A discrete element method for dynamic simulation of arbitrary bodies

The paper deals with the statement of a problem of dynamic interaction of arbitrary solid bodies and its test solutions in the context of discrete element modeling. For discretization we use description of bodies with arbitrary shapes, composed of rigidly bound spheres. The clumps were built with different characteristics, which allowed to estimate their influence on the process of clump construction and the smoothness of obtained surface. A system of equations of motion relative to global axes for a clump of spheres is presented. The forces of interaction between the spheres are determined based on the Hertz–Mindlin contact model with due account for viscous damping. A problem of interaction of two spheres was chosen as a test case. Spheres' trajectories composed of clumps of spheres were calculated. The results were compared with the results for the case of motion and interaction of spheres in one-particle approximation.