Explorative Analysis of Dynamic Force Networks in 2D Photoelastic Disks Ensembles

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Computational Science

Background:

• Granular materials exhibit complex behaviors due to interparticle forces forming force networks.
• Photoelastic disk experiments model two-dimensional granular systems.
• Understanding force network dynamics is crucial for predicting material behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an interactive analysis framework for exploring data from photoelastic disk experiments.
• To enable the identification and characterization of dynamic force networks in 2D granular materials.
• To provide a structured approach for analyzing force chains and cycles.

Main Methods:

• Development of a topology-based, multiscale data segmentation framework.
• Analysis of force networks based on force chains and cycles.
• Three levels of analysis: single instances, single experiments (loading/unloading cycles), and comparative analysis across experiments.

Main Results:

• The framework facilitates interactive exploration of granular material behavior.
• It allows for detailed characterization of force network structures.
• Case studies demonstrate the framework's applicability at different analytical scales.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework offers a robust method for analyzing 2D granular material force networks.
• It enhances the understanding of how interparticle forces dictate macroscopic properties.
• The interactive and multiscale approach provides novel insights into granular dynamics.