A Complex Network Analysis of Granular Fabric Evolution in Three-Dimensions
Abstract
Recent studies employing graph theoretic techniques from Complex Networks revealed the co-evolution of emergent minimal contact cycles and load-bearing force chains as mesoscopic structures that form the basic building blocks of self-organization. This study demonstrates previously observed trends for two-dimensional assemblages of circular discs to equally apply when network analysis is applied to data from three-dimensional systems comprising non-spherical particles. As previously reported for two-dimensional systems, the 3-cycles minimal contact cycle basis is both prevalent and persistent, providing support to force chains. In a new finding, the majority of those 3-cycles are arranged so that they share a common contact with the force chain column, transmitting nearly uniform normal contact force magnitudes at the three contacts. Persistent 3-cycles in the sample are absent in the region of strain localization in which force chains buckle, a finding that suggests a possible new structural indicator of failure and associated boundaries of flow.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA574037
Entities
People
- Antoinette Tordesillas
- David M. Walker
- J. K. L. Peters
- Mark Hopkins
- Sebastian Pucilowski
Organizations
- University of Melbourne