The applied element method (AEM) is a numerical analysis used in predicting the continuum and discrete behavior of structures.
The modeling method in AEM adopts the concept of discrete cracking allowing it to automatically track structural collapse behavior passing through all stages of loading: elastic, crack initiation and propagation in tension-weak materials, reinforcement yield, element separation, element contact and collision, as well as collision with the ground and adjacent structures.
Exploration of the approach employed in the applied element method began in 1995 at the University of Tokyo as part of Dr. Hatem Tagel-Din's research studies.
[1] Since then AEM has been the subject of research by a number of academic institutions and the driving factor in real-world applications.
In AEM the elements are connected by a series of non-linear springs representing the material behavior.
There are three types of springs used in AEM: When the average strain value at the element face reaches the separation strain, all springs at this face are removed and elements are no longer connected until a collision occurs, at which point they collide together as rigid bodies.
Consequently, the developed stiffness matrix has total effects from all pairs of springs, according to the stress situation around the element.