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Discrete Element Method (DEM) Course Module

By Carl Wassgren1, Avik Sarkar1

1. Purdue University

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Abstract

The DEM course module was created by Carl Wassgren of the Particulate Systems Laboratory (PSL) at Purdue University. The series consists of slides and videos that will familiarize you with the basics of DEM.

Discrete Element Method has been applied to analyze and predict flow behaviour in a wide variety of situations, starting from simple shear flows to avalanches. In the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing, DEM modeling has provided valuable insight into areas such as granulation, mixing, coating, hopper flows, and segregation. DEM has proven to be an effective tool in characterizing operating regimes, and in scale up efforts.

This course module is designed to familiarize participants with the methodology of hard- and soft-particle DEM. The module illustrates the capabilities and limitations of DEM. Covered topics include the basics of DEM, particle and boundary modeling, measurements, force models, coarse and fine contact detection schemes, and time integration schemes. At the end of the course, participants will understand the basic concepts and governing principles of DEM, which will enable them to:

  • understand the capabilities and limitations of DEM
  • properly use commercially available DEM packages
  • write their own DEM codes

The module is structured around physical understanding of the subject material and does not dwell on DEM programming. The module includes presentation slides and video lectures. Additional material will be included over time.

Credits

Carl Wassgren
Particulate Systems Laboratory (PSL), Purdue University
Ben Freireich, PSL, Purdue University

Cite this work

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

  • Carl Wassgren; Avik Sarkar (2008), "Discrete Element Method (DEM) Course Module," https://pharmahub.org/resources/113.

    BibTex | EndNote

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  1. Discrete element model (DEM)
Lecture Number/Topic Online Lecture Video Lecture Notes Supplemental Material Suggested Exercises
PSL DEM Lecture 01: Motivation Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 01: Motivation.
PSL DEM Lecture 02: Hard Particle Collision Modeling Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 02: Hard Particle Collision Modeling
PSL DEM Lecture 03: Hard Particle Contact Detection Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 03: Hard Particle Contact Detection.
PSL DEM Lecture 06: Introduction to Soft-Particle DEM and Normal Contact Force Models - Part I Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 06: Introduction to Soft-Particle DEM and Normal Contact...
Video Lecture 06: Introduction to Soft-Particle DEM and Normal Contact Force Models - Part I View
Video Lecture 06: Introduction to Soft-Particle DEM and Normal Contact Force Models - Part ICarl R. Wassgren Particulate Systems Laboratory (PSL), Purdue University
PSL DEM Lecture 07: Normal Contact Force Models - Part II Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 07: Normal Contact Force Models - Part II.
PSL DEM Lecture 09: Tangential Contact Force Models Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 9: Tangential Contact Force Models.
PSL DEM Lecture 11: Coarse Contact Detection Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 11: Coarse Contact Detection.
PSL DEM Lecture 13: 3D Rotations Notes (pdf)
The Particulate Systems Laboratory at Purdue University presents the Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) Short Course Series. This is Lecture 13: 3D Rotations.