Impact phenomenon of a spherical projectile on particulate aggregation (simulation by using discrete element method and experiment of two-dimensional arrangement)

The dynamic responses of two-dimensional granular material subjected to the oblique impact and side impact of a spherical projectile are investigated experimentally and also numerically by using discrete element method. The granular material is modeled by the 329 nylon spheres arranged regularly and two-dimensionally in a rectangular container. The numerical simulations are carried out at the impact velocities less than 10 m/s. The numerical simulations are compared with the results of measurements using high-speed video camera. It is ascertained that the motion of each particle can be well simulated by discrete element method. The dynamic response of the particulate aggregation is elucidated by probing the distribution of velocity vectors of individual particle and normal direction component of contact forces between particles in detail. The effect of wave propagation on the shattering behavior of granular materials is manifested. It is found that the dynamic arching in granular material is formed just under impact point.