On Discretization Effects within Particle Representations of Massive Forming Processes

Particle methods can be used for the simulation of large deformations under large deformation rates which are e.g. characteristic for massive forming processes. Particles' dynamics have to be carefully chosen in order to describe heat and heat flows in a correct thermodynamic way. In the following, mesoscopic particle systems are used, which solve this problem by using internal variables and in addition so-called hidden mechanical degrees of freedom ( [1], [2]). Another problem of particle methods is the influence of a symmetric discretization of the continuum on the shear planes and yielding. An appropriate interpretation of the simulation results requires a differentiation into physical phenomena and those resulting from the discretization. These circumstances and possible correctives are shown using some examples. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)