Discrete element modeling of cantilever beams subjected to geometric nonlinearity and particle–structure interaction

The discrete element method (DEM) is a general discrete modeling technique traditionally used to model granular material and discontinuous phenomena such as fracture and fragmentation of solids. We investigate the efficacy of DEM to model deformable elastic continua, cantilever beams in particular, and describe their mechanical behavior under loading. Of distinct interest is the ability of DEM to capture geometric nonlinearity in their large-displacement response. A case study is presented to demonstrate the utility of this approach in particle–structure problems that involve large structural displacements. We simulated an array of these cantilever beams in large elastic oscillations amidst a particulate environment, modeled using DEM. Mobile particles encounter the deflecting beams in their paths and can be redirected for capture based on net forces and moments that act on them. The dynamics of the ensuing particle–structure interactions is simulated, and factors regulating the efficiency of particle capture are examined.