A new potential function for the calculation of contact forces in the combined finite–discrete element method. (8th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, C.Z.; Zheng, H.
• Is Part Of: International journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics. Volume 41:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 283
• Publication Date: 2016-08-08
• Subjects: combined finite–discrete element method (FDEM) -- contact force -- discrete element method (DEM) -- potential function; Soil mechanics -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 624.1510151
• DOI: 10.1002/nag.2559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-9061

Abstract

Summary: Although the potential contact force proposed by Munjiza overcomes the difficulties inherent in the traditional discrete element methods, the physical meaning of the potential is not clear and the contact force derived from the original potential function is strongly dependent on the mesh configuration. In this study, we redefine a potential function and propose a new contact force calculation method based on a unified standard. Moreover, the new potential function retains all the advantages of the original potential function but has less mesh dependency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.