颗粒离散元法研究进展

回顾了颗粒离散元法(DEM)的发展过程.综述了该方法的理论和各种颗粒作用模型，包括各种实用的干颗粒 DEM模型和研究中的湿颗粒建模的进展；介绍了国内外颗粒离散元法模拟的成就以及离散元法与其他数值方法结合的扩展性研究的进展.最后指出了存在的问题，并对发展动向进行了预测.     

平面刚架弹塑性大位移分析的多刚体离散元法

本文基于多刚体－弹簧系统模型，给出了求解平面刚架结构弹塑性、大位移极限承载力分析的多刚体离散元法。文中首先推导了多刚体离散元法在总体坐标下的切线刚度阵，建立多刚体离散元法的增量平衡方程；而后推导了多刚体离散元的弹塑性弹簧系数矩阵，建立了多刚体离散元内力屈服面塑性铰法的增量求解格式，成功地进行了平面钢框架的弹塑性、大位移极限承载力分析。计算结果与其他数值方法或实验结果吻合良好，显示了多刚体离散元方法进行结构极限承载力分析这一复杂问题的优越性     

一种改进格林元方法及在渗流问题中的应用

采用格林公式和基本解推导出直接边界积分方程来求解渗流问题.边界积分方程数值离散基于格林元方法(Green element methond),改进了原方法中压力和压力导数的求解方法,命名为混合边界元方法(Mixed boundary element method).相较于格林元类方法,该方法显式考虑了求解节点的外法向流量值和压力值,并使求得的数值解在求解区域上能够连续,符合实际的物理过程,在不增加额外未知数的情况下提高了计算精度.分析了不同网格类型对模拟计算结果的影响,并对稳定渗流问题、非稳定(瞬态)渗流问题和非稳态问题进行了实例计算,结果显示改进方法提高了计算精度,并对各类渗流问题有较好的适应性.     

弹性力学问题的虚边界元-配点法

本文提出虚边界方法,建立了离散化虚边界元-配点法,给出了离散化求系数的积分解析式。本文方法完全避免了边界奇异积分及其复杂耗时的运算,成功地提高了普通边界元法(以下简称边界元法)中边界附近区域内包括边界上解的精度,保留了边界元法的优点并扬弃了其弱点。边界元间接法是本文方法中的一个特例。数值算例表明,程序可靠,节省机时,计算精度较高。     

自由面势流问题的域外奇点边界元法及其数值误差分析

讨论了域外奇点边界元法在自由面势流问题计算中的作用，并以连续及离散Fourier分析对该方法(就m阶面元的一般情况)进行数值误差分析，导出了计及面元阶数、奇点至自由面垂向距离、配置点移动、差分格式等因素影响的数值误差一般表达式。从理论上证明了自由面势流问题计算中采用域外奇点法可改善离散产生的数值色散误差并能结合配置点前移(向上游)等方法以数值满足辐射条件。     

三维势流场的比例边界有限元求解方法

比例边界有限元法(SBFEM)是线性偏微分方程的一种新的数值求解方法。该方法只对计算域边界利用Galerkin方法进行数值离散,相对于有限元方法(FEM)减少了一个空间坐标的维数,而在减少的空间坐标方向利用解析方法进行求解;相对于边界元法(BEM),比例边界有限元方法不需要基本解,避免了奇异积分的计算,所以它结合了有限元和边界元方法的优点。本文建立了利用比例边界有限元法求解三维Laplace方程的数值模型并用于计算三维物体周围的水流场,将计算结果与解析解和边界元方法进行了对比,结果表明此方法可以很好地模拟水流场,且具有较高的计算精度。     

分区界面元-有限元-无限元混合模型

利用界面元良好的相容性，引入过渡界面元的概念．实现了界面元与有限元二种数值计算方法的结合，并提出了一种界面元-有限元-无限元混合模型。这种混合模型既可以发挥界面元计算精度高、适用于不连续变形等优点．又能够充分利用有限元的计算效率和无限元方便处理无限域介质的特点，较为和谐地解决了计算精度和计算效率的矛盾。数值算例表明，本文所建立的混合模型的有效性，揭示此类混合模型具有广阔的工程应用前景。     

复杂载荷三维裂纹分析双重边界元法

提出可用于高温、高转速状态下的热动力机械三维含裂构件热弹性分析方法——双重边界元法.首先建立了考虑温度及离心载荷的双重边界积分方程组,并对边界积分方程组的选取及适用范围进行了讨论。然后提出角非快调元模型离散技术。接着提出超奇异积分方程分析去除奇异性方法及数值积分技术.数值算例表明计算结果与有关权函数解十分吻合,说明了用双重边界元法计算复杂载荷条件下三维应力强度因子的有效性.还讨论了有关热应力强度因子权函数解的适用范围.     

气体动理学统一算法中相容性条件不满足引起的数值误差及其影响研究

求解玻尔兹曼(Boltzmann) 模型方程的气体动理学统一算法(unified gas kinetic scheme,UGKS) 是为模拟存在显著稀薄气体效应流动而建立的. 在该方法中,如果速度空间离散采用传统的离散速度坐标法(discreteordinate method,DOM),将会导致相容性条件得不到严格满足,从而引入数值误差. 本文从理论分析及数值试验两方面说明了该数值误差,正比于来流马赫数,反比于来流努森数. 引入了守恒型的离散速度坐标法(conservativediscrete ordinate method,CDOM),在离散层面上确保了相容性条件得到严格满足. 圆柱绕流计算结果表明,来流马赫数较高、努森数较小时,相容性条件满足与否对计算结果影响较大,采用CDOM 可以在较稀的速度空间网格上得到网格无关解,缩减计算量最大可达2/3.     

二阶流形元法与结构变形分析

在原有一阶流形元法的基础上开发了二阶流形元法数值仿真模型和相应的计算程序，并给出了计算实例。结果表明，二阶流形元法可以以较高的精度分析一般结构的变形和接触应力问题，对大变形问题独有优势。并能很好地模拟不连续介质的破坏过程及块体破坏后的运动。     

Application of Discrete Element Method for Continuum Dynamic Problems

A new method based on the principle of minimum potential energy is presented, aiming to overcome some weakness of the present discrete element method (DEM). Our primary research is to put forward the DEM with a tight theory base and a fit technique for treating continuum dynamic problems. By using this method, we can not only extend the existing seven-disc model, but also establish a new nine-disc model in a general way. Moreover, the equivalences of two kinds of models have been verified. In addition, three numerical examples of stress wave propagation problems are given in order to validate accuracy and efficiency of the present DEM models and their algorithms. Finally, the dynamic stress concentration problem of a square plate with a circular hole is analyzed.This work was supported by Nation Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 10232040 and 10572002).     

颗粒流动力学及其离散模型评述

颗粒流是由众多颗粒组成的具有内在相互作用的非经典介质流动. 自然界常见颗粒流 都是密集流, 颗粒间接触形成力链, 诸多力链相互交接构成支撑整个颗粒流重量和外载荷的 网络, 其局部构型及强度在外载荷下演化, 是颗粒流摩擦特性和接触应力的来源.本文 介绍球形颗粒间无粘连作用时的Hertz法向接触理论和Mindlin-Deresiewicz切向接触 理论. Campbell依据是否生成较为稳定的力链把颗粒流分为弹性流和惯性流两大 类, 其中弹性-准静态流和惯性-碰撞流分别对应准静态流和快速流, 作为两种极端流动情况通常处理成连续体, 分 别采用摩擦塑性模型和动理论予以描述, 但是表征接触力链的颗粒弹性参数并不出现这两个 模型和理论框架中, 如何进一步考虑颗粒弹性参数将非常困难. 目前离散动力学方法逐渐 成为复现其复杂颗粒流动现象、提取实验不可能获得的内部流动信息进而综合起来探索颗粒 流问题的一种有效工具, 其真实性强于连续介质理论的描述. 软球模型对颗粒间接触力简化 处理, 忽略了切向接触力对法向接触力及其加载历史的依赖, 带来了法向和切向刚度系数 如何标度等更艰难的物理问题, 但由于计算强度小而广泛应用于工程问题中. 硬球模型不考虑 颗粒接触变形, 因而不能描述颗粒流内在接触应变等物理机理, 仅适用于快速颗粒流, 这不 仅仅是由于两体碰撞的限制. 因此基于颗粒接触力学的离散颗粒动力学模型是崭新的模型, 适用于准静态流到快速流整个颗粒流态的模拟, 可以细致考虑接触形变及接触力的细节, 建立更为合理的颗粒流本构关系, 进而有力的促进颗粒流这一非经典 介质流动的研究.     

DEM与FEM动态耦合算法研究

离散单元法作为一种有效的数值分析方法,能够模拟脆性材料的裂纹扩展及碎片飞散等破坏特性,但是无法从根本上克服计算效率低下的诟病;传统有限单元法具有计算高效稳定的优点,却难以描述脆性材料冲击破坏过程中连续体向非连续体的转化。本文首先提出一种基于罚函数法的改进型离散单元和有限单元耦合方法,以提高耦合分析精度。在此基础上提出了动态耦合算法:即在初始阶段,模型全部为有限单元,当局部即将发生破坏时,仅使即将发生破坏的有限单元及相邻单元自动转化为离散单元,在离散单元区域研究破坏问题。这种算法充分利用有限单元法计算高效的优点,同时最大限度克服了离散单元法计算效率的不足。最后,通过两个简单算例验证了改进型耦合算法和动态耦合算法的有效性。     

Parametric analysis of lugged wheel performance for a lunar microrover by means of DEM

The purpose of this study was to develop a numerical tool to simulate the performance of lugged wheels designed for a lunar microrover. The performance was analyzed using a Discrete Element Method (DEM) whose accuracy was validated for interactions between lugged wheels and soil. DEM analysis indicated that, on flat horizontal lunar surfaces, wheels with 18 10-mm-high lugs would provide less net traction than would wheels with 36 5-mm-high lugs.     

Application of the FEM/DEM and alternately moving road method to the simulation of tire-sand interactions

The three-dimensional finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM) is applied to the simulation of tire-sand interactions, where the tire is discretized into hexahedron finite elements and sand is modeled by using the discrete element method. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method are proven by comparing the simulation results with the current reported results. Since long test roads are usually required for investigating tire running behaviors, which lead to large-scale simulation models and time consuming problems, the alternately moving road method is proposed to handle this problem. It can simulate tire running behaviors on an arbitrary length sand road with a constant road length value. The numerical model of a lug tire running on a bisectional road with fine and coarse sand is established to verify the feasibility of the method.     

Random packing of tetrahedral particles using the polyhedral discrete element method

The random packing of tetrahedral particles is studied by applying the discrete element method (DEM), which simulates the effects of friction, height ratio, and eccentricity. The model predictions are analyzed in terms of packing density and coordination number (CN). It is demonstrated that friction has the maximal effect on packing density and mean CN among the three parameters. The packing density of the regular tetrahedron is 0.71 when extrapolated to a zero friction effect. The shape effects of height ratio and eccentricity show that the regular tetrahedron has the highest packing density in the family of tetrahedra, which is consistent with what has been reported in the literature. Compared with geometry-based packing algorithms, the DEM packing density is much lower. This demonstrates that the inter-particle mechanical forces have a considerable effect on packing. The DEM results agree with the published experimental results, indicating that the polyhedral DEM model is suitable for simulating the random packing of tetrahedral particles.     

2D FE–DEM analysis of tractive performance of an elastic wheel for planetary rovers

We have been developing a simulation program for use with soil–wheel interaction problems by coupling Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) for which a wheel is modeled by FEM and soil is expressed by DEM. Previous two-dimensional FE–DEM was updated to analyze the tractive performance of a flexible elastic wheel by introducing a new algorithm learned from the PID-controller model. In an elastic wheel model, four structural parts were defined using FEM: the wheel rim, intermediate part, surface layer, and wheel lugs. The wheel rigidity was controlled by varying the Young’s Modulus of the intermediate part. The tractive performance of two elastic wheels with lugs for planetary rovers of the European Space Agency was analyzed. Numerical results were compared with experimentally obtained results collected at DLR Bremen, Germany. The FE–DEM result was confirmed to depict similar behaviors of tractive performance such as gross tractive effort, net traction, running resistance, and wheel sinkage, as in the results of experiments. Moreover, the tractive performance of elastic wheels on Mars was predicted using FE–DEM. Results clarified that no significant difference of net traction exists between the two wheels.     

Discrete element analysis of the mechanical properties of deep-sea methane hydrate-bearing soils considering interparticle bond thickness

Due to increasing global energy demands, research is being conducted on the mechanical properties of methane hydrate-bearing soils (MHBSs), from which methane hydrate (MH) will be explored. This paper presents a numerical approach to study the mechanical properties of MHBSs. The relationship between the level of MH saturation and the interparticle bond thickness is first obtained by analyzing the scanning electron microscope images of MHBS samples, in which is the bridge connecting the micromechanical behavior captured by the DEM with the macroscopic properties of MHBSs. A simplified thermal-hydromechanical (THM) bond model that considers the different bond thicknesses is then proposed to describe the contact behavior between the soil particles and those incorporated into the discrete element method (DEM). Finally, a series of biaxial compression tests are carried out with different MH saturations under different effective confining pressures to analyze the mechanical properties of deep-sea MHBSs. The results of the DEM numerical simulation are also compared with the findings from triaxial compression tests. The results show that the macromechanical properties of deep-sea MHBSs can be qualitatively captured by the proposed DEM. The shear strength, cohesion, and volumetric contraction of deep-sea MHBSs increase with increasing MH saturation, although its influence on the internal friction angle is obscure. The shear strength and volumetric contraction increase with increasing effective confining pressure. The peak shear strength and the dilation of MHBSs increase as the critical bond thickness increases, while the residual deviator stress largely remains the same at a larger axial strain. With increasing the axial strain, the percentage of broken bonds increases, along with the expansion of the shear band.     

利用连接尺度方法的颗粒材料破碎数值分析

基于已有的颗粒材料连接尺度方法(BSM)[1-2],发展了在细尺度上采用离散颗粒集合体模型与离散单元法(DEM)并引入了颗粒破碎模型,而在粗尺度上采用Cosserat连续体模型与有限单元法(FEM)的BSM。仅在有限局部区域内采用DEM从细观层次关注颗粒材料破碎现象,而在全域采用储存空间和花费时间较少的FEM,同时在粗细两个尺度采用不同的时间步长。讨论了颗粒材料发生破碎时,颗粒材料结构的承载能力与微结构的演变。数值算例结果说明了所提出可模拟破碎的BSM的可用性和优越性,以及颗粒破碎对颗粒材料微观力学行为的影响。     

Improved experimental tracking techniques for validating discrete element method simulations of tumbling mills

We report on further developments in the three-dimensional tracking of a particle deep within the tumbling ball charge of an experimental mill. The experimental X-ray program employing the use of bi-planar X-ray angiography now includes the tracking of a typical 6 mm bulk charge particle in three dimensions with a spatial resolution that is accurate to within 0.15 mm. The improved experimental tracking techniques presented were developed for the purpose of generating accurate three-dimensional particle trajectory data against which to validate a numerical method for the simulation of discrete media, namely the discrete element method (DEM). These improvements are complimented with techniques for comparing charge profiles between numerical DEM simulations and three-dimensional experimental trajectory data.