Effect of aspect ratio on triaxial compression of multi-sphere ellipsoid assemblies simulated using a discrete element method

Abstract Here, we present a numerical investigation of the mechanical behavior of ellipsoids under triaxial compression for a range of aspect ratios. Our simulations use a multi-sphere approach in a three-dimensional discrete element method. All assemblies were prepared at their densest condition, and triaxial compression tests were performed up to extremely large strains, until a critical state was reached. The stress–strain relationship and the void ratio–strain behavior were evaluated. We found that the stress–dilatancy relationship of ellipsoids with different aspect ratios could be expressed as a linear equation. In particular, the aspect ratio influenced the position of the critical state lines for these assemblies. Particle-scale characteristics at the critical state indicate that particles tend to be flat lying, and the obstruction of particle rotation that occurs with longer particles affects their contact mechanics. Lastly, anisotropic coefficients related to aspect ratio were investigated to probe the microscopic origins of the macroscopic behavior. A detailed analysis of geometrical and mechanical anisotropies revealed the microscopic mechanisms underlying the dependency of peak and residual strengths on aspect ratio.