Coupling method of two-dimensional discontinuum-continuum based on contact between particle and element

A coupling method of two-dimensional discontinuum-continuum is proposed based on the combination of the discrete element method (DEM) and the finite difference method (FDM). The DEM is used in the focus zone, and the finite difference method is used in the surrounding zone. The contact between the finite elements and the particle at the boundary edges follows the principles defined in the DEM. In the continuum element, the velocities at the contact point are related to the nodal velocities by interpolation, and the contact forces are contributed to the nodal forces with weight value. The FLAC and PFC are introduced to approach the coupling method by the socket connection. An example is presented to demonstrate the validity of the present method.