Discrete element modelling of large soil deformations under heavy vehicles

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenges of creating realistic models of soil for simulations of heavy vehicles on weak terrain. We modelled dense soils using the discrete element method with variable parameters for surface friction, normal cohesion, and rolling resistance. To find out what type of soils can be represented, we measured the internal friction and bulk cohesion of over 100 different virtual samples. To test the model, we simulated rut formation from a heavy vehicle with different loads and soil strengths. We conclude that the relevant space of dense frictional and frictional-cohesive soils can be represented and that the model is applicable for simulation of large deformations induced by heavy vehicles on weak terrain.

Keywords

DEM; Multibody dynamics; Weak soil; Rut formation; Multipass

Published in

Journal of Terramechanics
2021, Volume: 93, pages: 11-21

SLU Authors

• Nordfjell, Tomas

  • Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Soil Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2020.10.002

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/108790