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 finite elements and the interaction between particles is solved using a discrete element technique. Compaction of a few particles in two dimensions using the combined discrete/finite element method is shown to be equivalent to the Gurson model in the continuum analysis. Results generated from both analyses are compared and found to be in good agreement up to 95% densification. The work demonstrates the potential applicability of the deformable discrete element method for particulate analysis or powder compaction in particular.