Continuum granular flow model with restitution-derived viscoelastic damping
arXiv:2604.21448 · doi:10.1103/gcml-wkmk
The paper introduces a continuum model for granular flows that links particle-scale restitution to a macroscopic viscoelastic damping term, integrating this with μ(I) rheology and implementing it via the material point method to capture various dynamic behaviors.
Abstract
This work presents a unified viscoelastic-viscoplastic continuum framework for modeling rate-dependent granular flows across regimes. The formulation incorporates two distinct rate-dependent mechanisms, namely micro-inertia and viscoelastic dissipation, within a single continuum description. A central contribution is an explicit link between the coefficient of restitution and a continuum viscosity, derived from an analysis of wave attenuation in granular assemblies, thereby establishing a direct connection between particle-scale collision physics and macroscopic damping. This relation is introduced while retaining inertia-dependent plastic flow governed by the classical rheology. The constitutive model is constructed by meticulously partitioning elastic and plastic responses within the model and corresponding stress-update routine, such that viscous dissipation governs wave propagation and collisional processes without altering the plastic flow rule. The framework is implemented within the material point method to simulate transient processes involving large deformations, material separation, and subsequent reconsolidation. A range of numerical examples, including steady, transient, vibrational, and impact-driven flows, demonstrates that the model captures wave propagation, diffusion, and rate-dependent granular behavior within a unified continuum setting.
36 pages, 20 figures