Materials science

Breakage

Physics

Finite element method

Structural engineering

Computer science

Gradation

Geology

Ellipsoid

Mechanics

Roundness (object)

Oceanography

Discrete element method

Computer vision

Geodesy

Engineering

Composite material

Sphericity

Particle (ecology)

Computers and Geotechnics

Particle morphology is an inherent characteristic that has a significant influence on breakage behaviors of natural sands. Based on X-ray micro-computed tomographic scanning and image-processing, the three-dimensional (3D) particle surfaces of natural sand particles were first reconstructed by the spherical harmonic (SH) analysis. The traditional morphological parameters of the particles, including sphericity, roundness, and aspect ratio were then calculated based on the SH-reconstructed particle surfaces. Furthermore, a 3D local roundness descriptor was used to characterize the local angularity of the contact area between a particle and its loading platens. To model particle breakage, this study developed a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) in which the cohesive interface elements were inserted between the finite elements to simulate solid fracture by defining a traction-separation damage law. By using the developed FDEM, a series of single particle crushing simulations were conducted for ellips...

Study on the effect of particle morphology on single particle breakage using a combined finite-discrete element method