Discrete element-embedded finite element model for simulation of soft particle motion and deformation--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Liu, X., Gui, N., Cui, X., Yang, X., Tu, J., & Jiang, S. (2022). Discrete element-embedded finite element model for simulation of soft particle motion and deformation. Particuology, 68, 88-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2021.10.008

Discrete element-embedded finite element model for simulation of soft particle motion and deformation

Xu Liu ^a, Nan Gui ^a^*, Xiyuan Cui ^a, Xingtuan Yang ^a, Jiyuan Tu ^{a b}, Shengyao Jiang ^a^*

a Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology, Key Laboratory of Advanced Reactor Engineering and Safety, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
b School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia

10.1016/j.partic.2021.10.008

Volume 68, September 2022, Pages 88-100

Received 5 August 2021, Revised 22 October 2021, Accepted 25 October 2021, Available online 2 December 2021, Version of Record 2 December 2021.

E-mail: guinan@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn;

Highlights

• Collisional surface is dynamically modeled by embedded discrete elements (EDEs).

• DEM is to solve external force and FEM is to solve internal force.

• Large deformation and motion of soft particle are solved by DEFEM separately.

• Computation of force and searching of contacts can also be treated by EDE.

• Packing of pebbles on rectangular and inclined walls are demonstrated by DEFEM.

Abstract

The motion and deformation of soft particles are commonly encountered and important in many applications. A discrete element-embedded finite element model (DEFEM) is proposed to solve soft particle motion and deformation, which combines discrete element and finite element methods. The collisional surface of soft particles is covered by several dynamical embedded discrete elements (EDEs) to model the collisional external forces of the particles. The particle deformation, motion, and rotation are independent of each other in the DEFEM. The deformation and internal forces are simulated using the finite element model, whereas the particle rotation and motion calculations are based on the discrete element model. By inheriting the advantages of existing coupling methods, the contact force and contact search between soft particles are improved with the aid of the EDE. Soft particle packing is simulated using the DEFEM for two cases: particle accumulation along a rectangular straight wall and a wall with an inclined angle. The large particle deformation in the lower layers can be simulated using current methods, where the deformed particle shape is either irregular in the marginal region or nearly hexagonal in the tightly packed central region. This method can also be used to simulate the deformation, motion, and heat transfer of non-spherical soft particles.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Discrete element method; Finite element method; Soft particle; Collision; Particle packing; Pebble bed

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