PARDEM

PARticle Systems: Training on DEM simulation for industrial and scientific applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overarching aim of the PARDEM project is to provide high quality training to a group of young researchers to work within and to further develop the multidisciplinary field of DEM computational simulation of granular processes. Granular materials are estimated to constitute over 75% of all raw material feedstock to industry. They also present many challenges for innovation and fundamental science to solve problems in areas as diverse as natural disasters and industrial material handling which incur extensive economic losses. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a promising supradisciplinary facility providing both visual and quantitative details of the dynamics of particle assemblies. Although the method is established in academia, immature quantitative prediction capabilities and lack of DEM experts due to its rapid development hinder its use as an industrial engineering tool in Europe. To overcome this state a consortium of 6 industry and 5 academic partners is formed which engages the three key stakeholder groups (industrial users, DEM software developers and universities), vital for transforming DEM from a largely scientific tool into a widely adopted industrial tool and delivering increased competitiveness to the EU economy with significantly reduced development times of more efficient processes. The programme will provide for each fellow: a) in-depth training by research at the host site and on industrial secondments; b) sound multidisciplinary and intersectoral scientific training and understanding of industrial environments via courses and secondments; c) a programme of complementary skills training and network events to develop the researchers competencies and career options. The resulting new generation of DEM experts will speak a common language avoiding costly misunderstandings in commercial interactions of the three groups and drive the DEM technology to a level which will change the way equipment and granular processes are designed in EUROPE.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team's knowledge transfer activities included training and secondments, regarding industrial use of the discrete element method (DEM). Research characterised granular materials and validated DEM simulations, yielding best practice methodologies.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Industry usually receives the bulk of its raw materials in granular form. DEM is a set of mathematical techniques for modelling the movement and flow of such materials.

The EU-funded project 'Particle systems: Training on DEM simulation for industrial and scientific applications' (PARDEM) was a knowledge transfer project. The 11-member consortium aimed to provide both individual and networked training in engineering use of the method via research secondments and special events. The research agenda addressed four separate technical areas of DEM modelling. The four-year project concluded in October 2013.

PARDEM achieved all its training objectives. After a kick-off meeting, seven subsequent network events offered a range of basic and advanced scientific training, plus complementary skills. After 2011, network events were researcher-led.

All project researchers took advantage of opportunities for individual training, ranging in topic from specialised scientific subjects to languages. PARDEM's 13 early-stage researchers registered for PhDs at partner universities; at the project's conclusion, studies had been either completed or scheduled for completion.

The consortium facilitated knowledge transfer via secondments or short visits between partners. External dissemination was achieved via network events, conference participation and journal publication. From a total of eight events. three summer events were conducted in conjunction with international conferences.

Research secondments involved material characterisation tests, plus development and validation of DEM simulations, yielding a set of best practice methodologies .

The PARDEM project effectively trained a group of young researchers for future leading roles in DEM development and simulation. The experimental results also helped in validating the techniques for industrial use.