A Discrete Element Method model for frictional fibers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Discrete Element Method algorithm for simulating elastic fibers with frictional contacts, modeling fibers as chains of cylindrical segments with forces and frictional interactions, validated against experiments and theory.

Contribution

It presents a novel DEM algorithm specifically designed for elastic fibers with frictional contacts, incorporating detailed force models and contact tracking.

Findings

The model accurately reproduces experimental behaviors.

The algorithm effectively handles multiple contact points.

Simulations align with theoretical predictions.

Abstract

We present a Discrete Element Method algorithm for the simulation of elastic fibers in frictional contacts. The fibers are modeled as chains of cylindrical segments connected to each other by springs taking into account elongation, bending and torsion forces. The frictional contacts between the cylinders are modeled using a Cundall and Strack model routinely used in granular material simulations. The physical scales for simulations, the determination and the tracking of contacts, and the algorithm are discussed. Tests on different situations involving few or many contact points are presented and compared to experiments or to theoretical predictions.