Abstract: The behavioral characteristics of granular materials are the theoretical basis for many technologies and natural phenomena research. In order to study the characteristics of the collapse of granular material， the numerical simulation was realized by using the discrete element numerical method， and the results of which were verified through experimental data showing the correctness and effectiveness of the simulation. Based on the numerical simulation， the processes and characteristics of two typical granular collapses were studied and analyzed. At last， the regular curves of the static core area under different collapse conditions were obtained and analyzed.

Key words: granular material, collapse process, numerical simulation, experimental verification, characteristic research