Geometrical network of granular materials under isochoric cyclic shearing

Ming Yang (1) , Mahdi Taiebat (1) , Patrick Mutabaruka (2) , Farhang Radjai (3)

1 UBC - University of British Columbia
2 IFREMER - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer
3 PMMD - Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Divisés

We use three-dimensional particle dynamics simulations to investigate the microstructure evolution of granular material subjected to isochoric cyclic shearing, driving the system to a liquefaction state. The cyclically sheared assembly presents a realistic macroscopic response as observed in physical experiments. By analyzing the contact network evolution in the post-liquefaction period, we show that the onset of liquefaction state is characterized by a sudden drop of coordination number and a fragile particle connectivity network. The simulation suggests a critical coordination number for exiting the liquefaction state. Evolution of fabric anisotropy combined with coordination number implies the isotropic and anisotropic gain or loss of contacts at certain durations of a post-liquefaction loading cycle.

Domaines: Géotechnique

Ming Yang, Mahdi Taiebat, Patrick Mutabaruka, Farhang Radjai. Geometrical network of granular materials under isochoric cyclic shearing. EPJ Web of Conferences, 2021, Powders & Grains 2021 – 9th International Conference on Micromechanics on Granular Media Buenos Aires (Virtual), Argentina, July 5, 13, 21, 29 and August 6, 2021, 249, pp.11004. ⟨10.1051/epjconf/202124911004⟩. ⟨hal-03453950⟩