Mechanistic framework for reduced-order models in soft materials: Application to three-dimensional granular intrusion

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Soft materials exhibit complex solid- and fluid-like behaviors.
• Microscale simulations exist, but macroscale reduced-order models are needed for predicting interactions with external bodies.
• Such models are crucial for applications like impact, penetration, and locomotion in natural terrains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a systematic program for creating 3D reduced-order models for soft materials.
• To derive a 3D resistive force theory (3D-RFT) based on continuum symmetries and rheological principles.
• To enable accurate and rapid prediction of resistive stress on arbitrary bodies intruding through granular media.

Main Methods:

• Utilized continuum symmetries and rheological principles for model derivation.
• Developed a 3D resistive force theory (3D-RFT).
• Incorporated a continuum description of granular media, spatial symmetry constraints, and reference data for model development and verification.

Main Results:

• Successfully derived and verified a self-consistent and accurate 3D-RFT.
• Demonstrated the model's capability to predict resistive stress distribution on arbitrary-shaped bodies in granular media.
• Showcased the model's ability to be quickly recalibrated for different media and intruder surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-RFT accurately and efficiently predicts resistive forces in granular media.
• The model's framework is adaptable and can be recalibrated for various soft materials and surface interactions.
• This approach has potential applications in diverse fields involving soft material interactions.