A spherical‐harmonic‐based approach to discrete element modeling of <scp>3D</scp> irregular particles

Abstract Different from previous discrete element methods (DEM), where irregular 3D particle shapes are approximated by subspheres, vertices, or voxels, this study aims to develop an innovative and computationally effective DEM method directly employing spherical harmonic functions for simulations of irregular‐shaped particles. First, the surface points a represented with only limited number coefficients restore morphology. Then, intrinsic physical quantities computed using functions. Next, specific algorithms interparticle overlapping detection contact resolution involving developed. Subsequently, forces, moments, movements computed. The feasibility capability proposed verified simulating random deposition superellipsoids, repose angle tests, triaxial tests on particles various shapes. could pave viable pathway realistic modeling granular media pertaining engineering industrial processes.