DEM study on the effect of particle shape on the shear behaviour of granular materials

Abstract This study investigates the effects of particle convexity, sphericity and aspect ratio (AR) on behaviour sheared granular materials using two-dimensional discrete element method simulations. Isotropic, dense loose assemblies with different shapes were prepared subjected to drained shearing via biaxial compression until critical state was reached. Macroscopic characteristics such as strength dilatancy are presented. The factors underlying macroscopic then investigated by considering coordination number, fabric anisotropy, moment, friction mobilisation at contacts rotation. For range considered here, data indicate that shear decreases convexity increases while increasing AR. weakly correlated, however a stronger correlation is observed between AR strength. volumetric strain large strains tends increase There both number mechanical void than there contact magnitude moment transmitted particles mobilised important mean increased. Analysis rotation provides insights into response shearing.