Coupled DEM and FDM Algorithm for Geotechnical Analysis
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18, Issue 6
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present a new algorithm for coupling discrete-element and finite-difference methods for three-dimensional problems. The finite-difference method (FDM) and the discrete-element method (DEM) are commonly used in geotechnical engineering. However, the continuous characteristics and the computational cost are the main obstacles to accurate and efficient simulation of practical problems for these individual methods. Coupling is thought to be an effective and promising way to combine the advantages and overcome the inability of these two methods. In this paper, an algorithm for coupling of DEM and FDM is presented. A two-stage searching method—namely, global domain searching and local domain searching—is proposed for detecting contact on the interface. A calculation method for force transmitting is presented. Conventional soil element tests were simulated to verify the validity of the proposed coupled algorithm by checking the constitutive behaviors, deformation compatibility, and transmission of normal and shear contact force.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety (Tianjin University) HESS-1608.
References
Antolini, F., Barla, M., Gigli, G., and Giorgetti, A. (2016). “Combined finite–discrete numerical modeling of runout of the Torgiovannetto di Assisi rockslide in central Italy.” Int. J. Geomech., 04016019.
Bardet, J. P., and Proubet, J. (1991). “A numerical investigation of the structure of persistent shear bands in granular media.” Gétechnique, 41(4), 599–613.
Barla, M., and Beer, G. (2012). “Special issue on advances in modeling rock engineering problems.” Int. J. Geomech., 617–617.
Barla, M., Piovano, G., and Grasselli, G. (2012). “Rock slide simulation with the combined finite-discrete element method.” Int. J. Geomech., 711–721.
Chakraborty, R., and Ghosh, A. (2013). “Three-dimensional analysis of contaminant migration through saturated homogeneous soil media using FDM.” Int. J. Geomech., 699–712.
Cundall, P. A., and Strack, O. D. L. (1979). “A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies.” Gétechnique, 29(1), 47–65.
Dawson, E. M., and Roth, W. H. (1999). “Slope stability analysis with FLAC.” FLAC and Numerical Modeling in Geomechanics (Proc., International FLAC Symp. on Numerical Modeling in Geomechanics), A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Dowding, C. H., Belytschko, T. B., and Yen, H. J. (1983). “A coupled finite element–rigid block method for transient analysis of rock caverns.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech., 7(1), 117–127.
Elmo, D., Stead, D., Eberhardt, E., and Vyazmensky, A. (2013). “Applications of finite/discrete element modeling to rock engineering problems.” Int. J. Geomech., 565–580.
Felippa, C. A., and Park, K. C. (1980). “Staggered transient analysis procedures for coupled mechanical systems: Formulation.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 24(1), 61–111.
FLAC [Computer software]. Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis.
FLAC3D [Computer software]. Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis.
Frenning, G. (2008). “An efficient finite/discrete element procedure for simulating compression of 3D particle assemblies.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 197(49–50), 4266–4272.
Gethin, D. T., Ransinga, R. S., Lewisa, R. W., Dutkob, M., and Crookc, A. J. L. (2001). “Numerical comparison of a deformable discrete element model and an equivalent continuum analysis for the compaction of ductile porous material.” Comput. Struct., 79(13), 1287–1294.
Gethin, D. T., Yang, X. S., and Lewis, R. W. (2006). “A two dimensional combined discrete and finite element scheme for simulating the flow and compaction of systems comprising irregular particulates.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 195(41–43), 5552–5565.
Houlsby, G. T. (2009). “Potential particles: A method for modelling non-circular particles in DEM.” Comput. Geotech., 36(6), 953–959.
Indraratna, B., Ngo, N. T., Rujikiatkamjorn, C., and Sloan, S. W. (2015). “Coupled discrete element-finite difference method for analysing the load-deformation behaviour of a single stone column in soft soil.” Comput. Geotech., 63, 267–278.
Karami, A., and Stead, D. (2008). “Asperity degradation and damage in the direct shear test: A hybrid FEM/DEM approach.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 41(2), 229–266.
Lewis, R. W., Gethin, D. T., Yang, X. S., and Rowe, R. C. (2005). “A combined finite-discrete element method for simulating pharmaceutical powder tableting.” Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng., 62(7), 853–869.
Liu, Q. (2010). “Study for the lateral earth pressure of open caisson structure.” M.Sc. thesis, Xi’an Univ. of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China.
Liu, W. K., Park, H. S., Qian, D., Karpov, E. G., Kadowaki, H., and Wagner, G. J. (2006). “Bridging scale methods for nanomechanics and materials.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 195(13–16), 1407–1421.
Mahabadi, O. K., Lisjak, A., Munjiza, A., and Grasselli, G. (2012). “Y-Geo: New combined finite-discrete element numerical code for geomechanical applications.” Int. J. Geomech., 676–688.
Moharnmadi, S., Owen, D. R. J., and Peric, D. (1998). “A combined finite/discrete element algorithm for delamination analysis of composites.” Finite Elem. Anal. Des., 28(4), 321–336.
Munjiza, A., Owen, D. R. J., and Bicanic, N. (1995). “A combined finite-discrete element method in transient dynamics of fracturing solids.” Eng. Computations, 12(2), 145–174.
Ning, Z., Khoubani, A., and Evans, T. M. (2015). “Shear wave propagation in granular assemblies.” Comput. Geotech., 69, 615–626.
Oda, M., and Iwashita, K. (2000). “Study on couple stress and shear band development in granular media based on numerical simulation analyses.” Int. J. Eng. Sci., 38(15), 1713–1740.
Oñate, E., and Rojek, J. (2004). “Combination of discrete element and finite element methods for dynamic analysis of geomechanics problems.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 193(27–29), 3087–3128.
O’Sullivan, C. (2011). “Particle-based discrete element modeling: Geomechanics perspective.” Int. J. Geomech., 449–464.
Pan, X. D., and Reed, M. B. (1991). “A coupled distinct element finite element method for large deformation analysis of rock masses.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr., 28(1), 93–99.
PFC2D [Computer software]. Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis.
PFC3D [Computer software]. Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis.
Rojek, J., Zarate, F., de Saracibar, C. A., Gilbourne, C., and Verdot, P. (2005). “Discrete element modelling and simulation of sand mould manufacture for the lost foam process.” Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng., 62(11), 1421–1441.
Suiker, A. S. J., and Fleck, N. A. (2004). “Frictional collapse of granular assemblies.” J. Appl. Mech., 71(3), 350–358.
Tang, Z., and Xu, J. (2007). “A combined discrete/cylindrical shell finite element multiscale method and its application.” Chin. J. Comput. Mech., 5, 591–596.
Wagner, G. J., and Liu, W. K. (2003). “Coupling of atomistic and continuum simulations using a bridging scale decomposition.” J. Comput. Phys., 190(1), 249–274.
Wan, G. (2012). “Bridging scale method coupling multiscale DEM-FEM analysis for granular materials.” Ph.D. thesis, Dalian Univ. of Technology, Dalian, China.
Williams, J. R., Perkins, E., and Cook, B. (2004). “A contact algorithm for partitioning N arbitrary sized objects.” Eng. Comput., 21(2–4), 235–248.
Xiao, S. P., and Belytschko, T. (2004). “A bridging domain method for coupling continua with molecular dynamics.” Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 193(17–20), 645–1669.
Zhao, X., and Evans, T. M. (2009). “Discrete simulations of laboratory loading conditions.” Int. J. Geomech., 169–178.
Zhao, X., Xu, J., Mu, B., and Li, B. (2015). “Macro- and meso-scale mechanical behavior of caissons during sinking.” J. Test. Eval., 43(2), 1–13.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 18 • Issue 6 • June 2018
Copyright
© 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 3, 2016
Accepted: Nov 1, 2017
Published online: Mar 28, 2018
Published in print: Jun 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Aug 28, 2018
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.