A least‐squares coupling method between a finite element code and a discrete element code

This paper presents a coupling method between a discrete element code CeaMka3D and a finite element code Sem. The coupling is based on a least‐squares method, which adds terms of forces to finite element code and imposes the velocity at coupling particles. For each coupling face, a small linear system with a constant matrix is solved. This method remains conservative in energy and shows good results in applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.