Numerical simulation of particle consolidation under compression and shear based on the Discrete Element method

Abstract

This study introduces a three-dimensional (3D) Discrete Element Method (DEM) model designed to simulate particle consolidation under simultaneous compression and shear forces. The model is validated against experimental data for pure compression scenarios. Simulations involving simultaneous compression and shear are conducted to understand the impact of varying shear-to-compression ratios on particle consolidation. High shear-to-compression ratios lead to denser particle clusters, showing that shear promotes increased solid volume fractions. Additionally, the study explores the influence of different particle–particle interaction models, specifically the Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT) and Jo..