Pirapat Arunyanart, Nithitorn Kongkaew, Supattarachai Sudsawat^*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.80, No.2, pp. 3379-3403, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2024.054337 - 15 August 2024

Abstract This research introduces a novel approach to enhancing bucket elevator design and operation through the integration of discrete element method (DEM) simulation, design of experiments (DOE), and metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Specifically, the study employs the firefly algorithm (FA), a metaheuristic optimization technique, to optimize bucket elevator parameters for maximizing transport mass and mass flow rate discharge of granular materials under specified working conditions. The experimental methodology involves several key steps: screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting bucket elevator operation, central composite design (CCD) experiments to further explore these factors, and response surface methodology (RSM)… More >

Weiliang Gao¹, Shixu Jia², Tingting Zhao^2,3,*, Zhiyong Wang²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.139, No.3, pp. 3495-3511, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2023.046188 - 11 March 2024

Abstract The mechanical properties of interfacial transition zones (ITZs) have traditionally been simplified by reducing the stiffness of cement in previous simulation methods. A novel approach based on the discrete element method (DEM) has been developed for modeling concrete. This new approach efficiently simulates the meso-structure of ITZs, accurately capturing their heterogeneous properties. Validation against established uniaxial compression experiments confirms the precision of this model. The proposed model can model the process of damage evolution containing cracks initiation, propagation and penetration. Under increasing loads, cracks within ITZs progressively accumulate, culminating in macroscopic fractures that traverse the More >

Juan Álvarez¹, Sergio Gallegos¹, Raymundo Cordero¹, Aldo Ramirez¹, Francisco Zarate², Sergio A. Diaz³

Revista Internacional de Métodos Numéricos para Cálculo y Diseño en Ingeniería, Vol.39, No.2, pp. 1-9, 2023, DOI:10.23967/j.rimni.2023.06.005 - 21 June 2023

Abstract At present, the beam-column connection system through a self-centering post-tensioned connection is currently an alternative to improve the seismic behavior in reinforced concrete buildings; by allowing its elements to have a linear behavior (no damage) in the face of displacements produced by seismic actions. This paper deals with the numerical modeling of the seismic behavior for a self-centering connection based on the Discrete Element Method (MED) is presented, with the aim of validating the hysterical response of the numerical model with an experimental test of the literature. The results demonstrated the horizontal distortions in the… More >

Lifan Chen^1,*, Ning Guo¹, Zhongxuan Yang¹

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.27, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2023, DOI:10.32604/icces.2023.09709

Abstract A multiscale approach [1] that couples the finite-element method (FEM) and the discrete-element method (DEM) is employed to model and analyse the earthquake fault rupture-soil-foundation interaction (FR-SFI) problem. In the approach, the soil constitutive responses are obtained from DEM solutions of representative volume elements (RVEs) embedded at the FEM integration points so as to effectively bypass the phenomenological hypotheses in conventional FEM simulations. The fault rupture surfaces and shear localization patterns under normal faults with or without foundation atop have been well captured by the multiscale approach and verified with available centrifuge experimental [2] and More >

Ruifeng Zhao¹, Zhijun Wu^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.25, No.1, pp. 1-2, 2023, DOI:10.32604/icces.2023.09814

Abstract The combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) can effectively simulate the continuousdiscontinuous failure process of rocks, and is now widely adopted to investigate the issues related to rock mechanics and engineering. The conventional FDEM requires pre-defines constitutive models to calculate the element stress from element deformations [1]. However, the constitutive model used in conventional FDEM is obtained by empirical fitting of rock mechanics test data, and large amount of rock physical and mechanical information present in the test data, such as the nonlinear properties of rock presented in the initial compaction stage, are lost in the… More >

Deze Yang, Xihua Chu^*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.136, No.1, pp. 63-85, 2023, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2023.025062 - 05 January 2023

Abstract The particle size ratio (PSR) is an important parameter for binary granular materials, which may affect the microstructure and macro behaviors of granular materials. However, the effect of particle ratio on granular assemblies with different arrangements is still unclear. To explore and further clarify the effect of PSR in different packing structures, three types of numerical samples with regular, layered, and random packing are designed. Numerical results show that PSR has significant effects on binary granular samples with regular packing. The larger the PSR, the stronger the strength, the larger the modulus, and the smaller… More >

Sen Zhang¹, Jie Jiang^2,3,*, Yuedong Wang⁴

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.19, No.5, pp. 1159-1172, 2023, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2022.024070 - 30 November 2022

Abstract To improve the application of discrete element models (DEM) to the design of agricultural crushers, in this study a new highly accurate model is elaborated. The model takes into account the fiber structure, porous nature of the material and the leaf sheath coating structure. Dedicated experimental tests are conducted to determine the required “intrinsic” and basic contact parameters of the considered banana straw materials. A large number of bonding parameters are examined in relation to the particle aggregation model in order to characterize different actual banana straws. Using the particle surface energy contact model, the More > Graphic Abstract

Qizhi Chen¹, Chuli Xu¹, Baoping Zou^1,*, Zhanyou Luo², Changjie Xu³, Xu Long^4,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.135, No.2, pp. 1503-1520, 2023, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2022.022823 - 27 October 2022

Abstract Load transformation from the yielding part of the soil to the adjacent part is known as the soil arching effect, which plays an important role in the design of various geotechnical infrastructures. Terzaghi’s trapdoor test was an important milestone in the development of theories on soil arching. The research on earth pressure of the trapdoor problem is presented in this paper using the three-dimensional (3D) discrete element method (DEM). Five 3D trapdoor models with different heights are established by 3D DEM software PFC 3D. The variation of earth pressure on the trapdoor with the downward… More >

Tao Xue¹, Yazhou Wang², Masao Shimada², David Tae², Kumar Tamma^2,*, Xiaobing Zhang^1,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.134, No.3, pp. 1469-1487, 2023, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2022.021616 - 20 September 2022

Abstract In this work, a consistent and physically accurate implementation of the general framework of unified second-order time accurate integrators via the well-known GSSSS framework in the Discrete Element Method is presented. The improved tangential displacement evaluation in the present implementation of the discrete element method has been derived and implemented to preserve the consistency of the correct time level evaluation during the time integration process in calculating the algorithmic tangential displacement. Several numerical examples have been used to validate the proposed tangential displacement evaluation; this is in contrast to past practices which only seem to… More >

Hongri Zhu, Shunying Ji^*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.132, No.1, pp. 5-21, 2022, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2022.019991 - 02 June 2022

Abstract Moored structures are suitable for operations in ice-covered regions owing to their security and efficiency. This paper aims to present a new method for simulating the ice load and mooring force on the moored structure during ice-structure interaction with a spherical Discrete Element Method (DEM). In this method, the level ice and mooring lines consist of bonded sphere elements arranged in different patterns. The level ice model has been widely validated in simulation of the ice load of fixed structures. In the mooring line simulation, a string of spherical elements was jointed with the parallel… More >