius, and the internal energy. The bulk microinertia density, the averaged angular velocity, and the microgyration tensor at a macroscopic point are obtained in terms of discrete physical quantities. The bulk part and the rotational part of the microgyration tensor are proposed as the two indices to measure the local dilatancy and local rotation of granular assemblies. It is demonstrated in the numerical simulation that the two indices can be used to identify the shear band evolution in a granular system under a biaxial compression.     

Microcontinuum derivation of Goodman–Cowin theory for granular materials

This study presents a derivation of the Goodman–Cowin (GC) equation using the microcontinuum field theory. Through the decomposition of various microcontinuum field quantities into the straining, dilatant, and rotational parts, a microcontinuum can be classified into seven subclasses. One of the subclasses, called a microdilatation continuum, is introduced when only the dilatant motion in a macroelement is taken into account. The balance equation of equilibrated force in the GC theory can be derived while introducing the equilibrated intrinsic body force in the energy balance equation of the microdilatation continuum. The internal length of granular materials, appearing in the modified GC equation, is interpreted as the gyration radius of a macroelement. This study also obtains the evolution equation of the internal length from the microcontinuum point of view.      

Volume-weighted mixture theory for granular materials

In the present work we treat granular materials as mixtures composed of a solid and a surrounding void continuum, proposing then a continuum thermodynamic theory for it. In contrast to the common mass-weighted balance equations of mass, momentum, energy and entropy for mixtures, the volume-weighted balance equations and the associated jump conditions of the corresponding physical quantities are derived in terms of volume-weighted field quantities here. The evolution equations of volume fractions, volume-weighted velocity, energy, and entropy are presented and explained in detail. By virtue of the second law of thermodynamics, three dissipative mechanisms are considered which are specialized for a simple set of linear constitutive equations. The derived theory is applied to the analysis of reversible and irreversible compaction of cohesionless granular particles when a vertical oscillation is exerted on the system. In this analysis, a hypothesis for the existence of a characteristic depth within the granular material in its closely compacted state is proposed to model the reversible compaction.     

基于介观力学信息的颗粒材料损伤——愈合与塑性宏观表征

本文在二阶计算均匀化框架下提出了颗粒材料损伤--愈合与塑性的多尺度表征方法. 颗粒材料结构在宏观尺度模型化为梯度Cosserat连续体,在其有限元网格的每个积分点处定义具有离散颗粒介观结构的表征元. 建立了表征元离散颗粒系统的非线性增量本构关系. 表征元周边介质作用于表征元边界颗粒的增量力与增量力偶矩以表征元边界颗粒的增量线位移与增量转动角位移、当前变形状态下表征元离散介观结构弹性刚度、以及凝聚到表征元边界颗粒的增量耗散摩擦力表示. 基于平均场理论与Hill定理,导出了基于介观力学信息的梯度Cosserat连续体增量非线性本构关系. 在等温热动力学框架下定义了表征颗粒材料各向异性损伤--愈合和塑性的损伤、愈合张量因子与综合损伤、愈合效应的净损伤张量因子和塑性应变. 此外,定义了损伤和塑性耗散能密度与愈合能密度,以定量比较材料损伤、愈合、塑性对材料失效的效应. 应变局部化数值例题结果显示了所建议的颗粒材料损伤--愈合--塑性表征方法的有效性.      

Micromechanical model for viscoelastic materials undergoing damage

We have derived a stress–strain relationship for viscoelastic materials undergoing damage using a granular micromechanics approach. This approach assumes the material to possess a granular meso-structure such that the material is treated as a discrete or a particulate system. By considering the particle kinematics in terms of Taylor series expansion, a continuum model of the discrete system is obtained. The material rate-dependence and damage are modeled by assuming appropriate inter-granular force–displacement relationships that satisfy thermodynamic constraints. The advantage of this micromechanical approach is that the resultant continuum model retains the discrete nature by incorporating the effect of nearest neighbor grain interactions through the inter-granular force–displacement relationship and orientation vector. As a result, the derived model has the ability to predict a number of material phenomena, such as loading-induced anisotropy, dilation or pressure sensitivity, and secondary creep, which often manifest due to material granularity.     

Material electromagnetic fields and material forces

Electromagnetic fields address configurational forces in a natural way through an energy–stress tensor, which reduces to the Maxwell tensor in the simplest case. This tensor is related to physical forces and to the Cauchy traction in a continuum. Material forces, as opposed to physical forces, are of a different nature as they act upon a site of a continuum where the possible material inhomogeneity is located. A material energy–stress tensor, which is reminiscent of the Maxwell stress, is associated with these forces. Through appropriate balance laws, a material momentum is also associated with material forces. The material momentum is of particular interest in electromagnetic materials as it is intimately related to the pseudomomentum of light [Peierls in Highlights of Condensed Matter Physics, pp. 237–255 (1985) and in Surprises in Theoretical Physics, pp. 91–99 (1979); Thellung in Ann. Phys. 127, 289–301 (1980)]. The balance law for the material momentum can be derived either from the classical physical laws or independently of them. This derivation, which is based on the material electromagnetic potentials and the related gauge transformations, is discussed and commented on for an electromagnetic body.     

含液颗粒材料液固耦合分析的离散颗粒模型及特征线SPH法

对含液颗粒材料流固耦合分析建议了一个基于离散颗粒模型与特征线SPH法的显式拉格朗日-欧拉无网格方案。在已有的用以模拟固体颗粒集合体的离散颗粒模型[1]基础上,将颗粒间间隙内的流体模型化为连续介质,对其提出并推导了基于特征线的SPH法。数值例题显示了所建议方案在模拟颗粒材料与间隙流相互作用的能力和性能以及间隙流体对颗粒结构承载能力及变形的影响。     

On virtual work and stress in granular media

A granular medium can be treated as an equivalent continuum. Appropriate representative stresses can be derived from the virtual work principle. However, the expression of virtual work is not unique and therefore may lead to different results of stress expressions in terms of discrete quantities—contact forces, contact moments, and branch vectors. In this paper, we introduced a generalized expression of virtual work that includes the restriction of boundary conditions. To show the advantages of the current expression, the virtual work expression is applied to derive expressions for stress, couple stress, a higher-order stress, and the stress moment. A distinction is made between the average stress within a granular volume and the representative stress that is conjugate with the representative strain of the volume. The current work is compared with that of [International Journal of Solids and Structures 38 (2) (2001) 353–367], and the current stress expressions are shown to satisfy three essential conditions of a stress measure.     

On configurational forces in multiplicative elastoplasticity

The main goal of this work consists in the elaboration of the material or rather configurational mechanics in the context of multiplicative elastoplasticity. This nowadays well-established approach, which is inherently related to the concept of a material isomorphism or in other words to a local rearrangement, is adopted as a paradigm for the general modelling of finite inelasticity. The overall motion in space is throughout assumed to be compatible and sufficiently smooth. According to the underlying configurations, namely the material and the spatial configuration as well as what we call the intermediate configuration, different representations of balance of linear momentum are set up for the static case. The underlying flux terms are thereby identified as stress tensors of Piola and Cauchy type and are assumed to derive from a free energy density function, thus taking hyperelastic formats. Moreover, the incorporated source terms, namely the configurational volume forces, are identified by comparison arguments. These quantities include gradients of distortions as well as dislocation density tensors. In particular those dislocation density tensors related to the elastic or plastic distortion do not vanish due to the general incompatibility of the intermediate configuration. As a result, configurational volume forces which are settled in the intermediate configuration embody non-vanishing dislocation density tensors while their material counterparts directly incorporate non-vanishing gradients of distortions. This fundamental property enables us to recover the celebrated Peach–Koehler force for finite inelasticity, acting on a single dislocation, from the intermediate configuration volume forces.     

Elastic constants for granular materials modeled as first-order strain-gradient continua

Formulation of a stress–strain relationship is presented for a granular medium, which is modeled as a first-order strain-gradient continuum. The elastic constants used in the stress–strain relationship are derived as an explicit function of inter-particle stiffness, particle size, and packing density. It can be demonstrated that couple-stress continuum is a subclass of strain-gradient continua. The derived stress–strain relationship is simplified to obtain the expressions of elastic constants for a couple-stress continuum. The derived stress–strain relationship is compared with that of existing theories on strain- gradient models. The effects of inter-particle stiffness and particle size on material constants are discussed.     

颗粒材料多尺度分析的连接尺度方法

本文提出了耦合细尺度上基于离散颗粒集合体模型的离散单元法（DEM）和粗尺度上基于Cosserat连续体模型的有限元法（FEM）的连接尺度方法（BSM）以研究颗粒材料的力学行为。采用Cosserat连续体模型和FEM模拟的粗尺度域覆盖全域,而采用离散颗粒集合体模型的DEM模拟的细尺度域仅限于需特别关注材料微结构演变和非连续变形行为的局部区域。对这两个区域间的界面提出了适当的界面条件及其实施方案。通过采用适当的连接尺度投影算子,空间离散的粗、细尺度耦合系统多尺度运动方程具有解耦和允许分别求解、因而也允许分别采用不同时间步长对粗、细尺度计算的特点,可极大地提高BSM的计算效率。文中二维地基数值算例结果说明了所陈述方法的可应用性,以及相对基于Cosserat连续体模型的FEM和基于离散颗粒集合体模型的DEM的优越性。      

A Bridging Scale Method for Multi-scale Analysis of Granular Materials

本文提出了耦合细尺度上基于离散颗粒集合体模型的离散单元法（DEM）和粗尺度上基于Cosserat连续体模型的有限元法（FEM）的连接尺度方法（BSM）以研究颗粒材料的力学行为。采用Cosserat连续体模型和FEM模拟的粗尺度域覆盖全域,而采用离散颗粒集合体模型的DEM模拟的细尺度域仅限于需特别关注材料微结构演变和非连续变形行为的局部区域。对这两个区域间的界面提出了适当的界面条件及其实施方案。通过采用适当的连接尺度投影算子,空间离散的粗、细尺度耦合系统多尺度运动方程具有解耦和允许分别求解、因而也允许分别采用不同时间步长对粗、细尺度计算的特点,可极大地提高BSM的计算效率。文中二维地基数值算例结果说明了所陈述方法的可应用性,以及相对基于Cosserat连续体模型的FEM和基于离散颗粒集合体模型的DEM的优越性。     

Assessing continuum postulates in simulations of granular flow

Continuum mechanics relies on the fundamental notion of a mesoscopic volume “element” in which properties averaged over discrete particles obey deterministic relationships. Recent work on granular materials suggests that a continuum law may be inapplicable, revealing inhomogeneities at the particle level, such as force chains and slow cage breaking. Here, we analyze large-scale three-dimensional discrete-element method (DEM) simulations of different granular flows and show that an approximate “granular element” defined at the scale of observed dynamical correlations (roughly three to five particle diameters) has a reasonable continuum interpretation. By viewing all the simulations as an ensemble of granular elements which deform and move with the flow, we can track material evolution at a local level. Our results confirm some of the hypotheses of classical plasticity theory while contradicting others and suggest a subtle physical picture of granular failure, combining liquid-like dependence on deformation rate and solid-like dependence on strain. Our computational methods and results can be used to guide the development of more realistic continuum models, based on observed local relationships between average variables.     

Computational multiscale methods for granular materials

The fine-scale heterogeneity of granular material is characterized by its polydisperse microstructure with randomness and no periodicity. To predict the mechanical response of the material as the microstructure evolves, it is demonstrated to develop computational multiscale methods using discrete particle assembly-Cosserat continuum modeling in micro- and macro- scales, respectively. The computational homogenization method and the bridge scale method along the concurrent scale linking approach are briefly introduced. Based on the weak form of the Hu-Washizu variational principle, the mixed finite element procedure of gradient Cosserat continuum in the frame of the second-order homogenization scheme is developed. The meso-mechanically informed anisotropic damage of effective Cosserat continuum is characterized and identified and the microscopic mechanisms of macroscopic damage phenomenon are revealed.     

Statics and kinematics of discrete Cosserat-type granular materials

A theoretical framework is presented for the statics and kinematics of discrete Cosserat-type granular materials. In analogy to the force and moment equilibrium equations for particles, compatibility equations for closed loops are formulated in the two-dimensional case for relative displacements and relative rotations at contacts. By taking moments of the equilibrium equations, micromechanical expressions are obtained for the static quantities average Cauchy stress tensor and average couple stress tensor. In analogy, by taking moments of the compatibility equations, micromechanical expressions are obtained for the (infinitesimal) kinematic quantities average rotation gradient tensor and average Cosserat strain tensor in the two-dimensional case. Alternatively, these expressions for the average Cauchy stress tensor and the average couple stress tensor are obtained from considerations of the equivalence of the continuum force and couple traction vectors acting on a plane and the resultant of the discrete forces and couples acting on this plane. In analogy, the expressions for the average rotation gradient tensor and the average Cosserat strain tensor are obtained from considerations of the change of length and change of rotation of a line element in the two-dimensional case. It is shown that the average particle stress tensor is always symmetrical, contrary to the average stress tensor of an equivalent homogenized continuum. Finally, discrete analogues of the virtual work and complementary virtual work principles from continuum mechanics are derived.     

DISCRETE AND CONTINUUM MODELLING OF GRANULAR FLOW

This paper analyses three popular methods simulating granular flow at different time and length scales： discrete element method （DEM）, averaging method and viscous, elastic-plastic continuum model. The theoretical models of these methods and their applications to hopper flows are discussed. It is shown that DEM is an effective method to study the fundamentals of granular flow at a particle or microscopic scale. By use of the continuum approach, granular flow can also be described at a continuum or macroscopic scale. Macroscopic quantities such as velocity and stress can be obtained by use of such computational method as FEM. However, this approach depends on the constitutive relationship of materials and ignores the effect of microscopic structure of granular flow. The combined approach of DEM and averaging method can overcome this problem. The approach takes into account the discrete nature of granular materials and does not require any global assumption and thus allows a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of granular flow. However, it is difficult to adapt this approach to process modelling because of the limited number of particles which can be handled with the present computational capacity, and the difficulty in handling non-spherical particles. Further work is needed to develoo an aoorooriate aooroach to overcome these problems.     

Macro–micro relations in granular mechanics

In granular mechanics, macroscopic approaches treat a granular material as an equivalent continuum at macro-scale, and study its constitutive relationship between macro-quantities, such as stresses and strains. On the other hand, microscopic approaches consider a granular material as an assembly of individual particles interacting with each other at micro-scale (i.e., particle-scale), and the physical quantities under study are forces and displacements. This paper aims at linking up the findings from these two scales and to establish the macro–micro relations in granular mechanics.Three aspects of the macro–micro relations are investigated. They are about the internal structure, the stress tensor and the strain tensor. The internal structure is described with geometrical systems at the particle scale. Micro-structural definitions of the stress and strain tensors are derived, which link the macro-stress tensor with the contact forces, and the macro-strain tensor with the relative displacements at contact. In addition to a brief review of the past research work on these topics, further generalizations are made in this paper. In particular, the two cell systems proposed by Li and Li (2009), namely the solid cell system and the void cell system, are introduced and used for the derivation of the macro-structural expressions. The stress expression is derived based on Newton’s second law of motion. The result is valid for both static and dynamic cases. The strain expression is derived based on the compatibility requirement. And the expression is valid for any tessellation subdividing the granular assembly into polyhedral elements.The homogenization for deriving a macroscopic constitutive relationship from microscopic behaviour is discussed. Attention is placed on the macroscopic quantification of the internal structure in terms of a second rank tensor, known as the fabric tensor. Existing definitions of the fabric tensors have been reviewed. The correlations among different fabric tensors and their relations with the stress–strain behaviours have been investigated.     

理论力学研究性教学新探索——质点系变分原理与弹性介质(结构)变分原理

本文从理论力学研究性教学角度探讨质点系经典变分原理与连续介质/结构变分原理之间的理论联系。弹性介质/结构属于空间连续分布的相互作用质点系,通过将质点之间的弹性相互作用力视作特殊的主动力（有势力）,从而准确构造弹性相互作用所做的内力功,实现将质点系变分原理过渡到弹性介质/结构力学的变分原理。论文通过对比分析,将详细说明质点系变分原理与弹性介质/结构变分原理的理论对应关系,并强调在基础力学研究性教学中展示这一理论联系的必要性。

     

Dissipation consistent fabric tensor definition from DEM to continuum for granular media

In elastoplastic soil models aimed at capturing the impact of fabric anisotropy, a necessary ingredient is a measure of anisotropic fabric in the form of an evolving tensor. While it is possible to formulate such a fabric tensor based on indirect phenomenological observations at the continuum level, it is more effective and insightful to have the tensor defined first based on direct particle level microstructural observations and subsequently deduce a corresponding continuum definition. A practical means able to provide such observations, at least in the context of fabric evolution mechanisms, is the discrete element method (DEM). Some DEM defined fabric tensors such as the one based on the statistics of interparticle contact normals have already gained widespread acceptance as a quantitative measure of fabric anisotropy among researchers of granular material behavior. On the other hand, a fabric tensor in continuum elastoplastic modeling has been treated as a tensor-valued internal variable whose evolution must be properly linked to physical dissipation. Accordingly, the adaptation of a DEM fabric tensor definition to a continuum constitutive modeling theory must be thermodynamically consistent in regards to dissipation mechanisms. The present paper addresses this issue in detail, brings up possible pitfalls if such consistency is violated and proposes remedies and guidelines for such adaptation within a recently developed Anisotropic Critical State Theory (ACST) for granular materials.