Open access
Date
2016-11Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
The mechanics of granular media at low liquid saturation levels remain poorly understood. Macroscopic mechanical properties are affected by microscale forces and processes, such as capillary forces, inter-particle friction, liquid flows, and particle movements. An improved understanding of these microscale mechanisms is important for a range of industrial applications and natural phenomena (e.g. landslides). This study focuses on the transient evolution of the tensile stress of unsaturated granular media under extension. Experimental results suggest that the stress state of the material evolves even after cessation of sample extension. Moreover, we observe that the packing density strongly affects the efficiency of different processes that result in tensile stress relaxation. By comparing the observed relaxation time scales with published data, we conclude that tensile stress relaxation is governed by particle rearrangement and fluid redistribution. An increased packing density inhibits particle rearrangement and only leaves fluid redistribution as the major process that governs tensile stress relaxation. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000120107Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Granular MatterVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
SpringerSubject
Capillary bridges; Capillary forces; Fluid redistribution; Grain rearrangement; Granular material; Tensile stressOrganisational unit
03812 - Or, Dani (emeritus) / Or, Dani (emeritus)
Funding
319968 - Fluid Flow in Complex and Curved Spaces (EC)
Notes
It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.More
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