A numerical procedure is proposed to analyse solid particle erosion using the discrete element method based on the soft ball theory. The present procedure works through two mechanisms. First, the interaction among particles is studied using the discrete element method to consider the influence of high-concentration particle flow on the particle movement. Second, the interaction between a particle and the wall is studied using the discrete element method to describe the random impact-rebound process of particles colliding with the wall. The present proce-dure was well verified through comparison with experimental data from two direct impact tests. The probability density distribution of particle velocity and the collision region measured in the first test were used to validate the predicted particle movement. The mass loss measured in the second test was used to validate the predicted solid particle erosion. Furthermore, the influences of particle-particle and particle-wall interactions on material damage are discussed. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.