Material-defined two-dimensional numerical model for grain-scale nonlinear elasticity
Ryley G Hill1, Robert A Guyer1,2, Paul A Johnson1
1Earth and Environmental Sciences 17, National Security Earth Science, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico 87545, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|December 23, 2025
Summary
This study models nonlinear elastic wave behavior in granular media using Berea Sandstone properties. The microstructural model explains experimentally observed acoustic nonlinearity in solids.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
Background:
- Characterizing complex granular media requires understanding nonlinear mesoscopic elastic materials.
- Acoustic manifestations are key to this characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a numerical model for nonlinear elastic wave behavior in granular media.
- To capture the behavior of Berea Sandstone under cyclic loading.
Main Methods:
- Developed a numerical model using Berea Sandstone properties.
- Simulated quasi-static loading scenarios.
- Tracked the material matrix to identify force pairs controlling hysteresis.
Main Results:
- The model captures nonlinear elastic wave behavior and rate-independent hysteresis.
- Spatially varying nonlinear stress-strain behavior in the matrix governs hysteresis.
- Identified force pairs consistent with phenomenological models.
Conclusions:
- Physically motivated microstructural modeling provides insight into experimentally observed nonlinear acoustic phenomena.
- This approach advances understanding beyond phenomenological descriptions of acoustic nonlinearity in solids.
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