Multi-Scale and Multi-Physics Modeling of the Contact Interface Using DEM and Coupled DEM-FEM Approach

Abstract: This chapter presents the description of physical phenomena in the context of the modeling of the contact interface behavior based on discrete element method (DEM) and coupled DEM–finite element method (DEM–FEM) approach. Our interest in this area, which is related to several engineering applications where the contact interface plays a significant role, is prompted by the desire to understand the mechanisms that involved multi-physics coupling and how these influence the studied system from mechanical, thermal or electrical behavior point of view. Obviously, it is not easy to summarize all applications involving the contact interfaces, nevertheless, through those given as examples in the following sections, we have tried to highlight the relevance of a multi-scale and multi-physics approach with the aim of a modeling as close as possible to the microscale.