EPJ Web of Conferences (Jan 2017)

Mesostructural investigation of micron-sized glass particles during shear deformation – An experimental approach vs. DEM simulation

  • Torbahn Lutz,
  • Weuster Alexander,
  • Handl Lisa,
  • Schmidt Volker,
  • Kwade Arno,
  • Wolf Dietrich E.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201714003027
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 140
p. 03027

Abstract

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The interdependency of structure and mechanical features of a cohesive powder packing is on current scientific focus and far from being well understood. Although the Discrete Element Method provides a well applicable and widely used tool to model powder behavior, non-trivial contact mechanics of micron-sized particles demand a sophisticated contact model. Here, a direct comparison between experiment and simulation on a particle level offers a proper approach for model validation. However, the simulation of a full scale shear-tester experiment with micron-sized particles, and hence, validating this simulation remains a challenge. We address this task by down scaling the experimental setup: A fully functional micro shear-tester was developed and implemented into an X-ray tomography device in order to visualize the sample on a bulk and particle level within small bulk volumes of the order of a few micro liter under well-defined consolidation. Using spherical micron-sized particles (30 μm), shear tests with a particle number accessible for simulations can be performed. Moreover, particle level analysis allows for a direct comparison of experimental and numerical results, e.g., regarding structural evolution. In this talk, we focus on density inhomogeneity and shear induced heterogeneity during compaction and shear deformation.