Path to fracture in granular flows: Dynamics of contact networks

M. Herrera, S. McCarthy, S. Slotterback, E. Cephas, W. Losert, and M. Girvan
Phys. Rev. E 83, 061303 – Published 27 June 2011

Abstract

Capturing the dynamics of granular flows at intermediate length scales can often be difficult. We propose studying the dynamics of contact networks as a new tool to study fracture at intermediate scales. Using experimental three-dimensional flow fields with particle-scale resolution, we calculate the time evolving broken-links network and find that a giant component of this network is formed as shear is applied to this system. We implement a model of link breakages where the probability of a link breaking is proportional to the average rate of longitudinal strain (elongation) in the direction of the edge and find that the model demonstrates qualitative agreement with the data when studying the onset of the giant component. We note, however, that the broken-links network formed in the model is less clustered than our experimental observations, indicating that the model reflects less localized breakage events and does not fully capture the dynamics of the granular flow.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 1 February 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.83.061303

©2011 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. Herrera, S. McCarthy, S. Slotterback, E. Cephas, W. Losert, and M. Girvan*

  • Department of Physics and IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA

  • *girvan@umd.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 83, Iss. 6 — June 2011

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×