A coupled DEM-LBM approach to simulate saturated sands

Abstract

We present a 3D model to analyse the micromechanical behavior of saturated granular materials under dynamic conditions. Among the possible applications of this model incluse the study of sands in quick and liquefaction conditions. The solid grains assumed spherical are modeled using Discret Element Method (DEM). Saturating fluid flow and the hydrodynamic forces generated on the grains are modeled using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). Specific aspects to the coupling of the two methods for taking into account the interaction of the two phases are developed. The numerical applications performed show satisfactory results.