The present work is aimed to investigate the capability of the discrete element method (DEM) to model properly wave propagation in solid materials, with special focus on the determination of elastic properties through wave velocities. Reference micro-macro relationships for elastic constitutive parameters have been based on the kinematic hypothesis as well as obtained numerically by simulation of a quasistatic uniaxial compression test. The validity of these relationships in the dynamic analysis of the wave propagation has been checked. Propagation of the longitudinal and shear wave pulse in rectangular sample discretized with discs has been analysed. Wave propagation velocities obtained in the analysis have been used to determine elastic properties. Elastic properties obtained in the dynamic analysis have been compared with those determined by simulation of the quasistatic compression test.
Keywords: discrete element method; elastic properties; micro–macro relationships; wave propagation.