The distinct element method (DEM) has been used to model wave propagation through a matrix material composed of circular particles which are glued together with elastic bonds. Wave propagation through the sample is shown to be governed by the properties and distribution of individual bonds. 4 refs., 12 figs.

Discrete Element Methods (DEM) is a numerical technique for analysing the mechanics and physics of particulate systems. Originated in the late seventies for analysing geotechnical problems, it has seen significant development and is now employed extensively across disciplines. Produced in celebration of the 70th Birthday of Colin Thornton, this book contains a selection of papers concerning advances in discrete element modelling which were presented at the International Symposium on Discrete Element Modelling of Particulate Media held at Birmingham, UK on 28-30th March, 2012. The book showcases the wide application of discrete element modelling in gas-solid fluidisation, particulate flows, liquid-solid systems and quasi-static behaviour. It also reports the recent advancement in coupled DEM with computational fluid dynamics, Lattice Boltzmann Methods for multiphase systems and the novel application of DEM in contact electrification and fracture of granular systems. Aimed at research communities dealing with this technique in the powder handling and formulation industries, this will be a welcomed addition to the literature in this area.

This special issue collects selected contributions (excluding general lectures) of a Symposium on "Micro to MACRO Mathematical Modelling in Soil Mechanics", which took place at the University of Reggio Calabria, Italy, from May 29th to June 1st, 2018. The Symposium provided an opportunity to enhance the scientific debate on the construction of mathematical models for the description of the physical behaviour of soils, as well as on the suggestions provided by the micro-mechanical observation of the matter. The focus was on the comparison between the appropriateness of models and the need of mathematics to obtain rigorous results, which involves know-how from applied mathematical physics, geotechnical engineering and mechanics of solids. The contributions were selected by the Editors and the other Members of the Scientific Committee of the Symposium: Gianfranco Capriz (Pisa, Roma), Claudio di Prisco (Milan), Wolfgang Ehlers (Stuttgart), James T. Jenkins (Cornell), Stefan Luding (Twente), David Muir Wood (Dundee), Kenichi Soga (Berkeley).

This contributed volume provides an up-to-date overview of the mechanics of granular materials, ranging from sparse media to soils. With chapters exploring state-of-the-art theoretical, experimental, and applied trends in the study of granular matter in various states, readers will be motivated to learn about the current challenges and potential avenues of exploration in this active area of research. Including a variety of perspectives, this volume will be a valuable reference for audiences in a number of fields. Specific topics covered include: X-ray tomography techniques for analyzing sand Evaluation of effective stress in unsaturated soils Hyper-plasticity Wave propagation in granular systems Partly saturated porous media Multi-scale approaches to the dynamics of sparse media Views on Microstructures in Granular Materials is an ideal resource for PhD students and researchers in applied mathematics, solid-state physics, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Provides the state-of-the-art of the physics of granular media for graduate students and researchers in physics, applied mathematics and engineering.