PROPOSITION OF PSEUDO-RECTANGLE ELEMENT MODEL BASED ON CIRCULAR ELEMENT FOR DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract

A new type of model “Pseudo-Rectangle Element Model” using two-dimensional circular element is proposed for the Distinct Element Method so that it can analyze not only motion of granular materials but also fracture of continua. The contact surface between two elements are divided into some sections, and the piecewise discrete spring and dashpot are disposed on each section. The numerical results are compared with the results of another methods and with experiments for a rectangular block on a slope and for a bending test of concrete mortal. Those comparisons represent the usefulness of the present model.