Visualization of particle interactions in granular media

Area of Science:

• Geomechanics
• Computational Material Science
• Data Visualization

Background:

• Granular media, like soil and sand, are crucial in geomechanics and industry.
• Current understanding of granular material behavior, especially failure phenomena, is limited.
• Existing computational methods require enhanced visualization for microscopic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel 2D visualization technique for granular material simulation data.
• To facilitate the analysis of micro and macro scale behaviors.
• To improve the understanding of failure phenomena in discontinuous materials.

Main Methods:

• A two-scale homogenization approach (micro and macro levels).
• Development of a novel 2D visualization tool.
• Implementation of multiple coordinated views for integrated analysis.
• Creation of interactive rose diagrams for dynamic contact networks.

Main Results:

• The visualization tool effectively supports analysis at both micro and macro scales.
• Multiple coordinated views allow for effective user analysis of particle behavior.
• Novel interactive rose diagrams efficiently represent dynamic micro-scale contact networks.

Conclusions:

• The developed visualization technique offers a deeper insight into granular material behavior.
• The tool aids in illustrating failure phenomena on the microscopic level.
• This approach reduces computational costs while enhancing understanding of discontinuous materials.