A Fast Algorithm for the Discrete Element Method by Contact Force Prediction [Translated]†

The discrete element method (DEM) takes enormous calculation time because it requires a very small time step, one small enough to represent the large frequency in the contact dynamic model. In general, the equations of motion of particles are...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chiharu Tokoro, Katsunori Okaya, Jun Sadaki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hosokawa Powder Technology Foundation 2014-03-01
Series:KONA Powder and Particle Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kona/23/0/23_2005021/_pdf/-char/en
Description
Summary:The discrete element method (DEM) takes enormous calculation time because it requires a very small time step, one small enough to represent the large frequency in the contact dynamic model. In general, the equations of motion of particles are solved using the second-order Adams-Bashforth method, which estimates the values of contact force in the following calculation time by linear extrapolation, or by multi-step methods such as the predictor-corrector method. Inspired by these two conventional methods, we propose a Contact Force Prediction Method that makes a larger time step possible. Our method uses the predicted values of contact force at every contact point, which are exact solutions or numerical solutions of differential equations that represent two particle contacts. It has been confirmed experimentally that the proposed method gives reasonable results of packing and discharge simulations, and accelerates DEM calculation 3–8 times.†This report was originally printed in J. Soc. Powder Technology, Japan, 40, 236-245 (2003) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Powder Technology, Japan.
ISSN:0288-4534
2187-5537