Consolidation Behavior of Inhomogeneous Granular Beds of Ductile Particles using a Mixed Discrete-Continuum Approach

Abstract

In this paper we study the consolidation behavior of inhomogeneous granular beds of elasto-plastic particles by means of a discrete-continuum formulation, which systematically bridges the micro and meso scales. The methodology is particularly suitable for describing the post-rearrangement regime where consolidation proceeds mostly by elastic and inelastic deformation. This formulation is able to provide the quantitative estimates of the evolution of macroscopic variables, such as pressure and density, while following microlevel processes, such as local coordination number and loading paths. This methodology is used to simulate binary mixtures composed by particles with different nonlinear properties. The predictions are in general agreement with the experimental data during both loading and unloading cycle.