A spheropolygonal-based DEM study into breakage under repetitive compression

Abstract

Experimental breakage studies have often focused on comparing grading and particle shape data from the beginning and end of a test, but one major advantage of DEM simulations is that, although the data are still discrete, more information on intermediate stages is available. This paper describes a repetitive compression test using a 2D aggregate-based DEM model comprised of spheropolygonal particles (formed by the Minkowski sum of a circle and a polygon, viz. sweeping a circle around the edges of the polygon) that are connected by beams and compares the behaviour with experimental data on the breakage of Barrys Beach carbonate sand. The one-dimensional repetitive compression test was performed on 20 particles - each consisting of over 100 sub-particles - which were generated from the outlines of particles of Barrys Beach carbonate sand. Particle breakage was described through the breakage of beams (particle bonds), allowing the evaluation of changes in the compressibility and grading. It was noted that the simulation compared well with the experimental behaviour of Barrys Beach carbonate sand.