ABSTRACT
Non-linear deformation behaviors of granular materials are controlled by grain properties and microstructure. Grain shape and resistant friction angle between grains assign grain properties. Meso-scopic microstructures in granular material are formed as the connection paths of contact points between grains. In this paper, the deformation of granular material was simulated by Distinct Element Method in two-dimension. On the basis of analysis results, the formation process of microstructures under compression and shearing were investigated. The micromechanical mechanism of development and collapse of microstructures with macro deformations, also were discussed with account for the stability of grain contacts.
