Linking dynamics between anchors and granular materials

Abstract

The research quantitatively explores the linking properties between the circular plate anchor and the granular assembly during the failure process under the subject of a specified pullout force given to the anchor using three-dimensional discrete particle simulations. This circular anchor is created as a hard cluster of spherical grains and is initially buried at a depth in the granular assembly. The numerical method is constructed based on the frictional interaction force law. The linking dynamic is characterized by the variation of the drag force acting on such anchor due to interaction with grains at the bottom of the frustum which is formed during the uplifting movement of the anchor. The results show that the drag force acting on the anchor first reaches a nearly constant value corresponding to the loading phenomenon at small anchor movement, reflecting the plastic deformation of granular bed as a result of particle rearrangement, and then fluctuates in a wide range, this range increases with increasing the anchor movement as a result of the unloading/reloading events. These loading/unloading/reloading events provide evidence for the linking properties between the anchor movement and granular assembly, which are highlighted by the density and intensity of force network within the frustum.