The Use of the Discrete Element Method to Study the Response of Packed Particles to a Pressure Wave
Abstract
While a system of particles confined in a container forms a structure-like system, its response to mechanical loads has characteristics that are both similar to a comparable continuum and unique to the discrete nature of the particles. Even when packed together, local interactions are often discontinuous throughout the system and over time, resulting in complex local and bulk behaviors. The effects of the properties of the particles and their interactions may, therefore, result in local forces and stresses in response to a pressure wave that cannot be readily modeled by continuum based computational modeling methods. This work uses the discrete element method (DEM) to improve the understanding of the model and system parameters that influence the local interactions of individual particles, the forces that develop, and the energy that is stored or dissipated as a pressure wave passes through a confined system of particles. Loads with durations that varied over four orders of magnitude, from quasi-static to near-impulse, were applied to particle systems with and without a pre-compression load. The results of this study and methods described may help in the selection of appropriate modeling parameters for solution stability and accuracy and can guide the determination of physical properties to tailor the local and bulk behavior of a confined particle system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1115/imece2021-69041
Entities
People
- Catherine S. Florio
Organizations
- United States Army