Modeling of the Particle Abrasion Process and a Discrete Element Method Study of Its Shape Effect

• Published in: Materials Vol. 17; no. 16; p. 3947
• Main Authors: Hu, Zhengbo, Zhang, Junhui, Tan, Xin, Yang, Hao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 08.08.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Abrasion; abrasion process; Aggregates; Algorithms; Analysis; Anisotropy; Contact angle; Contact stresses; Coordination numbers; Discrete element method; fabric anisotropy; Granular materials; granular modeling; Internal friction; Mechanical properties; mechanical property; Methods; Morphology; Particle shape; Shape effects; Shear strength; Simulation; Spheres; Stress ratio; Structural stability; Triaxial tests; mechanical property; granular modeling; abrasion process; fabric anisotropy
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma17163947

This study introduces a novel method for particle abrasion derived from fundamental natural phenomena and mechanical principles, allowing precise control over the degree of abrasion and more accurately mimicking natural processes. The method's validity is confirmed using a specific shape index. Through conventional triaxial tests, the mechanical behavior of granular aggregates with varying degrees of abrasion was analyzed. The findings indicate that increased particle abrasion leads to a decrease in the average coordination number and sliding amount, while the rotation amount increases. This suggests an inverse relationship between the degree of abrasion and the structural stability and interlocking of the particle aggregate. The fabric anisotropy of the system is mainly attributed to the anisotropy of the contact normal force, which decreases as particle abrasion increases. The partial stress ratio of the particle system is influenced by fabric anisotropy and remains independent of particle shape. Additionally, the internal friction angle may be overestimated in conventional triaxial tests.