Numerical Triaxial Apparatus and Application

A numerical triaxial apparatus based on discrete element method is developed on the platform of Yade using Python script. A DEM model with rolling resistance contact considered is proposed for dense granular materials, which is then applied in triaxial compression test of Chende sand. Stress-strain response and volume-axial strain response of the DEM model agree well with that of experiments, with a good prediction of dilatancy angle. Degradation of granular materials duo to particle erosion is also investigated using triaxial compression tests. It is indicated that peak friction angle decreases with the remove of particles if strong force network of granular materials is destroyed.