Massively Parallel Discrete Element Method Simulations on Graphics Processing Units

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Steuben ◽  
Graham Mustoe ◽  
Cameron Turner
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Sliding Friction ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Friction Model ◽  
Massively Parallel ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Gpgpu Computing ◽  
Application Problem ◽  
Graphics Processing ◽  
Element Method

This paper outlines the development and implementation of large-scale discrete element method (DEM) simulations on graphics processing hardware. These simulations, as well as the topic of general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) computing, are introduced and discussed. We proceed to cover the general software design choices and architecture used to realize a GPGPU-enabled DEM simulation, driven primarily by the massively parallel nature of this computing technology. Further enhancements to this simulation, namely, a more advanced sliding friction model and a thermal conduction model, are then addressed. This discussion also highlights some of the finer points and issues associated with GPGPU computing, particularly surrounding the issues of parallelization, synchronization, and approximation. Qualitative comparison studies between simple and advanced sliding friction models demonstrate the effectiveness of the friction model. A test problem and an application problem in the area of wind turbine blade icing demonstrate the capabilities of the thermal model. We conclude with remarks regarding the simulations developed, future work needed, and the general suitability of GPGPU architectures for DEM computations.

scholarly journals Chrono::GPU: An Open-Source Simulation Package for Granular Dynamics Using the Discrete Element Method

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1813
Author(s):  
Luning Fang ◽  
Ruochun Zhang ◽  
Colin Vanden Vanden Heuvel ◽  
Radu Serban ◽  
Dan Negrut
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Mixed Data ◽  
Tangential Displacement ◽  
Force Model ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Granular Dynamics ◽  
Simulation Engine ◽  
Element Method

We report on an open-source, publicly available C++ software module called Chrono::GPU, which uses the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to simulate large granular systems on Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cards. The solver supports the integration of granular material with geometries defined by triangle meshes, as well as co-simulation with the multi-physics simulation engine Chrono. Chrono::GPU adopts a smooth contact formulation and implements various common contact force models, such as the Hertzian model for normal force and the Mindlin friction force model, which takes into account the history of tangential displacement, rolling frictional torques, and cohesion. We report on the code structure and highlight its use of mixed data types for reducing the memory footprint and increasing simulation speed. We discuss several validation tests (wave propagation, rotating drum, direct shear test, crater test) that compare the simulation results against experimental data or results reported in the literature. In another benchmark test, we demonstrate linear scaling with a problem size up to the GPU memory capacity; specifically, for systems with 130 million DEM elements. The simulation infrastructure is demonstrated in conjunction with simulations of the NASA Curiosity rover, which is currently active on Mars.

Discrete element method simulation and experimental validation of particle damper system

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 810-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Lu ◽  
Xilin Lu ◽  
Huanjun Jiang ◽  
Sami F. Masri
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Sliding Friction ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Shaking Table ◽  
Force Model ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Highly Nonlinear ◽  
Element Method

Purpose – The particle damper is an efficient vibration control device and is widely used in engineering projects; however, the performance of such a system is very complicated and highly nonlinear. The purpose of this paper is to accurately simulate the particle damper system properly, and help to understand the underlying physical mechanics. Design/methodology/approach – A high-fidelity simulation process is well established to account for all significant interactions among the particles and with the host structure system, including sliding friction, gravitational forces, and oblique impacts, based on the modified discrete element method. In this process, a suitable particle damper system is modeled, reaction forces between particle aggregates and the primary structure are incorporated, a reasonable contact force model and time step are determined, and an efficient contact detection algorithm is adopted. Findings – The numerical results are further validated by both special computational tests and shaking table tests, with good agreements to the experimental results. The method is shown to be effective and accurate to simulate the particle damper system. Originality/value – The approaches described in this paper provide an efficient numerical way to investigate complex particle damper systems.

Discrete element method to model cracking for two layer systems

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-108
Author(s):  
Daniel Varney ◽  
Douglas Bousfield
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Flexural Modulus ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Flexural Stress ◽  
Layer System ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Moving Force ◽  
Coating Layers ◽  
Element Method

Cracking at the fold is a serious issue for many grades of coated paper and coated board. Some recent work has suggested methods to minimize this problem by using two or more coating layers of different properties. A discrete element method (DEM) has been used to model deformation events for single layer coating systems such as in-plain and out-of-plain tension, three-point bending, and a novel moving force picking simulation, but nothing has been reported related to multiple coating layers. In this paper, a DEM model has been expanded to predict the three-point bending response of a two-layer system. The main factors evaluated include the use of different binder systems in each layer and the ratio of the bottom and top layer weights. As in the past, the properties of the binder and the binder concentration are input parameters. The model can predict crack formation that is a function of these two sets of factors. In addition, the model can predict the flexural modulus, the maximum flexural stress, and the strain-at-failure. The predictions are qualitatively compared with experimental results reported in the literature.

Discrete element method–computational fluid dynamics analyses of flexible fibre fluidization

2021 ◽  
Vol 910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyang Jiang ◽  
Yu Guo ◽  
Zhaosheng Yu ◽  
Xia Hua ◽  
Jianzhong Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Dynamics Analyses ◽  
Element Method

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