The objective of this research is to develop a conceptually simple model that can potentially provide new vistas into the complex nature of the mechanical behavior of particulate media. This will be achieved by "zooming" down to the scale of the particle size and numerically examining the details of the particle geometry, kinetics and interactions. Through this simple model, a significant insight into some of the essential features of the particulate medium micro-mechanical behavior, its influence on macro-mechanical behavior, the applicability of homogenization procedures, and the validity of available deterministic and/or phenomenological models could be obtained. This approach seeks a common ground between the interests of engineers/mechanicians and lattice models developed by physicists to achieve full benefits from the available experiences and accomplishments.
