Numéro
J. Phys. I France
Volume 4, Numéro 12, December 1994
Page(s) 1779 - 1782
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp1:1994115
DOI: 10.1051/jp1:1994115
J. Phys. I France 4 (1994) 1779-1782

Short Communication

Computer simulations of granular materials: the effects of mesoscopic forces

G.A. Kohring

Central Institute for Applied Mathematics, Research Center Jülich (KFA), D-52425 Jülich, Germany


(Received 12 October 1994, received in final form 13 October 1994, accepted 20 October 1994)

Abstract
The problem of the relatively small angles of repose reported by computer simulations of granular materials is discussed. It is shown that this problem can be partially understood as resulting from mesoscopic forces which are commonly neglected in the simulations. After including mesoscopic forces, characterized by the easily measurable surface energy, 2D computer simulations indicate that the angle of repose should increase as the size of the granular grains decreases, an effect not seen without mesoscopic forces. The exact magnitude of this effect depends upon the value of the surface energy and the coordination number of the granular pile.



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