The role of rolling friction in granular packing

In order to study the effects of the rolling friction of the particles on granular packing, we present a detailed analysis of circular disk assemblies with the rolling friction under macroscopic one-dimensional compression. The rolling friction of the particles produces a resisting moment to the rolling at each contact. A series of 2-D DEM simulations are performed with various values for the rolling friction parameter. We focus on several macroscopic and microstructural properties of granular media and analyze them as a functions of the rolling friction. From these results, we show that the rolling resistance, which results from the rolling friction of the particles, contributes to the inhibition of the rearrangement of the particles and increases the magnitude of the fabric anisotropy under packing. In addition, from both microscopic and macroscopic points of view, we describe that the stress state in a granular packing can vary considerably depending on the rolling resistance.