Solid and Fluid Phase Transition of Granular Materials

Granular materials exhibit regime transitions between solid-like, fluid-like, and gas-like behaviours, influenced by factors such as loading conditions, particle size distribution, density, and material strength. The transition between solid-like and fluid-like states is particularly significant, as it underpins critical phenomena like landslides, coastal erosion and sediment transport. It is also vital for optimising industrial processes and designing rovers for space exploration. Despite extensive research, the fundamental mechanisms governing these transitions remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap limits our ability to reliably predict geological events and optimise engineering and manufacturing processes. This project aims to advance our understanding of regime transitions in granular materials using novel laboratory micromechanical tests, coupled modelling of solid-fluid interaction, constitutive modelling and large-deformation analysis. Our consortium brings together expertise across diverse disciplines, including advanced experimental testing, numerical and physical modelling, geological engineering, robotics, and software development. All participating organisations will contribute to the research activities by leading research work packages, staff secondment and/or providing technical/infrastructure support. Alongside research, the project will facilitate staff exchange through secondments and networking and train young researchers in research and soft skills by training schools. These activities will help form lasting collaborations globally and train the next generation of researchers and engineers driving technological advancements in academia and industry. The project will also encourage knowledge exchange between universities and industry, enabling the real-world application of new knowledge in software and test equipment development, and the creation of new spin-out companies offering services in advanced experiments and numerical modelling.