Main page
Brief introduction
This is the wiki for the COST Action (CA22132) Open Network on Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulations, (ON-DEM).
Particle-based simulations model diverse materials including sand, food grains, pharmaceutical products, ceramic powders and bulk materials, amongst others. Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations are used across multiple disciplines; as a result, the techniques have developed in different ways across these disciplines, and many DEM software packages exist. Even for experienced researchers the choice of a DEM code is challenging and involves a steep learning curve. However, open-source programs are free, well adapted to research, and promote knowledge sharing, reproducibility, and versatility. They also prevent the “black box” problems encountered with proprietary/commercial platforms.
Mission and vision
This Action aims to unify knowledge and people across wide/diverse DEM communities. The Action will assess and extend what can be achieved with DEM by disseminating new developments, promoting best practice, providing simulation examples, validation experiments, common tools for data analysis, as well as training of young researchers and involving other interested parties.
The COST Action has five themes: (i) tackling real (large) industrial and engineering problems; (ii) using physics to account for complex phenomena more realistically; (iii) big data and visualization tools for better and quicker DEM analysis of results (iv) normalisation and best practice (v) enhancing commercial utilisation of DEM codes. Each of these themes is aligned to a different Working Group, addressing major current challenges related to DEM simulation.
Want to join?
Please go to https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22132/ if you would like to join our network.
Questions
Please email: info@on-dem.org if you have any questions about the network.
Workgroup Overview
Important Pages
Social Media
https://on-dem.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/Index/pages/168656899
Complementary Projects
Latest News
Blog Posts
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WG3 Meeting in Warsaw - expanding the Open DEM File Format
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Nov 27, 2025
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From Sand to Science: ON-DEM Wins a Spot at the Royal Society Exhibition 2026
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Nov 26, 2025
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Summary of WG5/6 Communication Meeting in Bilbao 2nd - 3rd Septmber 2025
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Nov 10, 2025
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Influential Women in ON-DEM: Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano
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Sept 17, 2025
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WG2 Meeting in Bitola
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Sept 01, 2025
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WG3 Meeting in Bitola – Advancing the Open DEM File Format
created by
Aug 24, 2025
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DEM in virtual reality for STEM outreach
created by
Aug 09, 2025
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Survey Time
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Mar 21, 2025
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Call for Abstracts: ON-DEM Mini-symposium at DEM10
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Dec 20, 2024
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Events for this year announced
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Dec 12, 2024
Meet the team
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation
