Attending the Lecture
The lecture can either be taken
- as part of the combination modul "Computational Methods for Fluids and Particles" which consits of two lectures with in total 6 ECTS and 4 SWS.
- as single lecture of 3 ECTS and 2 SWS as part of COMMAS, or the Spezialisierungsfach Technische Dynamik.
Content of the lecture
In this course, you will explore powerful alternatives to traditional mesh-based techniques (like FEM), which often struggle with extreme deformations, granular flows, and complex fluid interfaces. You will develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals of modeling, simulation, and analysis of meshless methods, focusing specifically on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). From understanding particle motion and collision detection in DEM, to mastering SPH kernel approximations for fluid dynamics (Navier-Stokes) and solid continua, you will learn exactly when and how to apply these innovative computational techniques to solve complex engineering challenges.
Collision of Particles
A simulation of a shopping card with DEM particles passing through its bars.
Fluid Simulations using Particles
A breaking dam simulation with SPH to represent the flow of the dam liquid.
Manufacturing Process Simulation using SPH
The laser cutting process is modelled and simulated using SPH, where the heat source of the laser, the forces excerted by the cutting gas, and the phase change of the solid material when melting are included.
Course information
Lecture and Exercises
The course is intended for students who want to gain an understanding of computational methods for solid mechanics and particle-based simulation methods. It is particularly relevant for students with an interest in numerical mechanics, computational mechanics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and scientific computing.
This can be relevant for any Masterstudent in WASTE, FAME, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and any engineering student who wants to solify their knowledge in fluid simulations.
Friday, 2.00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m., V9.41.
First lecture in the winter term 2026 is on Friday, 16. October 2026.
Language
The course is tought in English.
The main topics can be summarized as follows.
The Discrete Element Method
- Particle motion, integration, and interaction
- Collision detection
- General procedure of the Discrete Element Method
- Numerical and computational challenges
- Review of the mesh-based Finite Element Method
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
- SPH approximations
- Kernel functions
- Boundary treatment
- Gradient approximations
- SPH formulations for the Navier–Stokes equations
- Density and continuity equations
- Conservation properties
- Correction techniques
- Incompressible SPH
- SPH for solids
- SPH for thermal problems
No formal prerequisites are necessary, however, some basics like the following are usefull:
- Fundamentals of mathematics
- Fundamentals of mechanics
- Fundamentals of numerical methods
Course Materials
Additional material mentioned in the lecture can be found on Ilias: LINK
Contact
Peter Eberhard
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Prof. E.h.- Profile page
- +49 711 685 66388
- Write e-mail
- Pfaffenwaldring 9, 70569 D-Stuttgart
