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Volume 115
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A DEM-based study of particle-shape effects on compressibility and contact-scale response in idealized granular assemblies
Betül Poyraz, Ahmet Talha Gezgin *
Department of Civil Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, Nilüfer, Bursa, Turkey
10.1016/j.partic.2026.05.010
Volume 115, August 2026, Pages 126-147
Received 26 February 2026, Revised 3 May 2026, Accepted 12 May 2026, Available online 22 May 2026, Version of Record 29 May 2026.
E-mail: ahmettalhagezgin@uludag.edu.tr
Highlights

• A DEM-based comparative framework is used to examine shape-dependent compressibility in idealized granular assemblies.

• Stress-normalized macro- and micro-scale indicators clarify particle-shape effects under different vertical stress levels.

• The normalized macro-scale stiffness response shows a non-monotonic trend with particle shape factor.

• Contact-scale statistics quantify force partitioning, coordination distribution, and local overlap characteristics.

• Shape-dependent compressibility is governed by combined contact-network, force-transfer, and deformation mechanisms.


Abstract

This study employs a benchmarked Discrete Element Method model to investigate the influence of particle shape on the compressibility behavior of granular assemblies within a controlled comparative framework. Twenty idealized particle geometries with different shape characteristics were analyzed under constrained compression at vertical stress levels ranging from 0.1 to 3.2 MPa. Macro- and micro-scale responses were evaluated using constrained modulus and average coordination number, together with additional contact-scale analyses to improve the interpretation of particle-scale behavior. The results indicate that both macro- and micro-scale responses remain strongly stress-dependent, suggesting that conventional indicators alone cannot fully isolate particle-shape effects. A stress-normalized scaling approach was therefore applied to reduce the dominant influence of stress and clarify geometry-related trends. The analyses demonstrate that increasing particle irregularity promotes denser contact networks, redistributes contact forces across more contacts, and alters local deformation mechanisms. The findings provide a comparative DEM-based assessment of shape-dependent compressibility and contact-scale force–deformation behavior in idealized granular assemblies.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Discrete element modeling; Particle shape; Compressibility; Coordination number; Stress normalization; Contact force
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