Discrete Element Methods (DEM) are a family of
numerical modeling techniques designed to solve problems in engineering and
applied science that exhibit gross discontinuous behavior. It should be noted
that problems dominated by discontinuum behavior can NOT be simulated with
conventional continuum based computer modeling methods such as finite element
or finite difference procedures. There are a large number of examples, such as
geo-engineering problems dominated by discontinuum behavior, including
stability of underground mine openings, stability of rock slopes,
micro-mechanical behavior of particular media, mineral processing and the flow
of bulk solids (as in hoppers, bins, feeders, chutes, screens, crushers, mills,
mixers, all types of conveyor systems and many more). In addition, the
discontinuum and continuum can be coupled together to create analysis tools
that provide us with better understand of the behavior of material handled and
the processing of it.
In simple terms, DEM
explicitly models the dynamic behaviors and mechanical interactions of each
body or particle in the physical problem throughout a simulation in time, and
provides a detailed description of the velocities, positions, and forces acting
on each body or particle at a discrete point in time during the analysis.
The fundamental unit of a discrete element scheme is the single body or grain.
In contrast to the finite element approach, which often assembles a global,
functional for the total system, the discrete element method views the
individual grain or body as the fundamental unit. Interaction with neighboring
grains is achieved by replacing the contact conditions between bodies by
external forces. All communication between bodies occurs through a boundary
forces and not through a global stiffness matrix.
Vitual Prototyping
Computer simulation or virtual prototyping is the discipline of
designing a model of an actual or theoretical physical system, executing the
model on a digital computer, and analyzing the execution output. Simulation
embodies the principle of "learning by doing'' to learn about the system
we must first build a model of some sort and then operate the model. The use of
simulation is an activity that is natural as a child who role -plays. Children
understand the world around them by simulating (with toys and figurines) most
of their interactions with other people, animals and objects. As adults, we
lose some of this childlike behavior but recapture it later through computer
simulation. To understand reality and all of its complexity, we must build
artificial objects and dynamically act out roles with them. Computer simulation
is the electronic equivalent of this type of role -playing and it serves to
drive synthetic environments and virtual worlds.
We
are particularly proud to announce that Overland Conveyor has become a SolidWorks Solution Partner and SolidWorks OEM. We have created a direct Add In to SolidWorks (SWAin) which is now
available. All new BFA licenses will include a
seat of SolidWorks to encourage adoption of this new capability. If you are a current SolidWorks user, this is available with the BFA
upgrade. 
