AbstractWave propagation and evoked side effects, such as material failure, are important parts of analysis of dynamically exposed structures like buildings or machinery. One of the numerical analysis tools for wave propagation is the well‐known Finite Element Method (FEM) with its impressive performance but also with the drawback of not being able to model easily material failure, discontinuities and contacts. In contrast, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is capable to describe these effects on a meso‐scale more easily. The here selected concept is based on a DEM particle which is considered as deformable, and can establish and remove lasting bonds with other particles. The simulation example used is a thin rod that has been an extensive numerical and experimental research subject since the last century. A longitudinal wave is excited within the thin rod by simulating an impact on one end of the rod in a free‐free configuration. It is found, that the simulation data, the velocity profile and the resulting displacement at the end of the rod, are in good agreement with experimental obtained data. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)