Multisphere Representation of Convex Polyhedral Particles for DEM Simulation

Abstract

The representation of particles of complex shapes is one of the key challenges of numerical simulations based on the discrete element method (DEM). A novel algorithm has been developed by the authors to accurately represent 2D arbitrary particles for DEM modelling. In this paper, the algorithm is extended from 2D to 3D to model convex polyhedral particles based on multisphere methods, which includes three steps: the placement of spheres at the corners, along the edges, and on the facets in sequence. To give a good representation of a polyhedral particle, the spheres are placed tangent to the particle surface in each step. All spheres placed in the three steps are clumped together into a clump in DEM. In addition, the mass properties of the clump are determined based on the corresponding polyhedral particle to obtain accurate simulation results. Finally, an example is used to validate the robust and automatic performance of the algorithm in generating a sphere clump model for an assembly of polyhedral particles. A current FORTRAN version of the algorithm is available by contacting the authors.

Geotechnical Investigations and Support Design for an Underground Powerhouse of Pumped-Storage Power Station: A Case Study in Chongqing, China

“…It shows that the optimum support systems are compatible with the support system recognized by the RMi rock mass classification systems. Moreover, the numerical approach can improve the understanding and evaluation of failure mechanisms, geotechnical risks, and the construction of more effective rock reinforcement systems [14,15].…”