Simulation Study of Breakage in Coral Sand Particles under Dynamic Confined Compression

This paper reports a simulation-based dynamic confined compression analysis of coral sand under an impact load using the discrete element method (DEM). The evolution particle breakage on mesoscale was studied by investigating force chain distributions, crack development, and modes. Crushable particles were simulated replacing rigid with flexible basic unit aggregates. Weibull parameters incorporated within mesoscopic particles, random numbers introduced. obtained results for strengths consistent experimental data. numerical demonstrated that significantly strengthened along loading axis during weakened unloading. cracks primarily generated strong chain, caused to move towards relatively more complete fragments nearby. oriented axis, its anisotropy observed decrease increase in load. Before yielding, specimen dominated attrition at edges corners. After extended into perpendicular intergranular contact surface deflected simultaneous influence pores. fracture shattering occurred successively, consequent fall-off slip filling promoted deformation development.