Multidomain finite and discrete elements method for impact analysis of a concrete structure

This article focuses on a formulation for coupling discrete and finite element methods. The efficiency of the discrete element method for studying the fracture of heterogeneous media has been demonstrated, but it is limited by the number of elements. A multidomain analysis is thus proposed in order to reduce the computational effort. The structure is split into two subdomains, in each of which the method is adapted to the behavior of the structure under impact. The DEM is used to model the media close to the impacts. It easily takes into account the discontinuities. The remaining structure is modelled by the FEM. The aims of this paper are to present a method with rotations coupling and to propose a way to reduce spurious wave reflections; it presents an application on a rock impact on a concrete slab.