L. Scholtès1, B. Chareyre2, F.Nicot3, F. Darve4
CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.52, No.3, pp. 297-318, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.052.297
Abstract A numerical study of multi-phase granular materials based upon micro-mechanical modelling is proposed. Discrete element simulations are used to investigate capillary induced effects on the friction properties of a granular assembly in the pendular regime. Capillary forces are described at the local scale through the Young-Laplace equation and are superimposed to the standard dry particle interaction usually well simulated through an elastic-plastic relationship. Both effects of the pressure difference between liquid and gas phases and of the surface tension at the interface are integrated into the interaction model. Hydraulic hysteresis is accounted for based on… More >