Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106525
Aditya Kumar , Arash Yavari
In this paper, we formulate a geometric theory of the mechanics of arterial growth. An artery is modeled as a finite-length thick shell that is made of an incompressible nonlinear anisotropic solid. An initial radially-symmetric distribution of finite radial and circumferential eigenstrains is also considered. Bulk growth is assumed to be isotropic. A novel framework is proposed to describe the time evolution of growth, governed by a competition between the elastic energy and a growth energy. The governing equations are derived through a two-potential approach and using the Lagrange-d’Alembert principle. An isotropic dissipation potential is considered, which is assumed to be convex in the rate of growth function. Several numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in predicting the evolution of arterial growth and the intricate interplay among eigenstrains, residual stresses, elastic energy, growth energy, and dissipation potential. A distinctive feature of the model is that the growth variable is not constrained by an explicit upper bound; instead, growth naturally approaches a steady-state value as a consequence of the intrinsic energetic competition. Several numerical examples illustrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed framework in modeling arterial growth.
{"title":"Nonlinear mechanics of arterial growth","authors":"Aditya Kumar , Arash Yavari","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, we formulate a geometric theory of the mechanics of arterial growth. An artery is modeled as a finite-length thick shell that is made of an incompressible nonlinear anisotropic solid. An initial radially-symmetric distribution of finite radial and circumferential eigenstrains is also considered. Bulk growth is assumed to be isotropic. A novel framework is proposed to describe the time evolution of growth, governed by a competition between the elastic energy and a <em>growth energy</em>. The governing equations are derived through a two-potential approach and using the Lagrange-d’Alembert principle. An isotropic dissipation potential is considered, which is assumed to be convex in the rate of growth function. Several numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in predicting the evolution of arterial growth and the intricate interplay among eigenstrains, residual stresses, elastic energy, growth energy, and dissipation potential. A distinctive feature of the model is that the growth variable is not constrained by an explicit upper bound; instead, growth naturally approaches a steady-state value as a consequence of the intrinsic energetic competition. Several numerical examples illustrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed framework in modeling arterial growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106525"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146033265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106524
Qingqing Chen, Chao Yuan, Tiejun Wang
Programmable structures enable autonomous deformation to achieve target three-dimensional (3D) shapes by triggering stimuli-responsive mismatch strain embedded in precursory configurations. However, the growing complexity of target 3D geometries makes it challenging to efficiently and accurately find optimal precursory design variables in a high-dimensional design space. Here, we propose a machine learning-energized framework for rapid and precise inverse design of programmable 3D structures. Firstly, a finite substructure algorithm is proposed to rapidly generate a large-scale database that accurately maps multiple design variables to programmable deformations. To this end, we decompose the full-scale structure into overlapping substructures and employ machine learning to augment the design variable-substructural deformation data pairs from limited finite element analyses. The deformed substructures are then sequentially stitched to reconstruct global deformation by optimal rotation and translation that minimize the Euclidean distance of overlapping regions. Compared to finite element analysis, the proposed finite substructure algorithm accelerates the forward prediction by four orders of magnitude. Based on the large-scale database, a well-trained neural network is obtained to inversely generate the coarse estimation of target design variables, which equips the gradient-free optimization with prior knowledge to approach the optimal result at an accelerated pace. Also, we establish a 3D printing and vacuum actuation platform to validate the inversely designed pneumatically programmable structures. Finally, we show a bio-inspired robotic arm capable of warping and grasping complex 3D objects to highlight the applicability of the proposed inverse design approach. This work provides a feasible paradigm for the inverse design of programmable structures, paving the way for potential applications in soft robotics and deployable devices.
{"title":"Machine learning-energized framework for rapid and precise inverse design of programmable structures with multiple design variables","authors":"Qingqing Chen, Chao Yuan, Tiejun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Programmable structures enable autonomous deformation to achieve target three-dimensional (3D) shapes by triggering stimuli-responsive mismatch strain embedded in precursory configurations. However, the growing complexity of target 3D geometries makes it challenging to efficiently and accurately find optimal precursory design variables in a high-dimensional design space. Here, we propose a machine learning-energized framework for rapid and precise inverse design of programmable 3D structures. Firstly, a finite substructure algorithm is proposed to rapidly generate a large-scale database that accurately maps multiple design variables to programmable deformations. To this end, we decompose the full-scale structure into overlapping substructures and employ machine learning to augment the design variable-substructural deformation data pairs from limited finite element analyses. The deformed substructures are then sequentially stitched to reconstruct global deformation by optimal rotation and translation that minimize the Euclidean distance of overlapping regions. Compared to finite element analysis, the proposed finite substructure algorithm accelerates the forward prediction by four orders of magnitude. Based on the large-scale database, a well-trained neural network is obtained to inversely generate the coarse estimation of target design variables, which equips the gradient-free optimization with prior knowledge to approach the optimal result at an accelerated pace. Also, we establish a 3D printing and vacuum actuation platform to validate the inversely designed pneumatically programmable structures. Finally, we show a bio-inspired robotic arm capable of warping and grasping complex 3D objects to highlight the applicability of the proposed inverse design approach. This work provides a feasible paradigm for the inverse design of programmable structures, paving the way for potential applications in soft robotics and deployable devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106524"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106512
Jidu Yu , Jidong Zhao , Weijian Liang
This study presents a hybrid continuum-discrete multiscale computational framework that integrates the material point method (MPM) and the discrete element method (DEM) to model fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) behavior of hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS). Key innovation of the framework lies in its direct use of DEM to model microscale mechanisms, such as hydrate bond degradation, particle rearrangement, and pore evolution, thereby bypassing the need for conventional elastoplastic constitutive models to define effective stress. We show that a simple hydrate saturation-dependent contact model within the DEM can effectively reproduce characteristic shear and volumetric responses of HBS under various hydrate saturation and confining stresses. By embedding a DEM-based representative volume element (RVE) at each material point in the MPM grid, microscale mechanical behaviors are seamlessly homogenized to inform large-deformation macroscale multiphysics processes. Numerical simulations of biaxial compression and indenter penetration demonstrate the framework’s capability to capture critical phenomena, including shear band formation, shear-induced dilation, and the generation of negative excess pore pressure that drives localized hydrate dissociation. The results further reveal that while higher hydrate saturation enhances shear strength, it also promotes brittle failure and intensified dissociation. Conversely, increased confining stress suppresses volumetric dilation and stabilizes the sediment by mitigating the development of negative pore pressure. This multiscale approach provides a powerful new tool for elucidating complex THMC interactions in HBS, with important implications for assessing hydrate-related geohazards and optimizing gas extraction strategies.
{"title":"Multiscale modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical- chemical behavior in hydrate-bearing sediment","authors":"Jidu Yu , Jidong Zhao , Weijian Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a hybrid continuum-discrete multiscale computational framework that integrates the material point method (MPM) and the discrete element method (DEM) to model fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) behavior of hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS). Key innovation of the framework lies in its direct use of DEM to model microscale mechanisms, such as hydrate bond degradation, particle rearrangement, and pore evolution, thereby bypassing the need for conventional elastoplastic constitutive models to define effective stress. We show that a simple hydrate saturation-dependent contact model within the DEM can effectively reproduce characteristic shear and volumetric responses of HBS under various hydrate saturation and confining stresses. By embedding a DEM-based representative volume element (RVE) at each material point in the MPM grid, microscale mechanical behaviors are seamlessly homogenized to inform large-deformation macroscale multiphysics processes. Numerical simulations of biaxial compression and indenter penetration demonstrate the framework’s capability to capture critical phenomena, including shear band formation, shear-induced dilation, and the generation of negative excess pore pressure that drives localized hydrate dissociation. The results further reveal that while higher hydrate saturation enhances shear strength, it also promotes brittle failure and intensified dissociation. Conversely, increased confining stress suppresses volumetric dilation and stabilizes the sediment by mitigating the development of negative pore pressure. This multiscale approach provides a powerful new tool for elucidating complex THMC interactions in HBS, with important implications for assessing hydrate-related geohazards and optimizing gas extraction strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106512"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145956831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106515
Brandon K. Zimmerman, Eric B. Herbold, Mukul Kumar, Jonathan Lind
Additively manufactured lattice metamaterials offer design versatility in strength and energy absorption and provide an additional degree of freedom through the selection of the lattice topology. Under quasistatic loading, the unit cell structure can strongly affect the stiffness, yield, and post-yield behavior, but whether and to what degree the effect of lattice topology persists into dynamic loading scenarios, up to the compaction shock regime, has not been established. LLNL’ s ALE3D hydrocode was used to perform a computational investigation of dynamic loading in multiple lattice types, including the gyroid, octet, Schwarz D, and rhombic dodecahedron, under impact velocities from 0.25 to 2.25 km/s. Shock Hugoniots for each lattice topology are generated and compared, suggesting that above a critical velocity, distinctions between architectures may not persevere and compacted lattices behave similarly. To investigate the transition between topology-dependent quasistatic compression and the topology-independent regime above the critical velocity, a one-dimensional elastic-linear hardening plasticity-densified solid (E-LHP-DS) shock model for lattice materials was developed that relies upon confined compression to link the quasistatic and shock mechanics. Unlike similar works, the model does not assume rigid behavior prior to yield or locking behavior at densification, allowing a richer exploration of lattice mechanics. With only six parameters, the analytical model simultaneously fit quasistatic confined compression simulations for relative densities and predicted dynamic compaction behavior to traverse several distinct shock modes, each defined by a critical impact speed (equivalently, critical stresses). Comparing the numerical results to the one-dimensional E-LHP-DS shock model predictions suggests that the topology-independence under strong shocks is linked to the onset of densification, which can be predicted based on quasistatic confined compression results.
{"title":"Dynamic crushing of metal lattice metamaterials: Shock mode diagrams and transition to topology-independent compaction regime","authors":"Brandon K. Zimmerman, Eric B. Herbold, Mukul Kumar, Jonathan Lind","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106515","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106515","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Additively manufactured lattice metamaterials offer design versatility in strength and energy absorption and provide an additional degree of freedom through the selection of the lattice topology. Under quasistatic loading, the unit cell structure can strongly affect the stiffness, yield, and post-yield behavior, but whether and to what degree the effect of lattice topology persists into dynamic loading scenarios, up to the compaction shock regime, has not been established. LLNL’ s ALE3D hydrocode was used to perform a computational investigation of dynamic loading in multiple lattice types, including the gyroid, octet, Schwarz D, and rhombic dodecahedron, under impact velocities from 0.25 to 2.25 km/s. Shock Hugoniots for each lattice topology are generated and compared, suggesting that above a critical velocity, distinctions between architectures may not persevere and compacted lattices behave similarly. To investigate the transition between topology-dependent quasistatic compression and the topology-independent regime above the critical velocity, a one-dimensional elastic-linear hardening plasticity-densified solid (E-LHP-DS) shock model for lattice materials was developed that relies upon confined compression to link the quasistatic and shock mechanics. Unlike similar works, the model does not assume rigid behavior prior to yield or locking behavior at densification, allowing a richer exploration of lattice mechanics. With only six parameters, the analytical model simultaneously fit quasistatic confined compression simulations for relative densities <span><math><mrow><mn>0.1</mn><mo>≤</mo><mover><mi>ρ</mi><mo>¯</mo></mover><mo>≤</mo><mn>0.9</mn></mrow></math></span> and predicted dynamic compaction behavior to traverse several distinct shock modes, each defined by a critical impact speed (equivalently, critical stresses). Comparing the numerical results to the one-dimensional E-LHP-DS shock model predictions suggests that the topology-independence under strong shocks is linked to the onset of densification, which can be predicted based on quasistatic confined compression results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106515"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146033264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This work revisits the classical flat-punch indentation problem within the framework of Mindlin’s form-II strain-gradient elasticity, uncovering new phenomena driven by the interplay between contact geometry and material length scale. The analysis is carried out under plane strain conditions, and the corresponding mixed boundary value problem is solved using integral equation techniques. Two distinct contact regimes are examined. In the first, assuming full contact beneath the rigid indenter, the pressure distribution exhibits hypersingular behavior with tensile (adhesive-like) tractions near the contact edges. These arise purely from kinematic constraints, without invoking any cohesive law or surface energy. The second regime emerges by relaxing the flatness assumption, allowing for partial separation beneath the punch. In this case, contact is sustained only within a central region, flanked by separation gaps near the edges and balanced by concentrated edge reactions. The resulting pressure is entirely positive and exhibits a classical square-root singularity. Both the contact width and edge forces are shown to depend sensitively on Poisson’s ratio and the material length scale. Beyond a critical length, the contact region collapses, and the problem reduces to the superposition of two Flamant-type concentrated contact solutions. These findings reveal a rich class of indentation responses naturally captured by strain gradient elasticity-phenomena inaccessible to classical continuum models. They may have important implications for nano/micro-indentation experiments on materials with pronounced internal length scales, such as polymers, ceramics, composites, cellular solids, masonry, and biological tissues.
{"title":"Contact in strain gradient elasticity: The rigid flat punch problem","authors":"P.A. Gourgiotis , Th. Zisis , A.E. Giannakopoulos , H.G. Georgiadis","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work revisits the classical flat-punch indentation problem within the framework of Mindlin’s form-II strain-gradient elasticity, uncovering new phenomena driven by the interplay between contact geometry and material length scale. The analysis is carried out under plane strain conditions, and the corresponding mixed boundary value problem is solved using integral equation techniques. Two distinct contact regimes are examined. In the first, assuming full contact beneath the rigid indenter, the pressure distribution exhibits hypersingular behavior with tensile (adhesive-like) tractions near the contact edges. These arise purely from kinematic constraints, without invoking any cohesive law or surface energy. The second regime emerges by relaxing the flatness assumption, allowing for partial separation beneath the punch. In this case, contact is sustained only within a central region, flanked by separation gaps near the edges and balanced by concentrated edge reactions. The resulting pressure is entirely positive and exhibits a classical square-root singularity. Both the contact width and edge forces are shown to depend sensitively on Poisson’s ratio and the material length scale. Beyond a critical length, the contact region collapses, and the problem reduces to the superposition of two Flamant-type concentrated contact solutions. These findings reveal a rich class of indentation responses naturally captured by strain gradient elasticity-phenomena inaccessible to classical continuum models. They may have important implications for nano/micro-indentation experiments on materials with pronounced internal length scales, such as polymers, ceramics, composites, cellular solids, masonry, and biological tissues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106527"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146033263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106541
Chung-Shuo Lee, Pei-En Chou, Ganesh Subbarayan
Accurately predicting the forces driving crack propagation is critical for engineering applications where fracture is an important failure criterion. An easy to apply configurational force theory for estimating crack driving force in thermoelastic solids is derived in this study. The derivation relies on the notion of a configurational optimization problem for heterogeneities inserted into a homogeneous domain. The configurational optimization allows arbitrary objectives subject to constraints of variational principles governing the solid behavior. The optimality criteria obtained by solving an adjoint problem naturally yields a generalized Eshelby Energy-Momentum tensor, which leads to the classical , and integrals of fracture mechanics when Helmholtz free energy is chosen as the objective and the problem is constrained to be isothermal. We calculate the configurational force using an isogeometric computational framework that relies on a recently developed enrichment procedure for multi-material corner singularities, of which cracks are a special case. Enriched displacement and temperature functions applied at crack tips are illustrated and demonstrated through several numerical examples on thermoelastic solids. Examples include (a) crack driving force estimation under adiabatic/isothermal conditions, (b) edge crack propagation simulation and (c) bimaterial wedge under varying mechanical and thermal loadings.
{"title":"Generalized configurational force for thermoelasticity with application to isogeometric analysis of thermoelastic crack propagation","authors":"Chung-Shuo Lee, Pei-En Chou, Ganesh Subbarayan","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurately predicting the forces driving crack propagation is critical for engineering applications where fracture is an important failure criterion. An easy to apply configurational force theory for estimating crack driving force in thermoelastic solids is derived in this study. The derivation relies on the notion of a configurational optimization problem for heterogeneities inserted into a homogeneous domain. The configurational optimization allows arbitrary objectives subject to constraints of variational principles governing the solid behavior. The optimality criteria obtained by solving an adjoint problem naturally yields a generalized Eshelby Energy-Momentum tensor, which leads to the classical <span><math><mrow><mi>J</mi><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span>, <span><math><mrow><mi>L</mi><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> and <span><math><mrow><mi>M</mi><mo>−</mo></mrow></math></span> integrals of fracture mechanics when Helmholtz free energy is chosen as the objective and the problem is constrained to be isothermal. We calculate the configurational force using an isogeometric computational framework that relies on a recently developed enrichment procedure for multi-material corner singularities, of which cracks are a special case. Enriched displacement and temperature functions applied at crack tips are illustrated and demonstrated through several numerical examples on thermoelastic solids. Examples include (a) crack driving force estimation under adiabatic/isothermal conditions, (b) edge crack propagation simulation and (c) bimaterial wedge under varying mechanical and thermal loadings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106541"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106530
Amiya Prakash Das , Jidong Zhao , Thomas Sweijen
The morphological evolution of pore spaces is a critical yet poorly quantified microstructural determinant of the macroscopic mechanical and hydraulic behavior of granular materials. While the anisotropy of the grain contact network (Fc) is known to dictate material response, the concurrent evolution of pore space anisotropy (Fp) and its coupling with Fc remains inadequately understood. This study employs Minkowski moment tensor analysis within a Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework to bridge this gap. We systematically investigate dense and loose, monodisperse and polydisperse assemblies under cyclic triaxial loading to quantify the dynamic coupling between Fc and Fp. We demonstrate a moderate to strong correlation between Fc and Fp, with a systematic lag in the response of Fp attributed to hierarchical geometric emergence across scales. This lag is constrained by particle-scale free-volume reorganization and its kinematic compatibility with particle motion. Additionally, key pore-scale metrics, including inverse Voronoi cell fractions , pore-scale porosity (ϕp), and pore shape anisotropy , are well described by gamma distributions across all packing densities and strain levels. Notably, the scaled follows a k-gamma distribution, providing a statistically consistent descriptor for volume fluctuations. A strong correlation is also observed between the average pore shape factor (|β|avg) and global porosity, suggesting that |β|avg serves as a geometry-based descriptor linking collective pore deformation to packing density. These findings underscore the utility of the Minkowski tensor approach in capturing 3D fabric evolution and explicitly linking pore- and grain-scale interactions. The quantitative relationships and statistical descriptors presented here provide a new foundation for enhancing constitutive models in geotechnics and powder technology, offering insights relevant to future investigations into permeability evolution and shear band formation.
{"title":"Coupled grain-pore fabric evolutions in sheared granular materials: Anisotropy lagging and geometric emergence","authors":"Amiya Prakash Das , Jidong Zhao , Thomas Sweijen","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The morphological evolution of pore spaces is a critical yet poorly quantified microstructural determinant of the macroscopic mechanical and hydraulic behavior of granular materials. While the anisotropy of the grain contact network (<em>F<sub>c</sub></em>) is known to dictate material response, the concurrent evolution of pore space anisotropy (<em>F<sub>p</sub></em>) and its coupling with <em>F<sub>c</sub></em> remains inadequately understood. This study employs Minkowski moment tensor analysis within a Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework to bridge this gap. We systematically investigate dense and loose, monodisperse and polydisperse assemblies under cyclic triaxial loading to quantify the dynamic coupling between <em>F<sub>c</sub></em> and <em>F<sub>p</sub></em>. We demonstrate a moderate to strong correlation between <em>F<sub>c</sub></em> and <em>F<sub>p</sub></em>, with a systematic lag in the response of <em>F<sub>p</sub></em> attributed to hierarchical geometric emergence across scales. This lag is constrained by particle-scale free-volume reorganization and its kinematic compatibility with particle motion. Additionally, key pore-scale metrics, including inverse Voronoi cell fractions <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><msubsup><mi>ϕ</mi><mi>v</mi><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msubsup><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span>, pore-scale porosity (<em>ϕ<sub>p</sub></em>), and pore shape anisotropy <span><math><mover><mi>β</mi><mo>^</mo></mover></math></span>, are well described by gamma distributions across all packing densities and strain levels. Notably, the scaled <span><math><msubsup><mi>ϕ</mi><mi>v</mi><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> follows a <em>k</em>-gamma distribution, providing a statistically consistent descriptor for volume fluctuations. A strong correlation is also observed between the average pore shape factor (|<em>β</em>|<sub><em>avg</em></sub>) and global porosity, suggesting that |<em>β</em>|<sub><em>avg</em></sub> serves as a geometry-based descriptor linking collective pore deformation to packing density. These findings underscore the utility of the Minkowski tensor approach in capturing 3D fabric evolution and explicitly linking pore- and grain-scale interactions. The quantitative relationships and statistical descriptors presented here provide a new foundation for enhancing constitutive models in geotechnics and powder technology, offering insights relevant to future investigations into permeability evolution and shear band formation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106530"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106544
Lei Wu, Damiano Pasini
The deformation of a structure may be either insensitive or sensitive to the sequence of the applied forces: the former corresponds to a commutative response, whereas the latter indicates a non-commutative response. Among diverse physical systems, an elastic multistable structure tessellated from bistable units or bits can display commutative or non-commutative responses, each dictated by the manner of interaction between the units. In this work, we elucidate the underlying physics of commutative and non-commutative responses through the lens of the energy landscape of a multistable structure, and demonstrate that initially non-commutative units can be toggled to become commutative by altering the number and distribution of local energy minima in their state space, thus enabling reprogrammable sensitivity to the loading sequence. The concept is realized and demonstrated as a multistable switch in an electrical circuit capable of offering in situ adjustable levels of information protection through reprogrammable sequence sensitivity.
{"title":"Toggling energy landscape to enable commutative and non-commutative responses in multistable structures","authors":"Lei Wu, Damiano Pasini","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The deformation of a structure may be either insensitive or sensitive to the sequence of the applied forces: the former corresponds to a commutative response, whereas the latter indicates a non-commutative response. Among diverse physical systems, an elastic multistable structure tessellated from bistable units or bits can display commutative or non-commutative responses, each dictated by the manner of interaction between the units. In this work, we elucidate the underlying physics of commutative and non-commutative responses through the lens of the energy landscape of a multistable structure, and demonstrate that initially non-commutative units can be toggled to become commutative by altering the number and distribution of local energy minima in their state space, thus enabling reprogrammable sensitivity to the loading sequence. The concept is realized and demonstrated as a multistable switch in an electrical circuit capable of offering <em>in situ</em> adjustable levels of information protection through reprogrammable sequence sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106544"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106528
Zhengtao Liao , Xiangbiao Liao , Yuyang Lu , Chengcheng Cao , Linghui He , Yong Ni
Understanding the intragranular cracking mechanisms of single-crystal Ni-rich layered cathodes (SCNCM) during electrochemical cycling is essential for next-generation high-energy-density and long-life Li-ion batteries. However, the complex interplay among the factors driving crack initiation and propagation remains unclear. Herein, we present a fully coupled three-dimensional phase-field model that integrates anisotropic lithium diffusion, the H2-H3 structural phase transition, stress evolution, and fracture mechanics to elucidate intragranular fracture in SCNCM during deep delithiation. Simulations on representative particle geometries reveal that anisotropic diffusion and fracture energy alone can not initiate layer-parallel cracks, instead, layered delithiation pathways govern shape-dependent phase transition dynamics, while lattice mismatch from spatially heterogeneous phase transitions nucleates cracks preferentially at particle surfaces and drives their propagation along layered planes, in good agreement with experimental observations. Cubic particles with uniform layers form cracks prematurely, whereas spherical and octahedral particles—with shorter surface layers—delay crack initiation by 5.3% state of charge (SoC) due to retarded phase transition in central layers, thereby expanding the safe-charging window. Elevated charging rates accelerate central-layer phase transition, amplifying misfit and triggering earlier cracking, while reduced phase-transition eigenstrain or flatter aspect ratios mitigate stress concentrations and suppress damage. These results establish a predictive link between phase transition dynamics and intragranular fracture, providing design strategies for mechanically robust high-energy-density cathodes.
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Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106526
Sijia Liu , Yunteng Wang , Xueyu Geng , Wei Wu
In this work, we formulate a generalized higher-order phase-field model within the rotated anisotropic framework for simulating brittle phenomena in anisotropic rocks. Our phase-field model accounts for both the anisotropic critical fracture energy release rate and the anisotropic degradation in stiffness. The innovative aspects of this model include (i) a fourth-order structural tensor enabling simulations of strongly anisotropic fractures with arbitrary, non-orthogonal symmetry axes for capturing the complexity of natural geological media; (ii) a volumetric–deviatoric coupling energy density for transitions from anisotropic responses in the undamaged state to isotropic responses in the damaged state; (iii) a patch-based Hessian recovery algorithm ensuring stable solutions of the higher-order PDEs to reduce the computational cost; and (iv) stochastic perturbations integrated into the anisotropic crack surface density function to capture microstructural heterogeneity. Several numerical benchmark examples are provided. The numerical results are compared with some laboratory experiments on brittle fracture in anisotropic rocks.
{"title":"A generalized higher-order phase-field model for brittle fracture in anisotropic rocks","authors":"Sijia Liu , Yunteng Wang , Xueyu Geng , Wei Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmps.2026.106526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, we formulate a generalized higher-order phase-field model within the rotated anisotropic framework for simulating brittle phenomena in anisotropic rocks. Our phase-field model accounts for both the anisotropic critical fracture energy release rate and the anisotropic degradation in stiffness. The innovative aspects of this model include (i) a fourth-order structural tensor enabling simulations of strongly anisotropic fractures with arbitrary, non-orthogonal symmetry axes for capturing the complexity of natural geological media; (ii) a volumetric–deviatoric coupling energy density for transitions from anisotropic responses in the undamaged state to isotropic responses in the damaged state; (iii) a patch-based Hessian recovery algorithm ensuring stable solutions of the higher-order PDEs to reduce the computational cost; and (iv) stochastic perturbations integrated into the anisotropic crack surface density function to capture microstructural heterogeneity. Several numerical benchmark examples are provided. The numerical results are compared with some laboratory experiments on brittle fracture in anisotropic rocks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17331,"journal":{"name":"Journal of The Mechanics and Physics of Solids","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 106526"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146056280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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