WG meeting in Yerevan (Armenia) for WG2 and WG3.
WG meeting in Yerevan (hosted by the American University of Armenia). 2 days to be reimbursed by COST. A meeting to continue/finalise the development and implementation of benchmarking, validation and verification problems related to contact models and particle shape. Also to work on upgrades to contact model database and advanced file format specifications.
WG3: Most activities will take place on the second day of the meeting. We will work directly from the existing Excel database of DEM variables and parameters. The goal is not to add another layer of discussion, but to clean the available data and transfer a selected, usable subset into the OpenFile format specification on GitHub. We will focus first on particles, materials, core contact models, general interaction data, and (if sufficient time) the simplest boundary conditions.
Joining online
To join the video meeting, click these links: 28 April (WG2) & 29 April (WG3)
Slack channel for the event: TBC
Time planning
Day | Time | Item |
|---|---|---|
Apr 28, 2026 | 9:00 - 10:30 | WG2 & WG3: introduction, updates and plans for the meeting |
10:30 - 11:00 | Break | |
11:00 - 12:30 | WG2: Implementation of a contact model (software 1) | |
12:30 - 14:00 | Lunch | |
14:00 - 15:30 | WG2: Implementation of a contact model (software 2) | |
15:30 - 16:00 | Break | |
16:00 - 17:30 | WG2: Implementation of a contact model (software 3) | |
Apr 29, 2026
| 9:00 - 10:30 | WG3: 1) clean the spreadsheet data before including in file format specs; 2) decide priority for import and file format spec |
10:30 - 11:00 | Break | |
11:00 - 12:30 | WG3: continue to expand file format specs | |
12:30 - 14:00 | Lunch | |
14:00 - 15:30 | WG3: 1) boundary conditions; 2) update the list of data in the spreadsheet and highlight what was implemented and what needs to be added. | |
15:30 - 16:00 | Break | |
16:00 - 17:30 | WG2 & WG3: Concluding remarks + future plans |
Location
The meeting will take place in the Paramaz Avedisian Building (PAB) room 133W of the American University of Armenia (AUA). AUA is a small campus, so it is very easy to navigate. There are only two entrances to AUA, and while they are interconnected, it is better to take the number 1 (See below). Language of instruction at AUA is English, so everyone at AUA speaks English.
Accommodation
There is a large variety of hotels in Yerevan, from well-known chains such as IBIS, Marriott, Hilton to many local ones. Many of AUA guests book “Orbeli hotel”, which is ~10 minutes walking distance from the campus. Here are some suggested hotels:
Orbeli hotel
Opera Suite hotel
Bass Boutique hotel
Holiday Inn Express
Please contact hkocharyan@aua.am if you need any help with choosing a hotel.
Transport
Bus: Bus number 100 will take you from the airport to the city center – near Opera house. Between 7:00-22:00 bus departs every 30 minutes, and between 22:00-7:00 every 1 hour. It is possible to purchase tickets (~1.15 Euro) using your visa/mastercard by tapping the terminal in the bus. Hold your card close and a bit longer for the terminal to read it.
Taxi: Especially for night flights taxi is the best option. Right when you leave the terminal building, there are white cabs with “Eco Taxi” signs. This is the only certified airport taxi. It should be 10-15 Euro to get to city center, depending on time. It is possible to pre-order Ecotaxi in advance for a fixed ~12 Euro (day), ~13.5 Euro (night). For this, it is safer to contact Eco Taxi using their whatsapp phone: +374 44 400 300, they also have a desk inside the airport building, and can do the same there, but it is possible to have to wait a bit.
An alternative option is using an app called gg, which is local alternative to uber, and works the same way. It should cost ~5-7 Euro from airport.Metro/bus: Yerevan center is very walkable, but if you prefer to use public transit, you can use your visa/mastercard to pay inside. A ride costs ~0.35 Euro. If you book a hotel in the city center, metro is the best option to reach AUA. Station “Marshal Baghramyan” is very close to AUA (a small walk upstairs, but manageable)
Currency
The local currency is Armenian Dram (AMD). 1 Euro is ~440 AMD. You are advised to avoid exchanging in the airport, as the rates are worse. Most of the restaurants, shops accept cards, but if you have to use cash, you almost always need AMD.
Contact hkocharyan@aua.am for any questions or help