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This paper explores complex mechanisms of force network transformation in granular materials, focusing on micro- and mesoscale levels. DEM simulations reproduce the force chain network observed in a simple photo-elastic experiment to calibrate the numerical model by the sensitivity analysis to different material constants. A best-fit parameter set is determined and applied to simulate the force network evolution, which is difficult to trace in the physical photo-elastic test. The two well-known micro-scale mechanisms, the development and collapse of large pores and activation of micro-shear bands (micro-slips), and their influence on transforming the local force chain network, are confirmed. A third mechanism, not directly described in the literature, called 'switching force chains' is presented as an original contribution. The evolution of the granular sample's mechanical state is studied to support the micro-scale analysis.
Świtała et al. (Thu,) studied this question.