The Combined Finite Discrete Element Method

The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.

The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.

This book presents the latest advances in Discrete Element Methods (DEM) and technology. It is the proceeding of 7th International Conference on DEM which was held at Dalian University of Technology on August 1 - 4, 2016. The subject of this book are the DEM and related computational techniques such as DDA, FEM/DEM, molecular dynamics, SPH, Meshless methods, etc., which are the main computational methods for modeling discontinua. In comparison to continua which have been already studied for a long time, the research of discontinua is relatively new, but increases dramatically in recent years and has already become an important field. This book will benefit researchers and scientists from the academic fields of physics, engineering and applied mathematics, as well as from industry and national laboratories who are interested in the DEM.

Mechanics of Discontinua is the first book to comprehensively tackle both the theory ofthis rapidly developing topic and the applications that span a broad field of scientific and engineering disciplines, from traditional engineering to physics of particulates, nano-technology and micro-flows. Authored by a leading researcher who has been at the cutting edge of discontinua simulation developments over the last 15 years, the book is organized into four parts: introductory knowledge, solvers, methods and applications. In the first chapter a short revision of Continuum Mechanics together with tensorial calculus is introduced. Also, a short introduction to the finite element method is given. The second part of the book introduces key aspects of the subject. These include a diverse field of applications, together with fundamental theoretical and algorithmic aspects common to all methods of Mechanics of Discontinua. The third part of the book proceeds with the most important computational and simulation methods including Discrete Element Methods, the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method, Molecular Dynamics Methods, Fracture and Fragmentation solvers and Fluid Coupling. After these the reader is introduced to applications stretching from traditional engineering and industry (such as mining, oil industry, powders) to nanotechnology, medical and science.

Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Discrete Element Methods, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 23-25, 2002. This Geotechnical Special Publication contains 72 technical papers on discrete element methods (DEM), a suite of numerical techniques developed to model granular materials, rock, and other discontinua at the grain scale. Topics include: DEM formulation and implementation approaches, coupled methods, experimental validation, and techniques, including three-dimensional particle representations, efficient contact detection algorithms, particle packing schemes, and code design. Coupled methods include approaches to linking solid continuum and fluid models with DEM to simulate multiscale and multiphase phenomena. Applications include fundamental investigations of granular mechanics; micromechanical studies of powder, soil, and rock behavior; and large-scale modeling of geotechnical, material processing, mining, and petroleum engineering problems.

Gives readers a more thorough understanding of DEM and equips researchers for independent work and an ability to judge methods related to simulation of polygonal particles Introduces DEM from the fundamental concepts (theoretical mechanics and solidstate physics), with 2D and 3D simulation methods for polygonal particles Provides the fundamentals of coding discrete element method (DEM) requiring little advance knowledge of granular matter or numerical simulation Highlights the numerical tricks and pitfalls that are usually only realized after years of experience, with relevant simple experiments as applications Presents a logical approach starting withthe mechanical and physical bases,followed by a description of the techniques and finally their applications Written by a key author presenting ideas on how to model the dynamics of angular particles using polygons and polyhedral Accompanying website includes MATLAB-Programs providing the simulation code for two-dimensional polygons Recommended for researchers and graduate students who deal with particle models in areas such as fluid dynamics, multi-body engineering, finite-element methods, the geosciences, and multi-scale physics.

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has emerged as a solution to predicting load capacities of masonry structures. As one of many numerical methods and computational solutions being applied to evaluate masonry structures, further research on DEM tools and methodologies is essential for further advancement. Computational Modeling of Masonry Structures Using the Discrete Element Method explores the latest digital solutions for the analysis and modeling of brick, stone, concrete, granite, limestone, and glass block structures. Focusing on critical research on mathematical and computational methods for masonry analysis, this publication is a pivotal reference source for scholars, engineers, consultants, and graduate-level engineering students.