Computer experiments of rheology regarding the effects of temperature (T), pressure (P), and density (rho) on steady shear flow material functions, which include viscosity (eta) and first and second normal stress coefficients (psi(1) and psi(2)) depending on shear rate (gamma), have been conducted via nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for liquid n-hexadecane. Straightforwardly, usin...

[1] We use numerical simulations to investigate how fault zone dilatancy and pore fluid decompression influence fault strength and friction constitutive behavior. Dilatant hardening can change the frictional response and the effective critical stiffness, Kcr, which determines the transition from stable to unstable sliding in velocity weakening fault zones. We study the frictional shear strength...

Convential models for the erosion of non-cohesive sediments overestimate the erosion rate induced by high flow velocities. These high flow velocities occur, for instance, in breaching of embankments or dunes (flow velocities up to 10 m/s) or in jetting sand with a trailing suction hopper dredger (30 to 60 m/s). At these very large flow velocities the erosion process is significantly influenced ...

A three-dimensional nonlocal multiscale discrete-continuum model has been developed for modeling mechanical behavior of granular materials. In the proposed multiscale scheme, we establish an informationpassing coupling between the discrete element method, which explicitly replicates granular motion of individual particles, and a finite element continuum model, which captures nonlocal overall re...

Characterization of a geosynthetic is necessary for its effective use in various field application of reinforced soil structure. In this paper, a new type of geosynthetic has been evaluated for its interaction properties for different backfill soils using direct shear device. The test results are compared based on the type of soils, inclusions, and interface mechanical properties. Three backfil...

[1] Pore fluid pressure plays an important role in the frictional strength and stability of tectonic faults. We report on laboratory measurements of porosity changes associated with transient increases in shear velocity during frictional sliding within simulated finegrained quartz fault gouge (d50 = 127 mm). Experiments were conducted in a novel true triaxial pressure vessel using the double-di...