Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a numerical method used to simulate the mechanical response of particulate and solid media. DEM idealize the continuum as networks of masses connected by inter element springs. DEM uses Newton's second law for each discrete mass and force-displacement law for all contact points of discrete masses. A new element, square element is developed in this paper to carry out deformation and failure analysis in 2-D domains. DEM using square elements is named as Square Discrete Element Method (SDEM). Cantilever beam is analyzed for dynamic loads. SDEM results are compared with predictions from closed form analytical solution and with predictions from conventional circular discrete element results available in literature. It is found that square elements are 10 times computationally more efficient compared to circular discrete elements for dynamic loading conditions.

Keywords: Discrete element method, Dynamic analysis, Impact mechanics.