
Geometric cohesion and 3D friction in column collapses of non-convex particles clusters using non-smooth contact dynamics
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Friction phenomena are inherent to granular flows and have a significant impact on their mechanical properties. Despite originating from multiple factors such as surface asperities or particle size, the Coulomb friction law remains a common choice to model interactions within numerical granular simulations. Its implementation in the context of non-smooth contact dynamics is direct in two dimensions or when dealing with spherical particles. However, the latter is not true when extending to three dimensional rigid bodies with complex geometry, for which numerical challenges arise[1][2]. In addition, the inclusion of non-convex particles in simulations can complicate the macroscopic response of the media. As highlighted in recent work [3], interactions of non-convex particle shapes lead to complex local entanglements within the contact network. This phenomenon, known as geometric cohesion, enhances the stability of the overall granular material at low compacity. The present work focuses on modelling the three-dimensional interactions of non-convex particles using particle clusters. Column stability and-or collapse is investigated and compared to experimental results obtained in [3]. Since numerical simulations provide valuable insights into the entangled contact network of the clusters, we investigate parameters favouring the onset of column collapse or stability (geometric cohesion) and the influence of the numerical representation of the clusters. A geometrical formulation of the non-linear frictional contact resolution system provides appropriate resolution procedure and convergence properties.