The objective of the course is to present the fundamental basis and the applicability of a number of particle based computational methods that can be effectively used for solving a variety of problems in engineering and applied sciences.

The methods to be described in the course include the discrete element method (DEM) the smooth particle hydrodynamic method (SPH) and the particle finite element method (PFEM). The coupling of these methods with standard numerical procedures such as the finite element methods (FEM) and also with meshless techniques will be emphazised.

The applications particle-based of the methods presented in the course cover the analysis of geomechanical and mining problems, metal forming processes, fluid-structure interaction problems accounting for free surface flow effects (effect of water streams in constructions, wave loads in harbours and marine structures, ship hydrodinamics, etc.), nano-micromacroscopic effects in material science and biomedical engineering, simulation of cell mobility and melting polymers in fire situations and many others.