Simulation of a soil loosening process by means of the modified distinct element method

We apply the Distinct Element Method (DEM) to analyze the dynamic behavior of soil. However, the conventional DEM model for calculation of contact forces between elements has some problems; for example, the movement of elements is too discrete to simulate real soil particle movement. Therefore, we modify the model to solve the difficulties. To investigate the validity of the modified model, we conduct an experiment in which soil is cut with a pendulum-typeblade, and simulate the soil loosening process with the modified DEM model. This paper presents details of the experimental apparatus and the comparison of soil behavior and energy absorption between the simulation and the experiment. Some characteristic phenomena of the experiment are reproduced in the simulation giving us confidence that the modified model is better than the conventional model for the simulation of soil behavior.