Numerical multi-scale modeling and analysis of granular media based on the homogenization theory

A multi-scale numerical model is developed for investigating the mechanical behavior of granular media based on the mathematical homogenization theory. The model enables us to analyze the micro-scale behavior by a discrete element model, while the macroscopic problem is solved by the continuumbased FEM. Representative numerical examples are presented to illustrate the capability and the applicability of the proposed two-scale numerical model.