# Peridynamics-based discrete element method (PeriDEM) model of granular systems involving breakage of arbitrarily shaped particles

**Authors:** Prashant K. Jha, Prathamesh S. Desai, Debdeep Bhattacharya, Robert Lipton  
**arXiv:** [2010.07218](https://arxiv.org/abs/2010.07218)  
**Date:** 2020-10-14  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2010.07218v2/

## Key points

- The study introduces a novel hybrid model called PeriDEM, combining peridynamics and DEM for modeling granular systems with breakage of arbitrarily shaped particles.
- PeriDEM allows tuning of model parameters to control DEM contact forces, damping effects, and intra-particle stiffness, enabling exploration of complex interactions within discrete particle dynamics.
- Granular or particulate media are common in construction, pharmaceutics, and transportation industries, requiring a deep understanding of particle behavior and attrition for enhanced system performance.
- Traditional DEM techniques excel at describing particle interactions but struggle with capturing intra-particle deformation and fracture; peridynamics addresses this by considering internal processes from contact forces between particles.
- The researchers investigate the impact of particle collisions and compressive behavior of multi-particle systems using the PeriDEM model, accommodating various particle shapes like spherical, hexagonal, and non-convex forms.
- The study also explores the influence of mesh resolution on intra-particle peridynamics to bridge the gap between peridynamics and DEM for more accurate predictions in engineering systems utilizing granular media with diverse particle shapes.

## Summary

The study by Prashant K. Jha, Prathamesh S. Desai, Debdeep Bhattacharya, and Robert Lipton introduces a novel approach to modeling granular systems involving the breakage of arbitrarily shaped particles. The proposed hybrid model known as PeriDEM combines the strengths of peridynamics and DEM by allowing for tuning of model parameters to control DEM contact forces, damping effects, and intra-particle stiffness. This opens up new possibilities for exploring complex interactions within discrete particle dynamics. Granular or particulate media are often found in construction, pharmaceutics, and transportation industries. A deep understanding of particle behavior and attrition is necessary to enhance system performance and efficiency. Traditional Discrete Element Method (DEM) techniques excel at describing particle interactions but fall short in capturing intra-particle deformation and fracture. In contrast, peridynamics offers a solution by accounting for these internal processes resulting from contact forces between particles. The researchers thoroughly investigate two key aspects: the impact of particle collisions and the compressive behavior of multi-particle systems using the PeriDEM model. Notably, this model accommodates particles of various shapes such as spherical, hexagonal, and non-convex forms. The study also delves into the influence of mesh resolution on intra-particle peridynamics. By bridging the gap between peridynamics and DEM, the PeriDEM model paves the way for more accurate predictions and improved efficiency in engineering systems utilizing granular media with diverse particle shapes. This includes phenomena like force chain formation, particle interlocking, attrition, wear mechanisms, and ultimately particle breakage. The findings presented in this research demonstrate how the PeriDEM model can be used to better understand these complex interactions within granular systems.