Modeling complex multiphysics systems with discrete element method enriched with the kernel-independent fast multipole method

• Coupling of the MercuryDPM code with the PVFMM package is presented. • The framework enables DEM simulations with long-range forces of different natures. • Use of rigid clumps enables complex, moment-transfering long-range interactions. • This development paves the way toward DEM-BEM fast coupled simulation frameworks The paper describes the coupling of the MercuryDPM discrete element method (DEM) code and the implementation of the kernel-independent fast multipole method (KIFMM). The combined simulation framework allows addressing the large class of multiscale problems, including both the mechanical interactions of particulates at the fine scale and the long-range interactions of various natures at the coarse scale. Among these are electrostatic interactions in powders, clays, and particulates, magnetic interactions in ferromagnetic granulates, and gravitational interactions in asteroid clouds. The formalism of rigid clumps is successfully combined with KIFMM, enabling addressing problems involving complex long-large interactions between non-spherical particles with arbitrary charge distributions. The capabilities of our method are demonstrated through several application examples, including systems of interacting repulsive charges in a cubic box, the aggregation of complex-shaped dipolar particles, and the gravitational collapse of space dust into a planetoid.