The course aims towards giving an introduction to the mechanics of granular materials and bulk solids. Granular materials, despite being commonly handled in many industrial situations, are far from being well understood. In addition, flow of these materials is commonly observed in many geophysical situations.
Through this course, the students shall be exposed to various interesting behaviours these materials exhibit. The two commonly used methods to model these materials will be discussed: the discrete, particle based modeling approach as well as continuum modelling in different flow regimes. Special attention will be given to a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the discrete element method simulations and its applications to a variety of problems. The students would be exposed to latest research in the field and would gain hands on experience by means of course projects and assignments.