APPLICATION OF DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD TO SIMULATE MACHINE-SOIL INTERACTIONS

Using the modified DEM (Discrete Element Method), which we proposed in order to improve the accuracy of the simulation, soil behavior and reaction by lugs of rotating wheel and a soil cutting process by a high speed blade were calculated and compared with experimental data. The DEM is one of computational mechanics, where the object body is supposed as an assembly of small particles called elements and not a continuum as in the case of FEM. We can easily treat some discrete phenomena such as cracking, separating and sliding by the DEM. We had to modify the original mechanical model, which induced too free movement of elements, adding a tension spring, which would display the role of soil adhesion. The results of DEM simulations were successful from both the soil behavior and reaction points of view.