Computational particle mechanics 

About: Computational particle mechanics is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Discrete element method & Computer science. It has an ISSN identifier of 2196-4386. Over the lifetime, 478 publications have been published receiving 4151 citations.

Simulating tissue mechanics with agent-based models: concepts, perspectives and some novel results

Abstract: In this paper we present an overview of agent-based models that are used to simulate mechanical and physiological phenomena in cells and tissues, and we discuss underlying concepts, limitations, and future perspectives of these models. As the interest in cell and tissue mechanics increase, agent-based models are becoming more common the modeling community. We overview the physical aspects, complexity, shortcomings, and capabilities of the major agent-based model categories: lattice-based models (cellular automata, lattice gas cellular automata, cellular Potts models), off-lattice models (center-based models, deformable cell models, vertex models), and hybrid discrete-continuum models. In this way, we hope to assist future researchers in choosing a model for the phenomenon they want to model and understand. The article also contains some novel results.

Grand challenges for Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics numerical schemes

Abstract: This paper presents a brief review of grand challenges of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. As a meshless method, SPH can simulate a large range of applications from astrophysics to free-surface flows, to complex mixing problems in industry and has had notable successes. As a young computational method, the SPH method still requires development to address important elements which prevent more widespread use. This effort has been led by members of the SPH rEsearch and engineeRing International Community (SPHERIC) who have identified SPH Grand Challenges. The SPHERIC SPH Grand Challenges (GCs) have been grouped into 5 categories: (GC1) convergence, consistency and stability, (GC2) boundary conditions, (GC3) adaptivity, (GC4) coupling to other models, and (GC5) applicability to industry. The SPH Grand Challenges have been formulated to focus the attention and activities of researchers, developers, and users around the world. The status of each SPH Grand Challenge is presented in this paper with a discussion on the areas for future development.

Application of particle and lattice codes to simulation of hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: With the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs over the last 15 years, the understanding and capability to model the propagation of hydraulic fractures in inhomogeneous and naturally fractured reservoirs has become very important for the petroleum industry (but also for some other industries like mining and geothermal). Particle-based models provide advantages over other models and solutions for the simulation of fracturing of rock masses that cannot be assumed to be continuous and homogeneous. It has been demonstrated (Potyondy and Cundall Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 41:1329–1364, 2004) that particle models based on a simple force criterion for fracture propagation match theoretical solutions and scale effects derived using the principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The challenge is how to apply these models effectively (i.e., with acceptable models sizes and computer run times) to the coupled hydro-mechanical problems of relevant time and length scales for practical field applications (i.e., reservoir scale and hours of injection time). A formulation of a fully coupled hydro-mechanical particle-based model and its application to the simulation of hydraulic treatment of unconventional reservoirs are presented. Model validation by comparing with available analytical asymptotic solutions (penny-shape crack) and some examples of field application (e.g., interaction with DFN) are also included.

Discrete element modelling of large scale particle systems—I: exact scaling laws

Abstract: The discrete element method has emerged as a powerful predictive tool for the numerical modelling of many scientific and engineering problems involving discrete and discontinuous phenomena. There are nevertheless computational challenges to resolve before industrial scale applications can be effectively simulated. This multi-part paper aims to address some of the theoretical and computational issues central to achieving this goal. In the first part of this paper, a simple but generic theoretical framework is established for the development of a comprehensive set of scaling conditions, under which a scaled discrete element model can exactly reproduce the mechanical behaviour of a physical model. In particular, three basic physical quantities and their scale factors can be freely chosen. A special selection leads to a unique set of scale factors governing an exact scaling, which also gives rise to the requirement that all the interaction laws employed in a scaled model be scale-invariant. The subsequent examination reveals that most commonly used interaction laws, if all material (mechanical and physical) properties are treated as constant, do not possess such a feature and therefore cannot be directly employed in a scaled model. The problem can be solved by treating the scaled particles as pseudo-particles and by properly scaling the interaction laws. The resulting scaled interaction laws become scale-invariant and thus can be used in a scaled model.

A local constitutive model for the discrete element method. Application to geomaterials and concrete

Abstract: This paper presents a local constitutive model for modelling the linear and non linear behavior of soft and hard cohesive materials with the discrete element method (DEM) We present the results obtained in the analysis with the DEM of cylindrical samples of cement, concrete and shale rock materials under a uniaxial compressive strength test, different triaxial tests, a uniaxial strain compaction test and a Brazilian tensile strength test DEM results compare well with the experimental values in all cases