Discrete Element Method to Model 3D Continuous Materials

Complex behavior models (plasticity, cracks, visco elascticity) face some theoretical difficulties for the determination of the behavior law at the continuous scale. When homogenization fails to give the right behavior law, a solution is to simulate the material at a meso scale in order to simulate directly a set of discrete properties that are responsible of the macroscopic behavior.  The discrete element model has been developed for granular material. The proposed set shows how this method is capable to solve the problem of complex behavior that are linked to discrete meso scale effects.

Mohamed Jebahi is a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Mechanics and Engineering of Bordeaux, France, and Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

Damien Andre is Assistant Professor at the Higher National School for Industrial Ceramics, France.

Inigo Terreros is a researcher at the Institute of Mechanics and Engineering of Bordeaux, France.

Ivan Iordanoff is Director of Research and Innovation at Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers, ParisTech, France.