The past decade has seen a significant rise in the popularity of novel computational techniques for discrete element (DE) numerical simulations of granular materials and powders in applications as diverse as hopper flows, vibrating beds, fluidisation, rotary mixing, stockpiles and avalanches as well as highly specialised processes such as compaction and agglomeration, milling and grinding and crystallisation. Continuing improvements in the accessibility of computational power at much reduced cost has already brought the option of numerical simulation of systems with 10- 20 K particles within the specifications for a modestly priced personal work station. The strong trend in cost reduction is expected to continue in years to come with a real prospect of discrete simulations involving 10~6 - 10~7 particle systems being affordable at relatively low cost before the turn of the century.
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