A novel discrete element method based on the distance potential for arbitrary 2D convex elements

A new 2‐dimensional discrete element method, which is able to simulate a system involving a large number of arbitrary convex elements, is proposed. In this approach, a novel distance potential function is defined using a normalized format of the penetrated distance between contact couples, while a holonomic and precise algorithm for contact interaction is established, accounting for the influence of the tangential contact force. Furthermore, the new contact detection algorithm is well suited for nonuniform blocks unlike the common no binary search method that requires uniform elements. The proposed method retains the merit of the combined finite‐discrete element method and avoids its deficiencies. Compared with the existing finite‐discrete element method, the distance potential function has a clear physical meaning, where the calculation of contact interaction avoids the influence of the element shape. Accordingly, the new method completely gets rid of the restraint of uniform element type and can be applied to arbitrary convex elements. The new method is validated with well‐known benchmark examples, and the results are in very good agreement with existing experimental measurement and analytical solutions. Finally, the proposed method is applied to simulate the Tangjiashan landslide.