Reorganization of a dense granular assembly: the `unjamming response function'

TL;DR

This study explores how a dense granular assembly responds to local cyclic forcing, revealing long-range, reversible displacement fields and vortex-like dissipation patterns after multiple cycles.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of the unjamming response function in dense granular materials under cyclic local forcing.

Findings

Long-range radial displacement response observed

Response becomes quasi-reversible after many cycles

Remanent dissipation exhibits vortex-like symmetry

Abstract

We investigate the mechanical properties of a static dense granular assembly in response to a local forcing. To this end, a small cyclic displacement is applied on a grain in the bulk of a 2D disordered packing under gravity and the displacement fields are monitored. We evidence a dominant long range radial response in the upper half part above the sollicitation and after a large number of cycles the response is `quasi-reversible' with a remanent dissipation field exhibiting long range streams and vortex-like symmetry.