The interaction between the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is crucial in multiphysics simulations of granular–structure systems, impacts, and material behavior. This paper presents a penalty-based contact algorithm with Coulomb friction for FEM–SPH coupling. The method accounts for static and dynamic friction and ensures stable force transfer between SPH particles and FEM nodes. A numerical example of granular pile sliding on a steel plate demonstrates the approach. The results confirm that the proposed algorithm provides an efficient and robust framework for FEM–SPH interaction, improving the applicability of SPH in structural, geomechanical, and fluid–structure simulations.
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