LAUSR

Coupled FEM–DEM simulations enable the direct analysis of the load, the deformation and the stresses inside machine parts which interact with bulk materials. The analysis of large deformations of elastic parts is interesting as the deformation will significantly influence the bulk material behaviour. In this paper a bidirectional coupling method for the FEM software $$\hbox {ANSYS}^\circledR $$ANSYS® Classic and the DEM software $$\hbox {LIGGGHTS}^\circledR $$LIGGGHTS® is presented. The coupling algorithm was verified and validated using a modified draw down test rig. The results from the experimental investigations and the FEM–DEM simulations are compared. A very good correlation between experiments and simulations could be found.