Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems are described for discrete element modelling of a plurality of discrete elements corresponding to particles and physical geometry elements. The disclosed embodiments provide a plurality of discrete element material models, each discrete element material model corresponding to a respective bulk material and containing (i) information regarding the properties of particles within said bulk material, and (ii) information regarding the behaviour of interactions between such particles. The following information can be received from a user: a selection of a bulk material for use in a simulation, and a specification of properties associated with the selected bulk material. The disclosed embodiments can perform a discrete element model simulation on a set of particles, wherein the simulation uses the information regarding the behaviour of interactions between particles from the discrete element material model for a user-selected bulk material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a computer-implemented method for discrete element modelling of a plurality of discrete elements corresponding to particles and physical geometry elements. The modelling performs a simulation through time of physical interactions of the particles with each other and with the physical geometry elements in a three-dimensional space. The method comprises providing a virtual geometry object comprising a user-defined shape. The virtual geometry object does not undergo physical interaction with the particles or physical geometry elements during the simulation. The method further comprises receiving user-defined parameters for determining the position, orientation and any movement of the virtual geometry object with respect to the three-dimensional space.