The extended discrete element method (XDEM) is a numerical technique that extends the dynamics of granular material or particles as described through the classical discrete element method (DEM) (Cundall and Allen) by additional properties such as the thermodynamic state, stress / strain or electro-magnetic field for each particle. Contrary to a continuum mechanics concept, the XDEM aims at resolving the particulate phase with its various processes attached to the particles. While the discrete element method predicts position and orientation in space and time for each particle, the extended discrete element method additionally estimates properties such as internal temperature and/or species distribution or mechanical impact with structures.