The book conveys modern techniques and the latest state-of-the-art with regard to the most fundamental aspects of computational contact mechanics. However, since contact can readily be interpreted as a special type of interface problem, it seems advisable not to isolate contact mechanics, but rather to address it in the context of a broader class of problems denoted as computational interface mechanics. The book gives a clear understanding of the underlying physics of interfaces, and a comprehensive insight into the current state-of-the-art and selected cutting-edge research directions in the computational treatment of interface effects. It focuses on the modeling of friction, wear, lubrication, cohesive interfaces, grain boundaries, phase boundaries, fracture, thermo-mechanics and particulate contact (e.g. granular media). Also the most important computational aspects are addressed, including discretization techniques for finite deformations, solution algorithms for single- and multi-processor computing environments, multi-scale approaches, discrete element models and multi-physics problems including contact and interface constraints. Among the computational techniques covered in this book are finite element (FEM) and boundary element (BEM) methods, atomistic models, molecular dynamics (MD), discrete element methods (DEM), coupling approaches for multi-scale simulations, and tools for an efficient automated FEM code generation.

Deposition and aggregation of small solid particles are encountered in many natural and industrial environments. Whether it be deposition of particles onto a surface immersed in a liquid suspension or aggregateion of individual particles, these processes are of enotmous significance. They are vital to the manufacture of magnetic tape, purification of water using packed bed filters, selective capture of solids, cells and macromolecular species, and many other applications. This book presents a unified approach to the measurement, modelling and simulation of these processes, bringing together the disciplines of colliod and surface chemistry, hydrodynamics, and experimental and computational methods. It will be required reading for graduates working in process and environmental engineering, postgraduates involved in industrial R & D and for all scientists wishing to gain a more detailed and realistic understanding of process conditions in these areas.

Computer simulation of systems has become an important tool in scientific research and engineering design, including the simulation of systems through the motion of their constituent particles. Important examples of this are the motion of stars in galaxies, ions in hot gas plasmas, electrons in semiconductor devices, and atoms in solids and liquids. The behavior of the system is studied by programming into the computer a model of the system and then performing experiments with this model. New scientific insight is obtained by observing such computer experiments, often for controlled conditions that are not accessible in the laboratory. Computer Simulation using Particles deals with the simulation of systems by following the motion of their constituent particles. This book provides an introduction to simulation using particles based on the NGP, CIC, and P3M algorithms and the programming principles that assist with the preparations of large simulation programs based on the OLYMPUS methodology. It also includes case study examples in the fields of astrophysics, plasmas, semiconductors, and ionic solids as well as more detailed mathematical treatment of the models, such as their errors, dispersion, and optimization. This resource will help you understand how engineering design can be assisted by the ability to predict performance using the computer model before embarking on costly and time-consuming manufacture.

This book, based on the analogy between contact mechanics and fracture mechanics proposed by the author twenty years ago, starts with a treatment of the surface energy and tension of solids and surface thermodynamics. The essential concepts of fracture mechanics are presented with emphasis on the thermodynamic aspects. Readers will find complete analytical results and detailed calculations for cracks submitted to pressure distributions and the Dugdale model. Contact mechanics and the contact and adherence of rough solids are also covered.

Simulations in Bulk Solids Handling Valuable resource for engineers and professionals dealing with bulk granular or powdered materials across industries using Discrete Element Methods (DEM) In many traditional university engineering programmes, no matter whether undergraduate or postgraduate, the behavior of granular materials is not covered in depth or at all. This omission leaves recent engineering graduates with little formal education in the major industrial area of bulk solids handling. This book teaches young professionals and engineers to find appropriate solutions for handling granular and powdered materials. It also provides valuable information for experienced engineers to gain an understanding and appreciation of the most significant simulation methods–DEM chief amongst them. For any student or professional involved with bulk solids handling, this book is a key resource to understand the most efficient and effective stimulation methods that are available today. Its comprehensive overview of the topic allows for upcoming professionals to ensure they have adequate knowledge in the field and for experienced professionals to improve their skills and processes.

Dry granular materials, such as sand, sugar and powders, can be poured into a container like a liquid and can also form a pile, resisting gravity like a solid, which is why they can be regarded as a fourth state of matter, neither solid nor liquid. This book focuses on defining the physics of dry granular media in a systematic way, providing a collection of articles written by recognised experts. The physics of this field is new and full of challenges, but many questions (such as kinetic theories, plasticity, continuum and discrete modelling) also require the strong participation of mechanical and chemical engineers, soil mechanists, geologists and astrophysicists. The book gathers into a single volume the relevant concepts from all these disciplines, enabling the reader to gain a rapid understanding of the foundations, as well as the open questions, of the physics of granular materials. The contributors have been chosen particularly for their ability to explain new concepts, making the book attractive to students or researchers contemplating a foray into the field. The breadth of the treatment, on the other hand, makes the book a useful reference for scientists who are already experienced in the subject.

The first single work on DEM providing the information to get started with this powerful numerical modelling approach. Provides the basic details of the numerical method and the approaches used to interpret the results of DEM simulations. It will be of use to professionals, researchers and higher level students, with a theoretical overview of DEM as well as practical guidance.Selected Contents: 1.Introduction 2.Use of DEM in Geomechanics 3.Calculation of Contact Forces 4.Particle Motion 5.Particle Types 6.Boundary Conditions 7.Initial Geometry and Specimen Generation 8.Time Integration and Discrete Element Modelling 9.DEM Interpretation: A Continuum Perspective 10.Postprocessing: Graphical Interpretation of DEM Simulations 11.Basic Statisti

This book presents the latest advances in flowsheet simulation of solids processes, focusing on the dynamic behaviour of systems with interconnected solids processing units, but also covering stationary simulation. The book includes the modelling of solids processing units, for example for comminution, sifting and particle formulation and also for reaction systems. Furthermore, it examines new approaches for the description of solids and their property distributions and for the mathematical treatment of flowsheets with multivariate population balances.

This book contains the latest scientific findings in the area of granular materials, their physical fundamentals and applications in particle technology focused on the description of interactions of fine adhesive particles.In collaboration between physicists, chemists, mathematicians and mechanics and process engineers from 24 universities, new theories and methods for multiscale modeling and reliable measurement of particles are developed, with a focus on:• Basic physical-chemical processes in the contact zone: particle-particle and particle-wall contacts,• Particle collisions and their dynamics• Constitutive material laws for particle systems on the macro level.

Offering a comprehensive treatment of adhesive particle flows, this book adopts a particle-level approach oriented toward directly simulating the various fluid, electric field, collision, and adhesion forces and torques acting on the particles, within the framework of a discrete-element model. It is ideal for professionals and graduate students working in engineering and atmospheric and condensed matter physics, materials science, environmental science, and other disciplines where particulate flows have a significant role. The presentation is applicable to a wide range of flow fields, including aerosols, colloids, fluidized beds, and granular flows. It describes both physical models of the various forces and torques on the particles as well as practical aspects necessary for efficient implementation of these models in a computational framework.