A comparison between DEM and MPM for the modeling of unsteady flow

Abstract

In order to provide a comprehensive comparison between two current numerical methods employed in the modeling of rock avalanches, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) [3] and the Material Point Method (MPM) [1] were used to simulate the mass propagation along a 45° plane transitioning to an horizontal plane. When using the DEM, a 3D code using tetrahedral elements was used and the flow was channelized by means of frictionless walls. For the MPM simulations, a 2D code was developed and plane strain simulations were run. Comparisons were made in terms of run-out distance and energy dissipated. Influence of parameters such as initial sample geometry, basal friction coefficient and shape of blocks composing the sample was studied.