ABSTRACT
This paper presents a study of the formation of a sandpile and the evolution of its force network by means of granular dynamic simulation. The rolling friction is shown to be important in forming a stable sandpile of spheres. The angle of repose depends on mainly rolling and sliding friction coefficient and particle size. A predictive equation is formulated based on the numerical results and validated by comparing the measurements under comparable conditions. The complex force structure in a sandpile and its evolution during formation are depicted in three dimensions.
