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Modeling continuous solid structure with discrete particles.

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Title: Modeling continuous solid structure with discrete particles.
Authors: Sameer, Muhammad1 (AUTHOR), Higgs III, C. Fred1 (AUTHOR) higgs@rice.edu
Source: Powder Technology. Jul2026, Vol. 478, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Discrete element method, Material plasticity, Condensed matter, Microcracks, Structural analysis (Engineering), Fracture mechanics, Tensile tests
Abstract: Solids are generally treated as continuous materials in structural analysis, however, understanding their discrete nature is crucial in cases where material discontinuities significantly affect system behavior, such as fracture and wear. It is important not only to identify when failure or discontinuity occurs in a material, but also to investigate the progression of these events and their implications for surrounding structures. While numerical methods are effective for analyzing structural behavior, continuum-based approaches often inadequately address the complexities associated with material discontinuities. In contrast, discrete models can effectively simulate these discontinuities and simultaneously represent continuum behavior through the bonding of discrete elements. Although the discrete element method (DEM) is typically used to model brittle materials such as rocks, this paper presents the development of a DEM framework aimed at simulating the elasto-plastic behavior of solids composed of bonded particles. A bond model is proposed in this study, capable of simulating ductile materials that exhibit yielding before fracture. The effects of key bond model parameters on the bulk behavior of bonded-particle structures were investigated through numerical tensile tests, providing valuable insights for model calibration. The DEM model was calibrated for two materials; aluminum alloy 6061 and mild steel ASTM A36, and the simulated responses aligned closely with experimental tensile test results. The findings underscore the versatility of the proposed model in simulating both elasto-plasticity and fracture in ductile materials, making it a valuable tool for applications in structural analysis and fracture mechanics. [Display omitted] • Continuum methods struggle with fracture and wear; discrete models are needed. • A DEM framework was developed to simulate elasto-plastic bonded solids. • A new bond model captures ductile behavior with yielding before fracture. • Numerical tensile tests enabled calibration via bond parameter studies. • DEM calibrated for AA6061 and ASTM A36, matching experiments well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Solids are generally treated as continuous materials in structural analysis, however, understanding their discrete nature is crucial in cases where material discontinuities significantly affect system behavior, such as fracture and wear. It is important not only to identify when failure or discontinuity occurs in a material, but also to investigate the progression of these events and their implications for surrounding structures. While numerical methods are effective for analyzing structural behavior, continuum-based approaches often inadequately address the complexities associated with material discontinuities. In contrast, discrete models can effectively simulate these discontinuities and simultaneously represent continuum behavior through the bonding of discrete elements. Although the discrete element method (DEM) is typically used to model brittle materials such as rocks, this paper presents the development of a DEM framework aimed at simulating the elasto-plastic behavior of solids composed of bonded particles. A bond model is proposed in this study, capable of simulating ductile materials that exhibit yielding before fracture. The effects of key bond model parameters on the bulk behavior of bonded-particle structures were investigated through numerical tensile tests, providing valuable insights for model calibration. The DEM model was calibrated for two materials; aluminum alloy 6061 and mild steel ASTM A36, and the simulated responses aligned closely with experimental tensile test results. The findings underscore the versatility of the proposed model in simulating both elasto-plasticity and fracture in ductile materials, making it a valuable tool for applications in structural analysis and fracture mechanics. [Display omitted] • Continuum methods struggle with fracture and wear; discrete models are needed. • A DEM framework was developed to simulate elasto-plastic bonded solids. • A new bond model captures ductile behavior with yielding before fracture. • Numerical tensile tests enabled calibration via bond parameter studies. • DEM calibrated for AA6061 and ASTM A36, matching experiments well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00325910
DOI:10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122394