Computational Strategy for a discrete element method

The behavior of granular material is of central importance for a large number of engineering disciplines, finding applications in soil mechanics, material handling and powder technology. The study on this type of material is understanding the behavior of a great number of rigid bodies from micro-mechanical informations such as kinematics and contact forces. A possible approach is the numerical tool that allows to simulate tests of laboratory and to control microscopic variables on the behavior macroscopic. The Discrete Element Method used is based on the NSCD method (Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics