Abstract
The relationship between spring constants of distinct element and macroscopic elastic constants (shear modulus; G and Poisson's ratio; ν) of the element assembly is derived theoretically. As the distinct element, circular disc with the normal and tangential springs at the interelement contact points is considered for two-dimensional model. The theoretical investigation is carried out through the derivation of equilibrium equation of the elastic body from the equilibrium conditions of distinct element, based on the assumption that the displacement field of the assembly is smooth enough to be introduced the Taylor expansion. It is found that elastic body with ν≤1/4 can be approximated by the distinct element method.
