Numerical comparison of a deformable discrete element model and an equivalent continuum analysis for the compaction of ductile porous material

The combined finite and discrete element technique has been considered for the compaction of an assembly of particles. Each particle is mapped with fi nite elements and the interaction between particles is solved using a discr ete element technique. Compaction of a few particles in two dimensions usin g the combined discrete/finite element method is shown to be equivalent to the Gurson model in the continuum analysis. Results generated from both ana lyses are compared and found to be in good agreement up to 95% densificatio n. The work demonstrates the potential applicability of the deformable disc rete element method for particulate analysis or powder compaction in partic ular. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.