A DEM-based study of particle-shape effects on compressibility and contact-scale response in idealized granular assemblies
Particuology, vol.115, pp.126-147, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 115
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.partic.2026.05.010
- Journal Name: Particuology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.126-147
- Keywords: Compressibility, Contact force, Coordination number, Discrete element modeling, Particle shape, Stress normalization
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study employs a benchmarked Discrete Element Method model to investigate the influence of particle shape on the compressibility behavior of granular assemblies within a controlled comparative framework. Twenty idealized particle geometries with different shape characteristics were analyzed under constrained compression at vertical stress levels ranging from 0.1 to 3.2 MPa. Macro- and micro-scale responses were evaluated using constrained modulus and average coordination number, together with additional contact-scale analyses to improve the interpretation of particle-scale behavior. The results indicate that both macro- and micro-scale responses remain strongly stress-dependent, suggesting that conventional indicators alone cannot fully isolate particle-shape effects. A stress-normalized scaling approach was therefore applied to reduce the dominant influence of stress and clarify geometry-related trends. The analyses demonstrate that increasing particle irregularity promotes denser contact networks, redistributes contact forces across more contacts, and alters local deformation mechanisms. The findings provide a comparative DEM-based assessment of shape-dependent compressibility and contact-scale force–deformation behavior in idealized granular assemblies.