Particle shape is a key to the space-filling and strength properties of granular matter. We consider a shape parameter eta describing the degree of distortion from a perfectly spherical shape. Encompassing most specific shape characteristics such as elongation, angularity and non-convexity, eta is a low-order but generic parameter that we used in a numerical benchmark test for a systematic investigation of shape dependence in sheared...

We performed a series of numerical vertical compression tests on assemblies 01 20 granular material using a Discrete Element code and studied the results with regard to the grain shape. The samples consist of 5000 grains made from either 3 overlapping discs (clumps - grains with concavities) or six-edged polygons (convex grains). These two grain type have similar external envelope, which is a fund ion of a geometrical parameter...

Discrete Element Method is a numerical method suitable for modeling geotechnical problems concerning granular media. In most cases simple forms of grains, like discs or spheres, are used. But these shapes are capable of soil behavior modeling up to a certain point only, they cannot reflect all of the features of the medium (large shear resistance and large volumetric change). In order to reflect the complex behavior of the real...