Continuum Models via Granular Micromechanics

The utilization of continuum modelling in describing complex material systems is historically widespread because of the computational feasibility of such an approach. Nevertheless, continuum models must be informed about the microstructure to have a satisfactory predictive capacity. Knowledge of micro-structural features is fraught with challenges due to a litany of factors, including random structure, contact conditions, and contact constitutive laws. In this scenario, the granular micromechanics approach (GMA) is away to conveniently provide a linkage of the grain-scale behavior to the collective behavior of grains. In this short review, we describe some salient features of GMA and discuss outlook of GMA based continuum models.