Advancing front packing algorithms have proven to be very efficient in 2D for obtaining high density sets of particles, especially disks. However, the extension of these algorithms to 3D is not a trivial task. In the present paper, an advancing front algorithm for obtaining highly dense sphere packings is presented. It is simpler than other advancing front packing methods in 3D and can also be used with other types of particles. Comparison with respect to other packing methods have been carried out and a significant improvement in the volume fraction (VF) has been observed. Moreover, the quality of packings was evaluated with indicators other than VF. As additional advantage, the number of generated particles with the algorithm is linear with respect to time.
SUMMARYThe generation of a set of particles with high initial volume fraction is a major problem in the context of discrete element simulations. Advancing front algorithms provide an effective means to generate dense packings when spherical particles are assumed. The objective of this paper is to extend an advancing front algorithm to a wider class of particles with generic size and shape. In order to get a dense packing, each new particle is placed in contact with other two (or three in 3D) particles of the advancing front. The contact problem is solved analytically using wrapping intersection technique. The results presented herein will be useful in the application of these algorithms to a wide variety of practical problems. Examples of geometric models for applications to biomechanics and cutting tools are presented.
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