Influence of particle shape on engineering properties of assemblies of two-dimensional polygon-shaped particles

A code based on the discrete element method (DEM) was developed to simulate the behaviour of angular granular materials by loading assemblies of two-dimensional polygon-shaped particles. Two series of test simulations—isotropic loading–unloading and biaxial shear—were conducted on assemblies with different particle angularity. To avoid the probable effect of particle eccentricity and size distribution on assembly behaviour, equal-sized, equal-sided particles were employed. Six assemblies of particles with different angularities (one assembly for each type) were used in this study. The test results are presented in terms of macroscopic and microscopic behaviour. It was found that particle angularity had a significant influence on the behaviour of simulated granular material.