Abstract:The beam-particle model is presented for analyzing the progressive failure of particulate composites such as sandstone and concrete. In the model, the medium is schematized as an assembly of particles which are linked through a network of brittle-breaking beam elements. The mechanical behaviour of particle elements is governed by the distinct element method and finite element method. The propagation of the cracking process in particulate composites is mimicked by removing the beam element from the mesh as soon as the stress in the beam exceeds the strength assigned to that particular beam. The new model can be utilized at a meso-scale and in different loading conditions. Two physical experiments are performed to verify the numerical results. The crack patterns and load-displacement response obtained with the proposed numerical model are in good agreement with the experimental results. Moreover, the influence of heterogeneity on crack patterns is also discussed and the correlation existing between the fracture evolution and the loads imposed on the specimen is characterized by fractal dimensions.

Key words: beam-particle model　particulate composites　progressive failure　meso-structure