Abstract: A machine-implemented method is provided for placing a plurality of particles to create a simulated particle pack. The method comprises defining a central string, a space disposed about the central string, and N concentric subspaces disposed about the central string and within the space, each of the N subspaces corresponding to one of the N particle categories, selecting a particle from the plurality of particles, and placing the selected particle in the corresponding subspace so that the selected particle becomes a placed particle at a particle location unique to that placed particle and is in non-overlapping relation with other placed particles. The selected particle placement includes defining a catch net representative of buoyancy of a portion of the placed particles and positioning the catch net within the space based upon the placement of the portion of the placed particles.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method is provided for placing a plurality of particles to create a simulated particle pack. The method comprises defining a central string, a space disposed about the central string, and N concentric subspaces disposed about the central string and within the space, each of the N subspaces corresponding to one of the N particle categories, selecting a particle from the plurality of particles, and placing the selected particle in the corresponding subspace so that the selected particle becomes a placed particle at a particle location unique to that placed particle and is in non-overlapping relation with other placed particles. The selected particle placement includes defining a catch net representative of buoyancy of a portion of the placed particles and positioning the catch net within the space based upon the placement of the portion of the placed particles.