A hybrid FEM-DEM approach to the simulation of fluid flow laden with many particles

In this work we address a contribution to the study of particle laden fluid flows in scales smaller than TFM (two-fluid models). The hybrid model is based on a Lagrangian–Eulerian approach. A Lagrangian description is used for the particle system employing the discrete element method (DEM), while a fixed Eulerian mesh is used for the fluid phase modeled by the finite element method (FEM). The resulting coupled DEM-FEM model is integrated in time with a subcycling scheme. The aforementioned scheme is applied in the simulation of a seabed current to analyze which mechanisms lead to the emergence of bedload transport and sediment suspension, and also quantify the effective viscosity of the seabed in comparison with the ideal no-slip wall condition. A simulation of a salt plume falling in a fluid column is performed, comparing the main characteristics of the system with an experiment.