Institute for Computer Applications 1, Pfaffenwaldring 27, 70569 Stuttgart, GERMANY
e-mail: lui@ica1.uni-stuttgart.de

Stress distribution in static two dimensional granular model media in the absence of friction

S. Luding

to appear in Phys. Rev. E

Abstract:

We present simulations of static model sandpiles in two dimensions (2D) and focus on the stress distribution in such arrays made of discrete particles. We use the simplest possible model, i.e. spherical particles with a linear spring and a linear dashpot active on contact and without any frictional forces. Our model is able to reproduce several recent theoretical predictions. For different boundary conditions we examine the contact network and the stresses in the array and at the bottom of the pile. In some cases we observe a dip, i.e. the relative minimum in pressure, under the center of the pile. We connect the dip to arching, and we relate arching to the structure of the contact network. Finally, we find that small polydispersity is sufficient to cause a so called stress-network, i.e. strong fluctuations in stress. From those data we determine the probability distribution for the vertical stress at the bottom and relate it to theoretical and other numerical work.

PACS numbers: 46.10.+z, 05.40.+j, 83.70.Fn, 01.55.+b

• Introduction
• Simulation Aspects
  • Initial and Boundary Conditions
  • Molecular Dynamics Method
• Contacts
  • Two particle contacts
  • Multi particle contacts
  • Stress Tensor and Scaling
• Results
  • Piles with Bumpy Bottom
    • Comparison of Piles with different Slope
    • Variation of System Width for Bumpy Bottom
    • Removing Particles from the Pile
  • Pile with Smooth and Flat Bottom
    • Comparison of Piles with different Slopes
    • Variation of System Width for Smooth, Flat Bottom
  • Polydisperse Particles
• Discussion and Conclusion
• References