Stress-dilatancy and force chain evolution

Abstract

The evolution of internal structure plays a pivotal role in the macroscopic response of granular materials to applied loads. A case in point is the so-called 'stress-dilatancy relation', a cornerstone of Soil Mechanics. Numerous attempts have been made to unravel the connection between stress-dilatancy and the evolution of fabric and contact forces in a deforming granular medium. We re-examine this connection in light of the recent findings on force chain evolution, in particular, that of collective force chain failure by buckling. This study is focussed on two-dimensional deformation of dense granular assemblies. Analysis of individual and collective force chain bucklings is undertaken usin..