Deformation Mechanisms: Granular Flow

Abstract

In the previous two chapters we have considered deformation processes that involve the relative movement of individual atoms or molecules (Chap. 5) or of different parts of a given crystal or crystalline grain (Chap. 6). In this third chapter on deformation mechanisms we shall consider flow by the relative movement of more or less macroscopic entities, which may be whole grains or groups of grains such as particles of fractured rock. These entities can perhaps best be referred to generically as granules and their assemblage be said to constitute a granular body. The flow by relative movement of granules can then be called granular flow.