A numerical homogenized law using discrete element method for continuum modelling of boundary value problems

Abstract

This paper presents a new way to define constitutive laws based on particles interactions within the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The concept is based on Volume Element (VE) for which the constitutive law is constructed through a numerical homogenization process. The new law fully accounts for the discrete nature of granular materials. By using the response envelope diagrams proposed by Gudehus [1], a graphical representation of the constitutive law is obtained. The results suggest that the current law can fully capture the main features of granular materials such as anisotropy, path dependence and non-linearity.