A discrete element method for polyhedral particles

The following paper presents a new approach for the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with polyhedral particles. The geometry of convex polyhedra is represented by a set of half spaces. An algorithm for contact detection for these particles is developed. Furthermore a model for the interaction forces of polyhedra in contact is suggested. The model includes elastic and damping forces in normal direction, as well as Coulomb friction in tangential direction. The feasibility of DEM with sharp edged particles is demonstrated by some engineering applications