Experimental and mesoscale analysis on wave propagation induced by impact in dry silica sand

When investigating the propagation of stress waves in sand-like materials, the materials are generally modeled as homogeneous parts despite their complex structures comprising numerous particles of varying sizes and shapes. However, this approach fails to consider the non-continuum nature of sand-like materials. To address this issue, a mesoscale numerical model of silica sand particles with random shapes and three sizes is employed in this study to numerically analyze wave propagation. Experimental data from an upgraded split Hopkinson pressure bar test are utilized to validate the accuracy of the numerical model. Using the validated numerical model, we investigate the impact of relative densities, incident wavelengths, and wave amplitudes on stress wave attenuation in dry silica sand. Empirical equations are derived from summarizing the stress wave attenuation law induced by impact loading. The study shows that relative density and wavelength are critical factors affecting the residual peak stress ratio in silica sand, while the effect of loading wave amplitude is limited.