Method and apparatus for simulation by discrete element modeling and supporting customisable particle properties

摘要

One embodiment of the invention provides a computer-implemented simulation system for discrete element modeling. The system comprises discrete elements corresponding to objects or particles, each particle having a predefined set of properties. The system further has an interface for receiving at least one behaviour model for applying to the particles, and for receiving from the at least one model, one or more custom properties for the particles. In response to receiving a custom property, the system extends the discrete elements to contain both the predefined set of properties and the custom property for the particles. The system performs a simulation by applying the at least one behaviour model to the particles and updating values of the predefined and custom properties. The values of the custom particle properties are stored with the default particle property values and can be analysed and visualised in the same way as the default property values.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented simulation method for discrete element modeling, said method comprising:
providing a plurality of discrete elements, wherein each discrete element represents a separate, physical particle, and each discrete element stores a predefined set of properties specifying physical parameters of the particle represented by the discrete element; receiving at least one behaviour model for applying to the particles, the at least one behaviour model governing the interactions of a particle with other particles or with its environment, the at least one behaviour model including one or more user-defined properties to be assigned to the particles to supplement the predefined set of properties, wherein the one or more user-defined properties specify physical parameters used by the at least one behaviour model for determining particle interactions; in response to receipt of said one or more user-defined properties, adding said one or more user-defined properties to said discrete elements so that each discrete element stores both the predefined set of properties and the one or more user-defined properties; and performing a simulation of a flow of said particles using discrete element modeling, said simulation including:
passing values for user-defined properties of the particles in the simulation to said at least one behaviour model;applying the at least one behaviour model to the particles, including utilising the user-defined properties for determining particle interactions; andupdating the values of the predefined and user-defined properties stored in the particles based on the particle interactions determined by the at least one behaviour model.