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Filling 2D domains with disks using templates for discrete element model generation

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Abstract

The representation of discontinuum in discrete element simulations requires an assemblage of elements. Although in 2D the simplest and most often used element type is a disk, filling domains with disks of variable radii is not a trivial task. The initial assemblage of elements requires re-generation for different boundary geometries, thus discarding the effort and time required to generate it. This paper proposes the development of a re-useable library of element assemblages that can be applied to any problem with minimum effort to drastically reduce model generation times. Although any qualifying element assemblage can be used in the interior field of a problem, the problem-specific regions close to the model boundaries need to be resolved. This paper, building on a previously developed and published algorithm, and expanding with new features, presents a fast and simple method to accomplish the boundary conformance. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated on a draw point chute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West, Montreal, QC, H3G 1M8, Canada

    Attila M. Zsaki

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  1. Attila M. Zsaki
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Correspondence to Attila M. Zsaki.

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Zsaki, A.M. Filling 2D domains with disks using templates for discrete element model generation. Granular Matter 15, 109–117 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-012-0379-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-012-0379-3

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