FORCE SCHEMES IN SIMULATIONS OF GRANULAR-MATERIALS

In computer simulations of granular flow, one widely used technique is classical soft-sphere Molecular Dynamics, where the equations of moti on of the particles are numerically integrated. This requires specific ation of the forces acting between grains. In this paper, we systemati cally study the properties of the force laws most commonly used and co mpare them with recent experiments on the impact of spheres. We point out possible problems and give criteria for the right choice of parame ters. Finally, two generic problems of soft-sphere simulations are dis cussed.