Force chain and contact cycle evolution in a dense granular material under shallow penetration

Abstract

The mechanical response of a dense granular material submitted to indentation by a rigid flat punch is examined. The resultant deformation is viewed as a process of self-organisation. Four aspects of the mechanical response (i.e. indentation resistance, failure, Reynolds' dilatancy, the undeforming "dead zone") are explored with respect to the linear and cyclic structural building blocks of granular media self-organisation: force chains and contact network cycles. Formation and breaking of 3-cycle contacts preferentially occur around and close to the punch uncovering a "dilation zone". This zone encapsulates (i) most of the indentation resistance and is populated by force chains consisting o..