Numerical investigation of granular interfaces kinematics

The numerical method of Contact Dynamics is used in order to simulate the Ring Simple Shear Experiment of a granular medium model (Schneebeli material). The numerical results on the discrete medium are then post-processed in order to construct the displacement fields of an equivalent continuum, and the formation of a shear interface layer is observed. The existence and magnitude of individual grain rotations imply that the equivalent continuum could be a Cosserat continuum in this case, at least for the material inside the interface layer. Porosity profiles are presented, showing the progressive loosening of the granular medium, while its dilation is also measured. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.