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Dynamic Inter-Particle Force Inference in Granular Materials: Method and Application

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Abstract

Inter-particle force transmission in granular media plays an important role in the macroscopic static and dynamic behavior of these materials. This paper presents a method for inferring inter-particle forces in opaque granular materials during dynamic experiments. By linking experimental measurements of particle kinematics and volume-averaged strains to forces, the method provides a new tool for quantitatively studying force transmission and its relation to macroscopic behavior. We provide an experimental validation of the method, comparing inter-particle forces measured in a simple impact test on two-dimensional rubber grains to a finite-element simulation. We also provide an application of the method, using it to study inter-particle forces during impact of an intruder on a granular bed. We discuss the current challenges for applying the method to both model materials and real geologic materials.

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Acknowledgments

Support by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Grant # FA9550-12-1-0091 through the University Center of Excellence in High-Rate Deformation Physics of Heterogenous Materials is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Engineering & Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA

    R.C. Hurley, K.W. Lim, G. Ravichandran & J.E. Andrade

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  1. R.C. Hurley
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  2. K.W. Lim
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  3. G. Ravichandran
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  4. J.E. Andrade
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Correspondence to J.E. Andrade.

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Hurley, R., Lim, K., Ravichandran, G. et al. Dynamic Inter-Particle Force Inference in Granular Materials: Method and Application. Exp Mech 56, 217–229 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-015-0063-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-015-0063-8

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