Fluid Coupling in DEM Simulation Using Darcy's Law: Formulation, and Verification

The fluid coupled-DEM has recently become a popular topic in the field of granular material simulation. In most simulations, the averaged Navier-Stokes equations are implemented to consider the fluid flow through particles. In this paper, a simple algorithm based on Darcy's law was discussed to avoid expensive computational effort of solving of the Navier-Stokes equations. The results of this approach were compared quantitatively with the well-known analytical solution of 1D seepage through a soil column as a fully coupled problem in geotechnical engineering. The comparison between the developed pore pressure and induced displacement with analytical values revealed that this algorithm is capable of simulating fluid-particle interaction accurately within the laminar regime.