Energy Conservation in a Granular Shear Flow and Its Quasi-Solid-Liquid Transition

Abstract

Energy conservation and the quasi-solid-liquid transition are studied for a nonuniform granular shear flow in nonequilibrium steady state using 3-D discrete element simulation. Energy fluctuation and its relation to interparticle force chains are discussed. Sensitivity analyses are carried out of energy to different parameters, such as concentration, restitution coefficient, and friction coefficient. Elastic potential energy distribution in the quasi-solid-liquid transition is discussed, and the inherent fundamental mechanisms of transition from the perspective of energy are developed.

Keywords:

• discrete element method
• energy conservation
• granular materials
• nonequilibrium steady state
• quasi-solid-liquid transition