Scale effect of aggregate rupture: Using the relationship between friability and fractal dimension to parameterise discrete element models

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 375; pp. 327 - 336
• Main Authors: Barbosa, Luis Alfredo Pires, Keller, Thomas, Ferraz, Antonio Carlos de Oliveira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 20.09.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aggregate rupture; Aggregates; Agricultural land; Bonding strength; Discrete element method; Fractal geometry; Fractal models; Fractals; Friability; Markvetenskap; Mathematical models; Model parameterisation; Numerical models; Parameterization; Rupture; Scale effect; Scaling properties; Simulation; Soil Science; Tensile strength; Scaling properties; Model parameterisation; Aggregate rupture
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2020.08.006

Accurate modelling of porous aggregate rupture is critical when simulating natural phenomena involving material fragmentation and seeking to improve technological processes. For this, numerical models based on the discrete element method must be parameterised, which is a challenging task. It is even more challenging in the case of scale-variant materials, e.g. agricultural soils. In numerical simulations based on theoretical considerations, we identified a linear correlation between friability and fractal dimension for porous aggregates, with particle bond strength defining the rate at which friability coefficient diminished with fractal increment. By combining numerical simulation results with laboratory measurements, we established a unique use for friability as a material macro property to determine particle bond strength and density for different aggregate sizes. This allows parameterisation of discrete element models to simulate how tensile strength varies as a function of aggregate size. [Display omitted] •The numerical approach shows linear correlation for friability and fractal dimension.•Particle bond strength governs the rate of friability decrement as fractal increases.•Friability parameterises DEM model to reproduce the scale effect of aggregate rupture.