RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMBINED FINITE-DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD

Discontinua modeling techniques, such as Discrete Element Method (DEM), Discoritimium Deformation Analysis (DDA), Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM) and Numerical Manifold Method (NMM) have become important analysis tools within the Computational Mechanics field. These methods can now be grouped as methods of Computational Mechanics of Discontinua. The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method bridges the gap between Finite and Discrete Element Methods. As such, it has become a tool of choice for problems involving fracturing, fragmenting and complex shapes. The key advantage of FDEM is the introduction of finite displacements, finite rotations, and finite strain based deformability combined with suitable material laws; these are then merged with discrete element-based transient dynamics, contact detection, and contact interaction solutions and objective discrete crack initiation and crack propagation solutions that have a great deal of fidelity in reproducing complex fracture patterns and eventual fragmentation. After nearly 25 years of development, the method has been successfully applied in rock mechanics, biomedical engineering, structure engineering and mechanical engineering. This paper summarizes the most recent development efforts in FDEM.