A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies
1979/03/01 by P. A. Cundall, Peter Cundall, O. D. L. Strack +1 · 17,077 citations
Engineering · Mathematics · #Ball (mathematics) #Classical mechanics #Contact force #Discrete element method #Geometry #Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics #Granular flow and fluidized beds #Granular material #Mathematics #Mechanics #Physics #Rock Mechanics and Modeling
paper · doi:10.1680/geot.1979.29.1.47
published in Géotechnique 29(1), 47-65 (ICE Publishing)
openalex publication_date 1979/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Abstract
The distinct element method is a numerical model capable of describing the mechanical behaviour of assemblies of discs and spheres. The method is based on the use of an explicit numerical scheme in which the interaction of the particles is monitored contact by contact and the motion of the particles modelled particle by particle. The main features of the distinct element method are described. The method is validated by comparing force vector plots obtained from the computer program BALL with the corresponding plots obtained from a photoelastic analysis. The photoelastic analysis used for the comparison is the one applied to an assembly of discs by De Josselin de Jong and Verruijt (1969). The force vector diagrams obtained numerically closely resemble those obtained photoelastically. It is concluded from this comparison that the distinct element method and the program BALL are valid tools for research into the behaviour of granular assemblies. La méthode des éléments distincts est un modèle numérique capable de décrire le comportement mécanique de l'assemblage de disques et de sphères. La méthode est basée sur l'utilisation d'un système numérique explicite dans lequel l'interaction des particules est contrôlée contact par contact et le mouvement des particules simulé particule par particule. Les caracteristiques principales de la méthode des eléments distints sont décrites. La méthode est validée en comparant les tracés de vecteur de force obtenus par le programme sur ordicateur BALL avec les tracés correspondants obtanus a l'aide d'une analyse photo-élastique. L'analyse photo-élastique utilisée pour la comparaison est celle appliquée sur un assemblage de disques par De Josselin de Jong et Verruijt (1969). Les diagrammes de vecteur de force obtenus numériquement sont très voisins de ceux obtenus photo-élastiquement. Cette comparaison permet de conclure que la methode des éléments distincts et le programme BALL sont des instruments valables pour la recherche du comportement des assemblages granulaires.
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