Theory and Applications of a family of numerical methods : Discrete Element Method

Abstract

Based on the principle of molecular dynamics, the American scholar Cundall proposed the discrete element method, which is a discontinuous numerical simulation method for the analysis of geotechnical mechanics problems. The discrete element method is first proposed for the analysis of geotechnical mechanics, and then it has developed rapidly and applied more and more widely. The discrete element method has a certain advantage in the analysis of discrete matter, and has become an effective numerical simulation method to solve the problem of discontinuous medium in recent years. Today DEM is becoming widely accepted as an effective method of addressing engineering problems in granular and discontinuous materials, especially in granular flows, powder mechanics, and rock mechanics.

Biography

Dr. Cheng’s expertize includes numerical modeling of wide range of geotechnical engineering problems. In particular, he has developed the software SLOPE 2000 and many other related software for slope stability analyses. Dr. Li is currently working on her PhD on application of DEM slope stability, bearing capacity and lateral earth pressure. A brief introduction about Fundamental basis of Distinct Element Method- explicit and implicit formulation, including types discrete element, DDA, NNM, and some problems in numerical implementation will also be presented. Then, a detailed discussion will be delivered on the actual operation: DEM model generation, calibration(assign micro parameter), boundary condition of the model, applications on slope stability, bearing capacity and lateral earth pressure.