The Conference will cover many DEM-related topics, including (but not limited to):

• Particle Models: bond representations for cementation and cohesion, brittle and highly deformable elements, contact modeling

• Particle-based computational methods

• Crushable discrete element modeling methods

• Multiscale methods for discrete particle assembly - continuum modeling 

• DEM for coupled multi-physical behaviors

• DEM of wet granular materials 

• Numerical Techniques: mathematical theory, contact detection algorithms, parallelization methods

• Molecular dynamics

• Discontinuous deformation analysis DDA

• SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics)

• Experimental validation: characterization and measurement of material properties, relationship between particulate and bulk material properties

• Combined Finite Discrete Element Method (FEM-DEM)

• Fracture, fragmentation

• Particulates, granular flow

• Block caving

• Blasting, impact, demolitions

• Structures in distress

• Astrophysics applications

• Nano-scale applications

• Monte Carlo methods and Genetic algorithms

• Rarified gases

• Micro-flows

• Sprays and injectors

• Milling, powders, mineral processing

• Grinding, mechanics of contact, tear and wear

• Coupled Techniques: CFD, SPH, boundary elements, finite elements, meshless methods, coupled multiphase methods with fluid or gas dynamics

• Structural Applications: fracture of concrete, reinforced concrete, rock mechanics, large-scale industrial applications in material processing, geotechnical applications, mining, or petroleum engineering, contact applications, rubber, fundamental investigations (e.g., granular flows), etc.

• Parallel computing, grand challenge problems, software design and implementation, program architecture, key diagnostics, visualization, GUI, Open source developments, commercial software platforms