FRAGMENTATION OF GRAINS IN A 2-DIMENSIONAL PACKING

A numerical model of fragmentation of a two-dimensional granular mediu m under pressure is investigated. The fragmentation process is found t o be strongly dependent on the type of force used as the criterion for breaking the grains. The fragmentation mode affects the process less dramatically. There is a power-law divergence in the pressure when the medium approaches the full packing limit, (epsilon(c) - epsilon)(-2.0 ) Both log-normal and power-law fragment-size distributions are found. Gravity is demonstrated to be an important factor.