Stress based multi-contact model for discrete-element simulations

The aim of this study is to introduce a stress-based non-binary contact model missing in classical discrete element method (DEM). To tackle issue, force-displacement law generalized by utilizing the trace particle stress tensor make all contacts dependent on other and thus, account for multiple simultaneously acting single particle. Simulation results uniaxial confined (oedometric) compression employing our new multi-contact were compared with formulation, an existing strain-based model, experimental data. satisfactory agreement between these supports validity model. Several test examples at higher load levels show that able capture stronger non-linearity stresses. Due its simplicity, proposed can easily be integrated any DEM implementation, remaining relatively fast when more complex methods or even discretization particles, e.g. FEM.