<p>In order to elucidate the lubrication mechanism of dense granular flows under vibrational conditions, the force chain characteristics of dense particulate systems were systematically investigated. A parallel inter-plate model for dense granular flow lubrication was established using the discrete element method (DEM). Subsequently, the effects of vibration frequency and amplitude on the dynamic fluctuation, load-bearing capacity, distribution, and overall directionality of force chains were analyzed in detail. When the frequency is below mid-frequency (10,000&#xa0;Hz), the dynamic fluctuations of force chains in the same-phase direction are weaker, and the overall fluctuation properties of the force chains tend to stabilize. The distribution and load-bearing capacities of weak force chains increase, and the directionality of the total force chain gradually aligns with the x-axis. Conversely, when the frequency exceeds 10,000&#xa0;Hz, stronger fluctuations of force chains occur in both phases, leading to more intense overall fluctuations. Simultaneously, the distribution and load-bearing capacities of weak force chains decrease, and the directionality of the total force chain shifts gradually from the x-axis to the y-axis. As the vibration frequency and amplitude increase, the distribution and load-bearing capacities of weak force chains reach their maximum values more rapidly under mid-frequency conditions. Additionally, the average and fluctuating velocities increase continuously at low frequencies, peak at mid-frequencies, and then decrease at high frequencies. The primary contribution of this study is to establish a theoretical foundation for the lubrication mechanism of granular flows under vibrational influences.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>