The Discrete Element Method

This page is maintained by Graham Mustoe

(gmustoe@mines.edu)

A discrete element algorithm is a numerical technique which solves engineering problems that are modeled as a large system of distinct interacting general shaped (deformable or rigid) bodies or particles that are subject to gross motion. Engineering problems that exhibit such large scale discontinuous behavior cannot be solved with a conventional continuum based procedure such as the Finite Element Method. The discrete element procedure is used to determine the dynamic contact topology of the bodies. It accounts for complex non-linear interaction phenomena between bodies and numerically solves the equations of motion. Since the DEM is a very computationally intensive procedure, many existing computer codes are limited to modeling either two-dimensional or small three-dimensional problems that employ simple body geometries.

p>Rockfall Fence
The animation illustrates a DEM simulation of a flexible highway rockfall prevention fence (developed by the Colorado Department of Highways) being impacted by a 1 ton rock moving at 40 mph. The animation clearly shows the concept of rockfall attenuation which is gradual slowing of the rock provided by the impact of a flexible structure made of hanging columns of used truck wheels. Further information such as the prediction of maximum forces in the structural connections has also been predicted using DEM.

Two Dimensional Particle Flow Code - PARTI-2D
A two-dimensional DEM computer model has been developed for the simulation of particle flow problems. The major features of the model are:

The following animations illustrate:

Online DEM Publications from the Colorado School of Mines

Links to Research Groups and People Involved in DEM