Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

This paper presents an extension of the authors’ previously developed interface coupling technique for 2D problems to 3D problems. The method combines the strengths of the Discrete Element Method (DEM), known for its adeptness in capturing discontinuities and non-linearities at the microscale, and the Boundary Element Method (BEM), known for its efficiency in modelling wave propagation within infinite domains. The 3D formulation is based on spherical discrete elements and bilinear quadrilateral boundary elements. The innovative coupling methodology overcomes a critical limitation by enabling the representation of discontinuities within infinite domains, a pivotal development for large-scale dynamic problems. The paper systematically addresses challenges, with a focus on interface compatibility, showcasing the method’s accuracy through benchmark validation on a finite rod and infinite spherical cavity. Finally, a model of a column embedded into the ground illustrates the versatility of the approach in handling complex scenarios with multiple domains. This innovative coupling approach represents a significant leap in the integration of DEM and BEM for 3D problems and opens avenues for tackling complex and realistic problems in various scientific and engineering domains.

Interface coupling, Concurrent multi-scale coupling, Boundary element method (BEM), Discrete element method (DEM) , Staggered time integration, Dynamic wave propagation, Infinite domain

This paper presents a novel and highly efficient approach for coupling the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Boundary Element Method (BEM) for time-domain simulations of dynamic problems, utilising multi-scale staggered time integration. While the DEM captures phenomena with discontinuous behaviours, such as fracturing and granular flow, the BEM excels in accurately modelling seismic wave propagation in infinite domains. By separately solving the governing equations of the DEM and BEM at different time instants, the proposed scheme considerably enhances computational efficiency compared to conventional monolithic coupling schemes. The incorporation of non-conforming interfaces enables larger time steps in the BEM, thereby reducing computational costs and memory usage. Moreover, an innovative coupling of DEM rotations with the BEM displacement field is introduced, leading to more accurate and realistic modelling of complex dynamics. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the superior accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method, establishing its potential for modelling a wide range of dynamic problems.

BEM-DEM coupling,Multi-scale time integration,Rotational degrees of freedom,Seismic wave propagation,Infinite domain