A comparative assessment and unification of bond models in DEM simulations

Abstract Bonded contact models have been increasingly used in the discrete element method (DEM) to study cemented and sintered particulate materials recent years. Several popular DEM bond proposed literature; thus it is beneficial assess similarities differences between different before they are simulations. This paper identifies discusses two fundamental types of models: Spring Bond Model where bonded particles joined by a set uniform elastic springs on bond’s cross-section, Beam which beam connect centres particles. A series cantilever bending simulation cases were carried out verify findings strength weakness models. Despite numerous described literature, can all be considered as variation these model types. The comparative evaluation this also shows that investigated unified general form given at predefined point location.