Discrete modelling of electrical transfer in multi-contact systems
Résumé
In this work we propose to study the electrical transfer in metallic granular materials under mechanical loading. A new model of electrical conductance and the associated numerical treatment in the Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework are presented. The approach differs from the Holm's model by considering several electrical potentials inside a particle. The electrical properties of the different paths in granular medium depend on the contact reaction through the Hertz's theory. A DEM modelling allows to study the electromechanical behaviour of granular materials. Numerical simulations are carried out in 1D and 2D and are compared to experimental results in the case of a metal-metal contact. The results show a good agreement with experimental ones.