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Discrete element cluster modeling of complex mesoscopic particles for use with the particle flow code method

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Abstract

Based on the configuration principle of the discrete element method, local Delaunay mesh, and distance control the method, the overlapping discrete element cluster, non-overlapping discrete element cluster are employed to model mesoscopic geotechnical particles using discrete elements comprised of disks (or spheres). A kinetic compatibility procedure is established for adjusting the disk (or sphere) densities. Based on overlapping discrete element cluster modeling method, a new method, named boundary filling discrete element cluster method, has been put forward. The applicability of each method is considered by means of a numerical experiment. Of the three methods laboratory test considered, the boundary filing discrete element cluster modeling method demonstrated the highest calculation efficiency, followed by the overlapping discrete element cluster modeling method. Relative to these methods, the non-overlapping discrete element cluster modeling method is applicable to simulation of the deformation and fracture of particles, although the method demonstrates lower computational efficiency. All three methods can be readily applied to three-dimensional cases; thus, the discussed modeling methods will be beneficial in the field of mesoscopic analysis of geo-materials.

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Acknowledgments

This research work was partially carried out with financial support from the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (2015CB057903),the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51309089), the National Key Technology R&D Program (Grant No. 2013BAB06B01), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant No. BK20130846) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2014B04914). We thank LetPub (www.letpub.com) for its linguistic assistance during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Geomechanics and Embankment Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China

    Chong Shi, De-jie Li, Wei-ya Xu & Rubin Wang

  2. Institute of Geotechnical Research, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China

    Chong Shi, De-jie Li, Wei-ya Xu & Rubin Wang

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  1. Chong Shi
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  2. De-jie Li
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Correspondence to Chong Shi.

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Shi, C., Li, Dj., Xu, Wy. et al. Discrete element cluster modeling of complex mesoscopic particles for use with the particle flow code method. Granular Matter 17, 377–387 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-015-0557-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-015-0557-1

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