Determination of contact parameters for discrete element method simulations of granular systems

Both linear-spring–dashpot (LSD) and non-linear Hertzian-spring–dashpot (HSD) contact models are commonly used for the calculation of contact forces in Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of granular systems. Despite the popularity of these models, determination of suitable values for the contact parameters of the simulated particles such as stiffness, damping coefficient, coefficient of restitution, and simulation time step, is not altogether obvious. In this work the relationships between these contact parameters for a model system where a particle impacts on a flat base are examined. Recommendations are made concerning the determination of these contact parameters for use in DEM simulations.