Impact of friction and grain shape on the morphology of sheared granular media

Rahim H, Roy S, Pöschel T (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Physical Review Fluids American Physical Society

Book Volume: 11

Pages Range: 1-17

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1103/z1rz-b4j6

Abstract

The interplay between dilatancy and particle alignment in sheared granular materials composed of nonspherical particles leads to morphological inhomogeneity. Dilatancy, driven by interparticle friction, causes the packing to expand, while particle alignment tends to densify it. We examine the influence of friction, particle aspect ratio, and initial packing conditions on the steady-state particle alignment and packing density. Unlike spherical particles, nonspherical particles with higher aspect ratios exhibit either dilatancy or compaction under shear, leading to spontaneous heaping or depression formation. We analyzed the evolution of packing density to identify whether dilatancy or compression prevails within the shear band.

Authors with CRIS profile

Huzaif Rahim Lehrstuhl für Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems (MSS) Sudeshna Roy Lehrstuhl für Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems (MSS) Thorsten Pöschel Lehrstuhl für Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems (MSS)

How to cite

APA:

Rahim, H., Roy, S., & Pöschel, T. (2026). Impact of friction and grain shape on the morphology of sheared granular media. Physical Review Fluids, 11(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1103/z1rz-b4j6

MLA:

Rahim, Huzaif, Sudeshna Roy, and Thorsten Pöschel. "Impact of friction and grain shape on the morphology of sheared granular media." Physical Review Fluids 11.2 (2026): 1-17.

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