Abstract
The physical process of granular shear flows is very complex, and the mechanical properties such as the dependency on the shear-rate or the influence of confining pressure have not been fully investigated. This paper discussed the dynamic characteristics of granular shear flows with the aid of numerical tests by the Granular Element Method that was recently extended to a dynamic version. It was found from a series of simulation tests that the flow patterns were strongly influenced by the confining pressure, as well as the shear rate. It was also shown that the localization developing in the dynamic deformation field weakened the shearing toughness of granular specimen.
