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Computational Methods for Discrete Media

Course Information​

  • Course Type: Graduate specialization course
  • Semester: Spring (Spring 2026)
  • Target Students: Graduate students in Civil Engineering

Course Description​

This course covers numerical simulation methods for discrete media (such as granular materials), with emphasis on the fundamental principles and implementation techniques of the Discrete Element Method (DEM), as well as coupling algorithms with other physical fields (fluid, thermal, etc.). The course also uses domestically developed DEM software and highlights the development of self-reliant computational methods and industrial software.

Learning Objectives​

  1. Master fundamental theory of the Discrete Element Method
  2. Understand mechanical behavior of granular materials
  3. Develop DEM programming capabilities
  4. Understand multiphase coupling numerical methods

Course Content​

  • Fundamentals of the discrete element method
  • Particle morphology characterization and modeling
  • Contact force models
  • Time integration and numerical stability
  • Parameter calibration and validation
  • Fluid–particle coupling methods
  • Multiscale coupling methods
  • Multiphysics coupling in granular media
  • Machine learning accelerated DEM
  • DEM programming practice

Assessment​

Two reports — a literature review and a computational analysis — submitted at the end of the term.