We present an algorithm that implements the discrete element method for numerical simulation of large deformations including those leading to the destruction of solid materials. In the discrete element method, a continuous medium is represented by a set of model particles with given interaction laws. Under the action of external forces and forces of interaction of particles, they can change their position in space according to the equations of motion for a discrete set of particles, which allows effectively taking into account large deformations. The peculiarity of the Discrete Element Method is the absence of theoretically substantiated relationships between the model parameters at the level of interaction of individual particles and the macroscopic mechanical parameters of the medium. The paper presents a systematic numerical study of the influence of model parameters on the effective Youngs modulus and breaking point of the simulated elastic body.