FURI | Spring 2025

Effects of Cohesion in Discrete Element Method Contact Models

Granular materials are one of the most commonly used substances in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and semiconductors. Discrete element method simulations are often used to model these granular materials from existing real-world situations, but lack significant precedent in exploratory research for unknown situations. This research explores the applications of differing contact models and the effect on cohesive forces between known granular materials. Enhancing the understanding of contact models for known materials will enable future research to use simulations as a more powerful predictive tool for unknown materials.