A Discrete Element Method model for frictional fibers

Abstract: We present a Discrete Element Method algorithm for the simulation of elastic fibers in frictional contacts. The fibers are modeled as chains of cylindrical segments connected to each other by springs taking into account elongation, bending and torsion forces. The frictional contacts between the cylinders are modeled using a Cundall and Strack model routinely used in granular material simulations. The physical scales for simulations, the determination and the tracking of contacts, and the algorithm are discussed. Tests on different situations involving few or many contact points are presented and compared to experiments or to theoretical predictions.