Development of a dynamic particle finite element method (PFEM) for geotechnical applications

• Applicants: Dr.-Ing. Jan Machacek; Professor Dr.-Ing. Ralf Müller
• Subject Area: Mechanics ; Geotechnics, Hydraulic Engineering
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 517723402

The Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) allows for the treatment of complex topology evolutions in conjunction with consideration of complicated non-linear constitutive models. Within this project the PFEM is developed for application in coupled dynamic problems, that are frequently encountered in geotechnics. Therefore, inertia terms as well as wave propagation phenomena in saturated porous media are included. In the PFEM, the boundary recovery is usually based on the so-called α-shape method. For this purpose, a soil mechanics motivated approach for the determination of the parameter α is developed. The modelling and development of algorithms is done in an interdisciplinary cooperation between geotechnics and mechanics. The methods will be tested with benchmark problems and geotechnical applications. Furthermore, comparisons with experimental data are drawn.To include international expertise in the field of PFEM the cooperation with Prof. Juan Manuel Rodríguez Prieto (Universidad EAFIT, Colombia) as a Mercator-Fellow is established.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants