Structural transition of force chains observed by mechanical spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study uses low-frequency mechanical spectroscopy to observe structural transitions in force chains within dense granular media, revealing how these transitions affect energy dissipation and microstructure.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of force chain transitions in granular materials through mechanical spectroscopy, enhancing understanding of their microstructural behavior.

Findings

Force chain transitions cause changes in energy dissipation profiles.

Structural transitions lead to small deformations in granular arrangements.

Results suggest a link between force chain dynamics and historical effects in granular media.

Abstract

The dissipation properties of a fine sand system are investigated by a low-frequency mechanical spectroscopy. The experiments show many interesting profiles of the relative energy dissipation, which imply that some structural transition of force chains in dense granular media has occurred. The following data and discussion indicate that the transition of force chains will lead to the small deformation of arrangement in the granular system, which is responsible for the historical effects. We hope this research can improve our knowledge of the microstructure of the granular materials.