WG4 - Normalisation and best practices

Driver	@Elizabeta Samec
Approver	@Daniel Barreto
Contributors
Informed
Objective	Development of Best Practices and Guidelines: Comprehensive guidelines for the correct use of Discrete Element Method (DEM) methods will be created, focusing on particle-scale modeling, boundary conditions, calibration, and simulation setup. Standardization of Simulation Parameters: Clear standards will be provided for key aspects such as boundary conditions, specimen generation, and dynamic versus quasi-static simulations. Production of Validation Tools: Simple case studies and complex benchmarks will be developed in standardized formats to enable users to validate their simulation setups. Creation of Educational Resources: Training materials, including interactive tools, will be produced for young researchers, and a best-practice handbook will be compiled to promote the widespread adoption of standardized DEM methods. Support for Open-Source Development: Guidelines will be offered for documenting, developing, packaging, and deploying new features within open-source DEM software environments.
Due date
Key outcomes	D4.1 Short list of: features to monitor in reference benchmarks physical phenomena to consider in contact models and particle shape representation case studies for domain generation algorithms and calibration procedures (technical report). D4.2 Assessment of case-studies. Results to be presented in at least three journal papers (e.g. (i) particle shape, (ii) domain generation and (iii) calibration procedures). D4.3 Handbook of normalisation and best practice for DEM simulations. This deliverable will be in the form of an edited book, using Creative Commons licensing and ideally published by Open Research Europe (ORE).
Status	in progress

Problem Statement

Currently, a lack of standardized practices in applying DEM methods results in inconsistent simulations and outcomes across various platforms. This variability complicates the calibration of simulations, establishing appropriate boundary conditions, and the interpretation of results, particularly when complex particle shapes or coupled simulations are involved. Furthermore, limited training resources and benchmarks are available for new users to validate their setups, which impedes the broader adoption of best practices. In the absence of standardization and accessible educational resources, the risk of misapplication of DEM methods increases, diminishing their reliability and commercial potential.

Scope

Must have:

Best-Practice Guidelines: Clear guidelines will be developed regarding the setting of boundary conditions, calibration, particle system generation, and the management of quasi-static versus dynamic simulations.
Case Studies and Benchmarks: Simple case studies and complex benchmarks will be created, standardized in file formats, to allow users to validate their setups and compare different DEM codes.
Training Resources: Freely accessible training materials and interactive tools will be produced for young researchers and new users, aimed at effectively learning DEM methods and utilizing the software.
Open Handbook: A comprehensive handbook encompassing all best practices, guidelines, and benchmarks will be published, made available under an open-source license.

Must have:

Best-Practice Guidelines: Clear guidelines will be developed regarding the setting of boundary conditions, calibration, particle system generation, and the management of quasi-static versus dynamic simulations.
Case Studies and Benchmarks: Simple case studies and complex benchmarks will be created, standardized in file formats, to allow users to validate their setups and compare different DEM codes.
Training Resources: Freely accessible training materials and interactive tools will be produced for young researchers and new users, aimed at effectively learning DEM methods and utilizing the software.
Open Handbook: A comprehensive handbook encompassing all best practices, guidelines, and benchmarks will be published, made available under an open-source license.

Nice to have:

Non-Spherical Particle Models: Advanced guidelines for modeling non-spherical particles will be included to enhance the realism of simulations.
Software Packaging Guidelines: Instructions for packaging and deploying DEM software on open-source operating systems will be offered to facilitate broader adoption.
Cross-Comparison of Implementations: Tools for the cross-comparison of different implementations of complex physical laws, such as friction models, will be provided to ensure consistency across platforms.
Training Schools: Training schools will be organized using the developed materials and guidelines, promoting knowledge transfer and collaboration among researchers and practitioners.
Community Involvement: Community feedback and contributions to the development of new features within open-source projects will be encouraged, ensuring that the tools evolve according to user needs.

Not in scope:

Timeline

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Feature 3

Feature 4

iOS app

Android app

Milestones and deadlines

Milestone	Owner	Deadline	Status

Milestone	Owner	Deadline	Status
D4.1 (M9): Short list of (i) features to monitor in reference benchmarks, (ii) physical phenomena to consider in contact models and particle shape representation, and (iii) case studies for domain generation algorithms and calibration procedures (technical report).		August 2024
D4.2 (M18) Assessment of case-studies. Results to be presented in journal paper.		March 2025
D4.2 (M28) Assessment of case-studies. Results to be presented in journal paper.		January 2026
D4.2 (M38) Assessment of case-studies. Results to be presented in journal paper.		November 2026
D4.3. (M48) Handbook of normalisation and best practice for DEM simulations.		September 2027

Reference materials

WG4: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG4: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG4 meeting on 5/9/2024

IMPORTANT PAGE: Past and upcoming events

Meet the team

Elizabeta Šamec

Lato Pezo