Shear test as calibration experiment for DEM simulations: a sensitivity study

Abstract

Purpose

The effect of micromechanical parameters on the macromechanical behaviour of granular materials is analysed by using discrete element based model of the standard shear test.

Design/methodology/approach

Discrete element method based standard shear test simulations.

Findings

The approximate mathematical functions related to the effects of DEM micromechanical parameters density, Young-modulus, Poisson number, frictional angle, bond normal cohesion, bond tangential cohesion, rolling friction and particle shape on the macromechanical parameters of shear failure line (internal friction and cohesion) are determined by modelling large number of standard shear tests.

Originality/value

By knowing these effects of micromechanical parameters to the macromechanical behaviour of the simulated particle assembly, the calibration of discrete element models can be significantly accelerated.

Citation

Keppler, I., Safranyik, F. and Oldal, I. (2016), "Shear test as calibration experiment for DEM simulations: a sensitivity study", Engineering Computations, Vol. 33 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-03-2015-0056