The role of particle shape in computational modelling of granular matter

ABSTRACT Granular matter is ubiquitous in nature and is present in diverse forms in important engineering, industrial and natural processes. Particle-based computational modelling has become

indispensable to understand and predict the complex behaviour of granular matter in these processes. The success of modern computational models requires realistic and efficient

consideration of particle shape. Realistic particle shapes in naturally occurring and engineered materials offer diverse challenges owing to their multiscale nature in both length and time.

Furthermore, the complex interactions with other materials, such as interstitial fluids, are highly nonlinear and commonly involve multiphysics coupling. This Technical Review presents a

comprehensive appraisal of state-of-the-art computational models for granular particles of either naturally occurring shapes or engineered geometries. It focuses on particle shape

characterization, representation and implementation, as well as its important effects. In addition, the particles may be hard, highly deformable, crushable or phase transformable; they might

change their behaviour in the presence of interstitial fluids and are sensitive to density, confining stress and flow state. We describe generic methodologies that capture the universal

features of granular matter and some unique approaches developed for special but important applications. KEY POINTS * Particle-based computational modelling that considers realistic particle

shapes has become indispensable for understanding and predicting the complex behaviour of granular matter in engineering, industry and nature. * How to effectively represent the shape of a

particle is closely related to its intended purpose; the modelling of naturally occurring granular materials may differ from approaches for engineered particles. * Particle shape

representation is inseparably coupled to the detection of interparticle contacts, both of which critically determine the computational accuracy and efficiency of simulations of granular

matter. * Specific methodologies are needed to address challenges arising from crushable particles or highly deformable particles, in which the co-evolution of particle shapes and sizes and

hence contact detection algorithms dictate both accuracy and efficiency. * Consideration of shape effects in coupled simulations of granular particles and environmental fluids requires

revamped theories and methods to faithfully reflect their underpinning multiphase, multiphysics nature. * Incorporating realistic particle shapes in granular matter modelling must harness

the latest advances in parallel computing and machine learning for effective large-scale computations. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription

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PARTICLES Article Open access 04 March 2025 MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND PARTICLE CRUSHING OF IRREGULAR GRANULAR MATERIAL UNDER HIGH PRESSURE USING DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD Article Open access 15

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  MathSciNet  Google Scholar  Download references ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS J.Z. and S.Z. acknowledge the financial supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (via Project Nos

11972030 and 51909095) and Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (GRF Projects Nos 16206322, 16208720 and 16211221 and F-HKUST601/19). J.Z. also acknowledges the supports by the Project of

Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (HZQB-KCZYB-2020083) and the internal research supports provided by HKUST (FP907, IEG22EG01 and IEG22EG01PG).

AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China Jidong Zhao & Shiwei Zhao * The University of Twente, Enschede, The

Netherlands Stefan Luding Authors * Jidong Zhao View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Shiwei Zhao View author publications You can also

search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Stefan Luding View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar CONTRIBUTIONS All authors contributed to

all aspects of manuscript preparation, revision and editing. CORRESPONDING AUTHORS Correspondence to Jidong Zhao or Shiwei Zhao. ETHICS DECLARATIONS COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare

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permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Zhao, J., Zhao, S. & Luding, S. The role of particle shape in computational modelling of granular matter. _Nat Rev Phys_ 5, 505–525

(2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-023-00617-9 Download citation * Accepted: 27 June 2023 * Published: 10 August 2023 * Issue Date: September 2023 * DOI:

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