A soft particle dynamics method based on shape degrees of freedom

Abstract

In this paper, we present a 2D numerical model developed to simulate the dynamics of soft, deformable particles. To accommodate significant particle deformations, the particle surface is represented as a narrow shell composed of mass points that interact through elasto-plastic force laws governing their linear and angular relative displacements. Particle shape changes are controlled by these interactions, in conjunction with a uniform particle core stiffness. We calibrate and verify this model by comparing the deformation of constrained beams under load with theoretical predictions. Subsequently, we explore the diametral compression of a single particle between two walls, focusing on the influence of the particle core stiffness and shell plasticity. Our findings indicate that increased core stiffness reduces particle volume change and promotes the development of faceting through flat contact areas with the walls. To further illustrate the model's capabilities, we apply it to the uniaxial compaction of a granular material composed of core-shell particles. We show that, depending on the core stiffness and shell plasticity, the compaction leads to either a significant reduction of particle volumes or an improved pore filling due to particle shape changes. At high compaction, particle shapes vary: elastic particles without core stiffness become mostly elongated, elastic particles with core stiffness form polygonal shapes, while plastic particles develop elliptical or highly irregular forms. Finally, we simulate the tensile fracture of a tissue composed of elastic or plastic cells, illustrating the model's potential applicability to soft tissues that undergo both large cell deformations and fracture.