A model of confined comminution for granular materials
Résumé
A model to predict how grain size distribution evolves during one-dimensional consolidation is proposed, based on the probabilistic phenomenon of grain splitting in a confined granular assembly and a population balance equation. Results from micromechanical simulations allow us to describe the variability of force distribution at grain contacts from a macro-mechanical stress state. Particle strength from individual grain crushing tests can be fitted to a Weibull distribution that defines the survival probability of grains as a function of stress. Particle fragmentation process in the granular assembly is simulated by a simple fractal type equation, which integrates crushing and abrasion phenomena using only one fitting parameter. The predictions of the model properly reproduce experimental data under low and high 1D loading.