Shear transformation zone analysis of shear reversal during granular flow

Experimental measurements of the onset of granular flow are directly compared to predictions of the "shear transformation zone" (STZ) theory of amorphous plasticity. The STZ equations make it possible, on a coarse grained level, to incorporate the anisotropy of the particle contact network and its dynamic evolution including changes in the contact network direction under shear reversal. The STZ theory and experiment show qualitative agreement in the transient and steady state shear forces and velocity profiles during the start of shear and shear reversal.