In parallel, innovative features and tools are being introduced including a Python library for easier post-processing of large amounts of data, the ability to simulate deformable geometries as well as a new breakage model.Highlights of the latest release are:EDEM Multi-GPU SolverEDEM 2019 officially introduces the EDEM multi-GPU solver engine. Using multiple GPU processors increases the maximum size of simulation which can be run on GPU as well as increasing performance. This means users can run large simulations faster but it also opens more possibilities to run much larger simulations which would not be possible on CPU only. Performance gains from adding a second GPU range between 30-90% depending on the distribution and size of the simulation. In general the larger the simulation (over 1 million particles), the greater the benefit from multi-GPU. The multi-GPU solver is fully double-precision to guarantee accuracy and has been developed on OpenCL thus providing flexibility for users to use either AMD or NVIDIA cards.
EDEM API on GPU
One of the key advantages of EDEM is the highly versatile EDEM API (Application Programming Interface) which enables users to write custom physics to model complex and advanced material behavior such as flexible fibers, sticky solids and breakage. With EDEM 2019, API models can now be run directly on the GPU solver which means they can benefit from the performance boost that the GPU provides.
Deformable Geometries
Being able to simulate how a geometry is being deformed as a result of a bulk material acting on it is something that is of key interest for numerous applications and which has been under development at EDEM.The EDEM solver engines have been enhanced to facilitate continuous modification of a geometry structure during simulation. This means geometry sections can change shape and deform with input via the EDEM Coupling Interface. This enables users to directly couple EDEM to flexible body simulations to cover a wide range of applications such as belts, sheet panels, elastic membranes and many more. As a result of a partnership with FunctionBay, users of RecurDyn software will be the first to be able to use this capability in a coupled simulation.
Processing large Volume of Data with 'EDEMPY' Tool
The ability to run larger simulations means that there is a high volume of data that is generated and processing that data can be difficult and time consuming for users. EDEM has developed a tool called ‘EDEMpy’ that can be used to process this large amount of data. EDEMpy is a Python library for post-processing and analysis of EDEM simulation data and takes advantage of the EDEM .h5 file structure. Using the library, it is easy to extract specific data from a simulation deck and process that data in a customizable and reusable way. Users can, for example, extract force acting on a specific geometry over time and compare results back to back between multiple simulation decks, track particles residence time over the course of a simulation, visualize networks of contacts and bonds in a new flexible way, visualize DEM data as a continuum or use EDEM data to calculate post processing properties for their simulations such as segregation index or tortuosity.
New Breakage Model
EDEM is releasing a beta version of a new breakage model which is able to describe fracture of particles subjected to repeated loading by simulating both surface degradation and body breakage. This advanced model considers both catastrophic breakage (due to high impact) as well as surface breakage (due to abrasion). To develop this breakage model EDEM followed the latest advances in research and worked with experts in the field to deliver a robust model based on well-established and validated physics. The breakage model is able to provide key outputs related with the weakening of the particles and their related energies before and after breakage, as well as the final fragmentation and the size distribution of the fragments. This is the first breakage model able to address the different mechanisms of breakage including both surface damage and fragmentation. For more details about the breakage model read this blog post.Richard LaRoche, CEO of EDEM, commented: “Our customers have experienced the value of EDEM simulation across a wide variety of applications. As confidence in the method has grown we are seeing rapidly evolving requirements for applying EDEM to solve many industrial problems involving a large number of fine particles, notably in the powder handling industries such as additive manufacturing. This means it is more important than ever to be able to simulate a large number of particles in a shorter time. With EDEM 2019 we’re excited to announce a range of capabilities that expand the applications that EDEM can address.”Mark Cook, Product Manager of EDEM added: “We’re very excited to finally announce the EDEM API on GPU as this marks a major step towards migrating all EDEM capabilities onto GPU technology. Integrating this with the substantial performance increase achieved with the GPU and multi-GPU solvers makes for a very powerful combination for EDEM users.” ■
