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Jean-Noël Roux

Publications and source records attributed to Jean-Noël Roux.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Morphology-resolved stress contributions in sheared wet granular materials

Three-dimensional X-ray microtomography, coupled to rheometric measurements, enables a morphology-resolved reconstruction of capillary stresses at the grain scale in unsaturated wet granular materials. Liquid domains are automatically classified into capillary bridges, dimers, trimers, and larger clusters, and their spatial organization is tracked as a function of shear deformation and liquid content. We show that shear localization governs the redistribution of the liquid phase: capillary bridges remain uniformly distributed throughout the sample, while higher-order morphologies accumulate preferentially near the lower boundary of the shear-zone through a shear-driven coalescence mechanism. Despite this spatial localization, simple two-grain bridges generate the dominant contribution to the isotropic capillary pressure, accounting for nearly 85\% of the total at liquid-to-solid volume ratio $ε= 0.05$, whereas more complex liquid clusters contribute only weakly to the overall cohesion. Incorporating the morphology-resolved capillary pressure into an effective-stress framework qualitatively reproduces the macroscopic friction coefficient across the full range of investigated liquid contents, without adjustable parameters. These results establish a predictive micro--macro link between liquid morphology and the rheology of wet granular materials.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2018

Shear strength of wet granular materials: macroscopic cohesion and effective stress

Rheometric measurements on assemblies of wet polystyrene bead assemblies, in steady uniform quasistatic shear flow, for varying liquid content within the small saturation (pendular) range of isolated liquid bridges, are supplemented with a systematic study by discrete numerical simulations. Numerical results and experimental ones agree quantitatively is the intergranular friction coefficient is set to 0.09, suitable for the dry material. Shear resistance and solid fraction are recorded as functions of the reduced pressure p, comparing normal stress to capillary bridge tensile strength. The Mohr-Coulomb relation with p-independent cohesion c applies for p above 2. The assumption that contact force contributions to stress act as effective stresses predicts shear strength quite well throughout the numerically investigated range of parameters.. A generalized Mohr-Coulomb cohesion c is defined, which relates to the dry material internal friction, coordination numbers and capillary force network anisotropy. The Rumpf formula approximation, ignoring capillary shear stress is correct for the larger saturation range within the pendular regime, but fails to describe its decrease for small liquid contents.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2015

Dry granular flows: rheological measurements of the $μ(I)$-Rheology

Granular materials do not flow homogeneously like fluids when submitted to external stress,but often form rigid regions that are separated by narrow shear bands where the material yields and flows. This shear localization impacts their apparent rheology, which makes it difficult to infer a constitutive behaviour from conventional rheometric measurements. Moreover, they present a dilatant behaviour, which makes their study in classical fixedvolume geometries difficult. These features led to perform extensive studies with inclined plane flows, which were of crucial importance for the development and the validation of the $μ(I)$ rheology. Our aim is to develop a method to characterize granular materials with rheometrical tools. Using unusual rheometry measurements in an annular shear cell adapted from Boyer et al. (2011), dense granular flows are studied. A focus is placed on the comparison between the present results and the $μ(I)$-rheology.

physics.flu-dyn↗
arXiv2015

Flow of wet granular materials: a numerical study

We simulate dense assemblies of frictional spherical grains in steady shear flow under controlled normal stress $P$ in the presence of a small amount of an interstitial liquid, which gives rise to capillary menisci, assumed isolated (pendular regime), and to attractive forces. The system behavior depends on two dimensionless control parameters: inertial number $I$ and reduced pressure $P^*=aP/(πΓ)$, comparing confining forces $\sim a^2P$ to meniscus tensile strength $F_0=πΓa$, for grains of diameter $a$ joined by menisci with surface tension $Γ$. We pay special attention to the quasi-static limit of slow flow and observe systematic, enduring strain localization in some of the cohesion-dominated ($P^*\sim 0.1$) systems. Homogeneous steady flows are characterized by the dependence of internal friction coefficient $μ^*$ and solid fraction $Φ$ on $I$ and $P^*$. We record fairly small but not negligible normal stress differences and the moderate sensitivity of the system to saturation within the pendular regime. Capillary forces have a significant effect on the macroscopic behavior of the system, up to $P^*$ values of several units. The concept of effective pressure may be used to predict an order of magnitude for the strong increase of $μ^*$ as $P^*$ decreases but such a crude approach is unable to account for the complex structural changes induced by capillary cohesion. Likewise, the Mohr-Coulomb criterion for pressure-dependent critical states is, at best, an approximation valid within a restricted range of pressures, with $P^*\ge 1$. At small enough $P^*$, large clusters of interacting grains form in slow flows, in which liquid bonds survive shear strains of several units. This affects the anisotropies associated to different interactions, and the shape of function $μ^*(I)$, which departs more slowly from its quasistatic limit than in cohesionless systems.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2012

Shear flow of dense granular materials near smooth walls. I. Shear localization and constitutive laws in boundary region

We report on a numerical study of the shear flow of a simple two-dimensional model of a granular material under controlled normal stress between two parallel smooth, frictional walls, moving with opposite velocities $\pm$V . Discrete simulations, which are carried out with the contact dynamics method in dense assemblies of disks, reveal that, unlike rough walls made of strands of particles, smooth ones can lead to shear strain localization in the boundary layer. Specifically, we observe, for decreasing V, first a fluid-like regime (A), in which the whole granular layer is sheared, with a homogeneous strain rate except near the walls; then (B) a symmetric velocity profile with a solid block in the middle and strain localized near the walls and finally (C) a state with broken symmetry in which the shear rate is confined to one boundary layer, while the bulk of the material moves together with the opposite wall. Both transitions are independent of system size and occur for specific values of V . Transient times are discussed. We show that the first transition, between regimes A and B, can be deduced from constitutive laws identified for the bulk material and the boundary layer, while the second one could be associated with an instability in the behavior of the boundary layer. The boundary zone constitutive law, however, is observed to depend on the state of the bulk material nearby.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2010

How granular materials deform in quasistatic conditions

Based on numerical simulations of quasistatic deformation of model granular materials, two rheological regimes are distinguished, according to whether macroscopic strains merely reflect microscopic material strains within the grains in their contact regions (type I strains), or result from instabilities and contact network rearrangements at the microscopic level (type II strains). We discuss the occurrence of regimes I and II in simulations of model materials made of disks (2D) or spheres (3D). The transition from regime I to regime II in monotonic tests such as triaxial compression is different from both the elastic limit and from the yield threshold. The distinction between both types of response is shown to be crucial for the sensitivity to contact-level mechanics, the relevant variables and scales to be considered in micromechanical approaches, the energy balance and the possible occurrence of macroscopic instabilities

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2010

Influences des paramètres micromécaniques dans la simulation numérique discrète des matériaux granulaires : assemblage, déformation quasi-statique, écoulements

We review the influence of micromechanical parameters on the macroscopic mechanical behaviour of granular materials, as numerically simulated in discrete element approaches, both in quasistatic conditions an din dense flow. We insist in particular on the role of suitably defined dimensionless numbers apt to provide a classification of rheological regimes of quite general validity.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2010

Incremental response of granular materials: DEM results

We systematically investigate the incremental response of various equilibrium states of dense 2D model granular materials, along the biaxial compression path (σ11 < σ22, σ12 = 0). Stress increments are applied in arbitrary directions in 3- dimensional stress space (σ11, σ22, σ12). In states with stable contact networks we compute the stiffness matrix and the elastic moduli, and separate elastic and irreversible strains in the range in which the latter are homogeneous functions of degree one of stress increments. Without principal stress axis rotation, the response abides by elastoplasticity with a Mohr-Coulomb criterion and a non-associated flow rule. However a nonelastic shear strain is also observed for increments of σ12, and shear and in-plane responses couple. This behavior correlates to the distribution of friction mobilization and sliding at contacts.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2009

Discrete numerical simulation, quasistatic deformation and the origins of strain in granular materials

Systematic numerical simulations of model dense granular materials in monotonous, quasistatic deformation reveal the existence of two different régimes. In the first one, the macroscopic strains stem from the deformation of contacts. The motion can be calculated by purely static means, without inertia, stress controlled or strain rate controlled simulations yield identical smooth rheological curves for a same sample. In the second régime, strains are essentially due to instabilities of the contact network, the approach to the limits of large samples and of small strain rates is considerably slower and the material is more sensitive to perturbations. These results are discussed and related to experiments : measurements of elastic moduli with very small strain increments, and slow deformation (creep) under constant stress.

physics.class-ph↗
arXiv2009

Simulation nnnumérique discrète et comportement mécanique des matériaux granulaires

As a complementary tool to laboratory experiments, discrete numerical simulation, applied to granular materials, provides valuable information on the grain and contact scale microstructure, thereby enabling one to better understand the microscopic origin of macroscopic mechanical behaviours. We first introduce different simulation methods, which we regard as techniques for numerical experimentation, in connection with micromechanical models for intergranular contacts. We lay special emphasis on the important issue of sample representativity and stress the usefulness of dimensional analysis in the definition of relevant control parameters. We then apply this approach to two important rheological regimes of granular systems: solid-like, slowly strained granular materials, which might be ruled by elastoplastic constitutive relations; and liquid-like, dense granular flows, either confined or with a free surface, described by suitable friction and dilatancy laws

physics.class-ph↗
arXiv2009

États de compacité maximale pour les mélanges binaires de grains sphériques : étude par simulation numérique

Disordered assemblies with maximum packing fraction are studied by discrete element numerical simulation for monodisperse or bidisperse spherical particles, the diameter ratio being set at three. A maximum packing fraction value corresponds to an equilibrium state under isotropic loading of rigid frictionless particles. A statistical study of size effects enables one to evaluate, in the limit of large systems, the maximum packing fractions of both monodisperse assemblies, for which the conventional value 0.639 is retrieved, and bidisperse ones, for two distinct values of the coarse particle volume fraction. An enduring initial assembling step in which agitated grains interact through collisions induces an increase in the final packing fraction due to crystalline order nucleation for a monodisperse system or to a gradual segregation for a binary mixture. Albeit slow and moderate in a number of practical situations, this effect leads to a definition of the random close packing state, as the one obtained with frictionless rigid grains under an isotropic pressure in the limit of fast assembling processes. A few potential extensions to this preliminary study are suggested.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2009

Sound wave velocities in dry and lubricated granular packings packings: numerical simulations and experiments

Numerical simulations are used to investigate the origins of the different wave velocities measured in dense granular samples assembled with different methods. Glass bead packings are prepared in the lab either by pouring and vibrating the dry material in a container, or by mixing with a very small amount of a viscous lubricant. Lubricated samples, although less dense, exhibit significantly higher wave velocities for confining pressures in the 100 kPa range. Numerical predictions for elastic moduli agree much better with experimental results when the computational preparation of the samples mimics the laboratory one, albeit in a simplified manner. A plausible explanation to the laboratory observations is that the coordination number, which influences the material stiffness more than its density, is notably higher in lubricated packings.

physics.class-ph↗
arXiv2009

Quasistatic rheology and the origins of strain

Features of rheological laws applied to solid-like granular materials are recalled and confronted to microscopic approaches via discrete numerical simulations. We give examples of model systems with very similar equilibrium stress transport properties -- the much-studied force chains and force distribution -- but qualitatively different strain responses to stress increments. Results on the stability of elastoplastic contact networks lead to the definition of two different rheological regimes, according to whether a macroscopic fragility property (propensity to rearrange under arbitrary small stress increments in the thermodynamic limit) applies. Possible consequences are discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2009

Elasticity of sphere packings: pressure and initial state dependence

Elastic properties and internal states of isotropic sphere packings are studied by numerical simulations. Several numerical protocols to assemble dense configurations are compared. One, which imitates experiments with lubricated contacts, produces well coordinated states, while another, mimicking the effect of vibrations, results, for the same density, in a much smaller coordination number z, as small as in much looser systems. Upon varying the confining pressure P, simulations show a very nearly reversible variation of density, while z is irreversibly changed in a pressure cycle. Elastic moduli are shown to be mainly related to the coordination number. Their P dependence notably departs from predictions of simple homogenization approaches in the case of the shear moduli of poorly coordinated systems.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2009

The nature of quasistatic deformation in granular materials

Strain in granular materials in quasistatic conditions under varying stress originate in (I) contact deformation and (II) rearrangements of the contact network. Depending on sample history and applied load, either mechanism might dominate. One may thus define rheological regimes I and II accordingly. Their properties are presented and illustrated here with discrete numerical simulation results on sphere packings. Understanding the microscopic physical origin of strain enables one to clarify such issues as the existence of macroscopic elasticity, the approach to stress-strain relations in the large system limit and the sensitivity to noise.

cond-mat.soft↗
arXiv2009

Annular shear of cohesionless granular materials: from inertial to quasistatic regime

Using discrete simulations, we investigate the behavior of a model granular material within an annular shear cell. Specifically, two-dimensional assemblies of disks are placed between two circular walls, the inner one rotating with prescribed angular velocity, while the outer one may expand or shrink and maintains a constant radial pressure. Focusing on steady state flows, we delineate in parameter space the range of applicability of the recently introduced constitutive laws for sheared granular materials (based on the inertial number). We discuss the two origins of the stronger strain rates observed near the inner boundary, the vicinity of the wall and the heteregeneous stress field in a Couette cell. Above a certain velocity, an inertial region develops near the inner wall, to which the known constitutive laws apply, with suitable corrections due to wall slip, for small enough stress gradients. Away from the inner wall, slow, apparently unbounded creep takes place in the nominally solid material, although its density and shear to normal stress ratio are on the jammed side of the critical values. In addition to rheological characterizations, our simulations provide microscopic information on the contact network and velocity fluctuations that is potentially useful to assess theoretical approaches.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2008

Computer simulation of model cohesive powders: Plastic consolidation, structural changes and elasticity under isotropic loads

The quasistatic behavior of a simple 2D model of a cohesive powder under isotropic loads is investigated by Discrete Element simulations. The loose packing states, as studied in a previous paper, undergo important structural changes under growing confining pressure P, while solid fraction Φirreversibly increases by large amounts. The system state goes through three stages, with different forms of the plastic consolidation curve Φ(P*), under growing reduced pressure P* = Pa/F0, defined with adhesion force F0 and grain diameter a. In the low-confinement regime (I), plastic compaction is negligible, and the structure is influenced by the assembling process. The following stage (regime II) is independent of initial conditions. The void ratio varies linearly with log P, as described in the engineering literature. In the last stage of compaction (III), a maximum solid fraction is approached, and properties of cohesionless granular packs are retrieved. Under consolidation, while the fractal range of density correlations decreases, force patterns reorganize, and elastic moduli increase by a large factor. Plastic deformation events correspond to very small changes in the network topology, while the denser regions tend to move like rigid bodies. Elastic properties are dominated by the bending of thin junctions in loose systems. For growing RR those tend to reduce to particle chains, the folding of which, rather than tensile ruptures, controls plastic compaction.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗