DEM modeling of one-dimensional compression of sands incorporating statistical particle fragmentation scheme

This paper presents a novel framework of modeling crushable granular materials under mechanical loadings based on the discrete element method (DEM). The is featured with construction one-to-one model in which every particle physical experiment has its own numerical twin and allows irregular shaped fragments during continuous breakage process. First, image processing techniques spherical harmonic (SH) analysis were adopted, respectively, to segment label particles construct mathematically DEM. Then, crushing criterion maximum interparticle contact force was used predict events, showing fitting results that agreed very well large number single tests. Next, statistical approach for generation fragmentation modes given type sand principal component (PCA) proposed. aim PCA analyze trends coefficient matrix, composed SH coefficients all involved analysis. Finally, successful event achieved by replacing particle, judged undergo crushing, few subparticles chosen randomly from specific fragment template constructed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) data.