Constitutive Relations in Granular Soils
Abstract
In the past year, we continued our efforts on the development of two models for the mechanical response of a random aggregate of identical spheres that interact through frictional elastic contacts. In the first model, we regard the granular material as a collection of two-particle systems embedded in an average medium and use the balance of force and moment to solve for the motion of the pair. This model provides the simplest context in which to introduce fluctuations in particle displacements and spins. The equations of force and moment balance are sufficient for their determination. Because of its simplicity, the applicability of the model is limited to small or moderate stress ratios. In the second model, we focus on a small assembly consisting of one particle surrounded by others and determine the motion of a coupled system of these small assemblies. Here the displacements and spins of as many as twelve particles are determined by satisfying force and moment in a least squares fashion. The complexity of this model permits its application to situations involving moderate to large stress ratios. As the stress ratio increases, coefficient matrices become singular, indicating the need for more elaborate descriptions, and foreshadowing the development of shear bands.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA356867
Entities
People
- James T. Jenkins
- M. A. Koenders
Organizations
- Cornell University