Force chain characteristics of dense particles sheared between parallel-plate friction system

Abstract

Using the discrete element method, we investigate the force chain characteristics of dense particles in a parallel-plate particle flow friction system, and considering the influence of pressure load as well as shear velocity. Simulation results show that the shear dilatancy process of this particle friction system can be divided into three typical stages: plastic expansion stage, whole flow stage, and plastic compression stage. The distribution of force chain generally decreases with the increase of dimensionless contact force f. The distribution and bearing rates of force chains depend on the pressure load as well as the shear velocity. The direction of force chain gradually changes closer to the y-axis with the increase of the pressure load, and shifts from y-axis to x-axis with the increase of shear velocity. The magnitude of the total force chain decreases with shear velocity. Moreover, the total force chain fluctuates significantly at lower shear velocity and start-up stage.

Keywords

• Dense sheared particle system
• Force chain characteristics
• Shear dilatancy
• Distribution rate
• Bearing rate