Virtual Geometry Object for Discrete Element Simulation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Discrete element modeling systems face challenges in efficiently analyzing and interpreting complex simulation outputs, particularly in understanding particle interactions and behaviors within dynamic three-dimensional spaces, which hinders the full exploitation of simulation results in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a virtual geometry object that can be user-defined and positioned within a three-dimensional space, allowing for the identification of particles and physical geometry elements based on specified relationships, enabling enhanced analysis and visualization of simulation results by defining closed volumes, surfaces, or distances, and allowing movement through time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete element modeling is used to simulate particle interactions in three-dimensional space, then high-resolution information on particle kinematics and behavior can be obtained, but the complexity of simulation output increases, making analysis and interpretation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation output is segmented into meaningful groups by introducing virtual geometry objects that partition the three-dimensional space. Particles are grouped based on their spatial relationships with these virtual objects, transforming the complex continuous data into discrete, manageable segments that are easier to analyze and interpret.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual geometry objects serve as intermediary structures between the complex particle data and the user's analysis requirements. These virtual objects mediate the interaction by providing a framework for selecting and filtering particles, making the complex simulation output more accessible and interpretable without losing the high-resolution information.
2Ease of operation
If virtual geometry objects are introduced to facilitate analysis of simulation output, then user-defined selection and identification of particles can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual geometry objects are created as simplified copies or representations of physical geometry elements. These virtual objects replicate the essential spatial characteristics of physical objects without the computational complexity of full physical interactions, enabling easy particle selection while adding minimal system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual geometry objects serve multiple functions: they define selection criteria, provide spatial reference frames, enable hierarchical analysis, and support dynamic movement tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate analysis tools, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the virtual geometry object is allowed to move through time during simulation, then dynamic analysis of particle interactions can be performed, but the computational requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual geometry objects are designed to be dynamic, allowing them to move through the three-dimensional space during the simulation. This enables the system to adapt to changing particle distributions and perform dynamic analysis of particle interactions at different time steps, enhancing versatility while managing computational complexity through efficient spatial algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for discrete element modelling and for performing a three-dimensional simulation through time of a plurality of discrete elements corresponding to particles and physical geometry elements. The method can comprise the following operations: 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); receiving user-defined parameters for determining the position, orientation and any movement of the virtual geometry object with respect to the three-dimensional space; locating the virtual geometry object in the three-dimensional space during the simulation in accordance with the user-defined parameters; and/or identifying the particles, physical geometry elements and/or physical interactions having a particular relationship with respect to the virtual geometry object. The identified elements can then be analyzed by the user.