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A novel discrete element method based on the distance potential for arbitrary 2D convex elements
Author(s) -
Zhao Lanhao,
Liu Xunnan,
Mao Jia,
Xu Dong,
Munjiza Antonio,
Avital Eldad
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.5803
Subject(s) - finite element method , element (criminal law) , discrete element method , function (biology) , extended discrete element method , regular polygon , holonomic , benchmark (surveying) , algorithm , binary number , mathematics , contact force , mixed finite element method , computer science , mathematical optimization , geometry , finite element limit analysis , engineering , physics , structural engineering , classical mechanics , artificial intelligence , law , mechanics , political science , arithmetic , biology , geodesy , evolutionary biology , geography
Summary A new 2‐dimensional discrete element method, which is able to simulate a system involving a large number of arbitrary convex elements, is proposed. In this approach, a novel distance potential function is defined using a normalized format of the penetrated distance between contact couples, while a holonomic and precise algorithm for contact interaction is established, accounting for the influence of the tangential contact force. Furthermore, the new contact detection algorithm is well suited for nonuniform blocks unlike the common no binary search method that requires uniform elements. The proposed method retains the merit of the combined finite‐discrete element method and avoids its deficiencies. Compared with the existing finite‐discrete element method, the distance potential function has a clear physical meaning, where the calculation of contact interaction avoids the influence of the element shape. Accordingly, the new method completely gets rid of the restraint of uniform element type and can be applied to arbitrary convex elements. The new method is validated with well‐known benchmark examples, and the results are in very good agreement with existing experimental measurement and analytical solutions. Finally, the proposed method is applied to simulate the Tangjiashan landslide.