Noncoaxiality between Fabric and Stress in Two-Dimensional Granular Materials
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 144, Issue 9
Abstract
This paper investigates the evolution of the fabric for different contact networks (i.e., the strong, weak, and overall contact networks) in granular material. Two-dimensional tests along proportional strain paths and simple shear tests are conducted using the discrete element method (DEM). Results show that the coaxiality between the principal directions of the fabric tensor for the overall contact network and that of the stress tensor depends on the loading conditions. The principal direction of the fabric tensor for the strong subnetwork is always coaxial with the stress direction. In addition, the major principal direction of the fabric tensor for the strong subnetwork is perpendicular to that of the weak subnetwork, regardless of any principal stress rotation. The fabric tensor for the strong subnetwork and the stress tensor at the critical state are proportional, with the coefficient of the proportionality being a function of the mean stress, if the critical stress can be approached.
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Acknowledgments
Funding provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 144 • Issue 9 • September 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 5, 2017
Accepted: Apr 10, 2018
Published online: Jul 13, 2018
Published in print: Sep 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Dec 13, 2018
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