A novel simulation technique which combines the concepts of discrete elements with finite elements is used to compress a collection of 400 particles under various strain paths. The use of finite element discretization of individual particles allows for large contact deformation and the ability to simulate compaction to high relative densities following strain paths from isostatic to high shear. Individual particles were treated as elasto-plastic with an E:σy ratio of 100:1 with varied levels of interparticle friction from μ=0 to 0.300. Multi-scale responses were monitored in terms of their stress response in hydrostatic-deviatoric (p-q) stress space at increasing relative densities and local parameters such as particle coordination number (Z), and plastic strain at the contact. Results show that a friction angle in the shear failure line exists in p-q space even with no interparticle friction. This angle is an increasing function of interparticle friction ranging from 26 to 40 degrees. The role of interparticle friction is also important for the stress response at intermediate levels of relative density. These simulations show the mean particle coordination number correlates with the interparticle friction coefficient and the strain path. Interparticle friction leads to a higher Z in the early stages of compaction (
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