A CUBIC ARRANGED SPHERICAL DISCRETE ELEMENT MODEL

A 3D discrete element model (DEM model) named cubic arranged discrete element model is proposed. The model treats the interaction between two connective discrete elements as an equivalent "beam" element. The spring constants between two connective elements are obtained based on the equivalence of strain energy stored in a unit volume of elastic continuum. Following that, the discrete element model proposed and its algorithm are implemented into the in-house developed code. To test the accuracy of the DEM model and its algorithm, the vibration process of the block, a homogeneous plate and laminated plate under impact loading are simulated in elastic range. By comparing the results with that calculated by using LS-DYNA, it is found that they agree with each other very well. The accuracy of the DEM model and its algorithm proposed in this paper is proved.