Bulk modulus of soft particle assemblies under compression

Using a numerical approach based on the coupling of the discrete and finite element methods, we explore the variation of the bulk modulus K of soft particle assemblies undergoing isotropic compression. As the assemblies densify under pressure-controlled boundary conditions, we show that the non-linearities of K rapidly deviate from predictions standing on a small-strain framework or the, so-called, Equivalent Medium Theory (EMT). Using the...