Method and apparatus for simulation by discrete element modeling and supporting customisable particle properties

摘要

One embodiment of the invention provides a computer-implemented simulation system for discrete element modeling. The system comprises discrete elements corresponding to objects or particles, each particle having a predefined set of properties. The system further has an interface for receiving at least one behaviour model for applying to the particles, and for receiving from the at least one model, one or more custom properties for the particles. In response to receiving a custom property, the system extends the discrete elements to contain both the predefined set of properties and the custom property for the particles. The system performs a simulation by applying the at least one behaviour model to the particles and updating values of the predefined and custom properties. The values of the custom particle properties are stored with the default particle property values and can be analysed and visualised in the same way as the default property values.