Research Planning Grant: To Develop a Numerical Sandbox: Distinct Element Models for Submarine Critical Coulomb Wedges

这项研究计划拨款将探索使用离散单元法(DEM)模拟沉积楔体和伸展沉积楔体的变形，其方式类似于实验沙箱模型。在DEM模拟中，每个粒子被独立处理，并根据物理定律与所有其他粒子相互作用；因此，可以直接获得颗粒系统的整体行为。颗粒和系统的物理和机械特性可以通过模拟沙箱模型无法测量和修改的方式进行测量和修改。PI将修改现有代码以允许用户以图形方式与模型交互，然后将应用该模型来检查广泛使用的库仑楔形临界锥度理论。

This Research Planning Grant will explore the use of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) in simulating deformation of accretionary and extensional sediment wedges, in a manner analogous to that of experimental sandbox models. In DEM simulations, each particle is treated independently and interacts with all other particles according to the laws of physics; the bulk behaviour of the granular system therefore is obtained directly. Physical and mechanical properties of the particles and the system can be measured and modified in ways not possible for analog sandbox models. The PI will modify existing code to permit the user to interact with the model graphically, and will then apply the model to examine the widely-used theory of critical taper in Coulomb wedges.