YADE‐OPEN DEM: an open‐source software using a discrete element method to simulate granular material

Abstract

Purpose -YADE-OPEN DEM is an open source software based on the Discrete Element Method which uses object oriented programming techniques. The paper describes the software architecture. Design/methodology/approach -The DEM chosen uses position, orientation, velocity and angular velocity as independent variables of simulated particles which are subject to explicit leapfrog time-integration scheme (Lagrangian method). The three-dimensional dynamics equations based on the classical Newtonian approach for the second law of motion are used. The track of forces and moments acting on each particle is kept at every time-step. Contact forces depend on the particle geometry overlap and material properties. The normal, tangential and moment components of interaction force are included. Findings -An effort has been undertaken to extract the underlying object oriented abstractions in the Discrete Element Method. These abstractions were implemented in C++, conform to object oriented design principles and use design patterns. Based on that, a software framework was developed in which the abstractions provide the interface where the modelling methods can be plugged-in. Originality/value -The resulting YADE-OPEN DEM framework is designed in a generic way which provides great flexibility when adding new scientific simulation code. Some of the advantages are that numerous simulation methods can be coupled within the same framework while plug-ins can import data from other software. In addition, this promotes code improvement through open source development and allows feedback from the community. However implementing such models requires that one adheres to the framework design and the YADE framework is a new emerging software. To download the software see http://yade.wikia.com webpage.

Effect of grain roughness on strength, volume changes, elastic and dissipated energies during quasi-static homogeneous triaxial compression using DEM

“…To simulate the behaviour of sand, a threedimensional spherical discrete model YADE was developed at University of Grenoble [21,22] by taking advantage of the so-called soft-particle approach (i.e. the model allows for particle deformation which is modelled as an overlap of particles).…”

“…A three-dimensional discrete model YADE developed at University of Grenoble was used [21,22]. The particle breakage was not considered.…”

Recent Developments in Multiscale and Multiphase Modelling of the Hydraulic Fracturing Process

“…Recently, another particle-based code has been developed, called YADE, as an alternative approach to the well-known commercial PFC code as previously described [54,55]. YADE aims to be more flexible by adding new modelling capabilities, several simulation methods (e.g., DEM, FEM, and Lattice Geometrical Model (LGM)) can be coupled within the same framework and also the scientific community can provide direct feedback for improvement of the code with the use of an open-source platform.…”

Deformational Characteristics of Donglinxin Slope Induced by Reservoir Fluctuation and Rainfall

“…YADE 12 is an open-source particle flow code. By adjusting the micro particle parameters, realistic macromechanical behaviour of geological materials can be reproduced 13 .…”