Propagation of interacting force chains in the continuum limit
  We study the effect of mergers in the force chain model describing the stress profile in static granular materials. Combining numerical and analytical calculations we show that granular materials do not generally behave in an elastic-like manner, however they may under specific conditions, which are elaborated. Non-elastic behavior resulting from the non-linearity of the full force chain model is discussed. 
Yael Roichman, Dov Levine and Irad Yavneh