We’re excited to announce the ON-DEM minisymposium at the upcoming DEM10 conference, in Japan! If you have ON-DEM-related work to share, we strongly encourage you to participate and present your research.

We welcome presentations on:

• Results of ON-DEM Working Groups

• ON-DEM codes and training materials

• Other research or developments related to ON-DEM

Abstract Submission:
Submit your abstract here: DEM10 Abstract Submission

Full Minisymposia Abstract:
Particle-based simulations, including the Discrete Element Method (DEM), are widely used across disciplines to model materials such as sand, food grains, pharmaceuticals, and bulk solids. Despite its versatility, selecting the right DEM software can be challenging due to a steep learning curve and diverse approaches. Open-source packages address many of these challenges, offering cost-free access, promoting reproducibility, and avoiding “black box” issues associated with commercial software.

To advance DEM capabilities, the European COST network ‘Open Network on DEM Simulations (ON-DEM)’ focuses on:

1. Tackling large-scale industrial and engineering problems

2. Enhancing realism through advanced physics

3. Accelerating analysis with big data and visualization tools

4. Standardizing best practices

5. Expanding the commercial use of DEM codes

This minisymposium will highlight ON-DEM’s achievements and provide a platform for discussing open-source particle simulations. Suggested topics include:

• Open-source particle simulation codes

• Industrial applications

• Coupling with fluid or solid solvers

• Simulation optimisation

• Standardising visualisation tools

We look forward to your submissions and participation. Let’s showcase the exciting progress and opportunities in the ON-DEM community together!

We are kicking off another exciting year for ON-DEM! This year, we have 6 workgroup meetings planned, along with two training sessions, and we’re already gearing up for our first official spin-off mini-symposium at DEM10.

The workgroup meetings will adopt a new format this year, focusing on action rather than discussion. It will be organised in a way that allows participants to contribute to all working groups they are actively involved in, with one group meeting at a time. Full details about the meeting and training sessions will be available here:
Past and upcoming events as they become available. If you'd like to stay updated, please make sure to watch this page (click the eye symbol to subscribe to notifications).

The first major event to focus on is the training and workshop in Twente, The Netherlands, scheduled for January 28-30. This will feature meetings for WG1, WG2, and WG6, the first training session of the year on ML/AI, and the joint ViPr workshop, which aligns well with the goals of WG1. More details will follow soon, but please save the date if you are interested in participating in these activities.

Our first in-person meeting, the Opening Conference and Training, took place from May 14-16.2024, at Aalto University in Finland. This event marked an exciting milestone for our working groups as it was the first time many of us met face-to-face after countless online meetings. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as we finally gathered in one place to discuss our collective goals and lay the groundwork for our future collaborations.

Building Connections and Setting Goals

The conference kicked off with each working group focusing on getting to know each other better. Whether in person or through Teams meetings, the time spent together was invaluable in fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. We took this opportunity to discuss our next steps and outline the first deliverables for our projects. The discussions were rich and productive, setting a solid foundation for the work ahead.

Key Achievements and Presentations

We had an interesting workshop and a valuable exchange of knowledge centered around the ParaView software. It was a great opportunity to dive deeper into its capabilities and explore how it can be applied in our respective fields. The discussions and hands-on sessions were particularly helpful in enhancing our understanding and usage of the software.

Throughout the conference, we were treated to a series of presentations by our colleagues, showcasing their work and achievements. These presentations provided valuable insights into the diverse expertise within our groups and sparked ideas for future collaborations. The exchange of knowledge and experience was one of the highlights of the event, leaving us inspired and motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of our research.

Fun and Connections in Helsinki

After the formal sessions, we had some free time to explore Helsinki and further strengthen our connections. Whether it was through casual conversations over dinner or group activities in the city, these moments allowed us to bond beyond the professional sphere. The vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings of Helsinki added to the enjoyment, making our time there not only productive but also memorable.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the relationships and plans we established during this opening conference will guide our work. The key achievements and insights gained here have already started to shape our projects, and we’re excited to see how our collaboration will evolve.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together!

See you in Vilnius!

Here you can find more details about the meeting schedule and reviews from all the Working Groups:

WG1: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG2: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG3: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

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

WG5: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

Our next significant gathering took place on August 1 2024, at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, a fitting venue for our focused discussions and collaborative efforts. This meeting brought together members from WG1 , WG2, WG3, and WG4 for a day filled with collaboration, learning, and forward planning.

Introducing New Members and Defining Our Path

The primary focus of this meeting was to introduce the mission and vision of each working group to our new members. It was an important opportunity to ensure everyone was aligned with our goals and understood their roles in achieving them. We also took this time to define specific tasks, gather suggestions, and make demonstrations that highlighted our ongoing work.

Successful Discussions and Next Steps

The discussions during the meeting were not only productive but also energizing. We explored the upcoming challenges and opportunities, focusing on what we need to concentrate on in the near future. The exchange of ideas and perspectives helped to refine our strategies and solidify our next steps.

A Perfect End to a Productive Day

After a full day of fruitful discussions and planning, we spent the evening unwinding in a sauna, enjoying the chance to relax and have meaningful conversations in a more informal setting. This time together outside of the formal meeting allowed us to strengthen our connections and build a deeper sense of camaraderie.

Vilnius

Looking Forward

The Vilnius meeting was a great success, setting the stage for the work ahead. With clear tasks and a shared vision, we are well-prepared to tackle the challenges to come. We’re excited to continue this journey together and look forward to the progress we will make in the upcoming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as we keep moving forward!

See you in Edinburgh!

Here you can find more details about the meeting schedule and reviews from all the Working Groups:

WG1: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG2: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG3: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

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

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Welcome to the official blog of our working groups! We’re excited to introduce this platform as a space where we can all come together to share our experiences, insights, and progress as we work toward our common goals. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to our community, this blog is for you.

Why We’re Blogging

The purpose of this blog is simple: to create a dynamic, engaging space where we can document our journey, celebrate our achievements, and learn from each other. Unlike static pages, which serve as reference points, our blog is a living record of what’s happening in our working groups right now. It’s a place where you can find updates on recent conferences, read personal reflections, and stay informed about the latest developments in our research.

What You Can Expect

We envision this blog as a diverse and vibrant platform that reflects the wide range of activities and ideas within our community. Here’s a glimpse of the types of content you’ll find:

• Event Recaps: Missed a conference or workshop? Catch up on the key takeaways and experiences from your colleagues who attended.

• Research Updates: Stay informed about the latest progress in our projects. Learn about new findings, ongoing challenges, and future directions.

• Personal Insights: Everyone has a unique perspective, and we encourage you to share yours. Whether it’s a story from the field, a reflection on a meeting, or thoughts on a new research idea, your voice matters.

• Announcements: Keep an eye out for important updates, upcoming events, and other news that affects our community.

How You Can Contribute

We want this blog to be a true reflection of our collective efforts, and that means we need your contributions. Writing for the blog is an opportunity to share your work, engage with others, and make your voice heard. Whether you have a detailed research update or just a quick thought to share, there’s a place for you here.

To make it easier for everyone to participate, we’ve put together a few guidelines:

• Structure: Start with a clear title and an introduction that grabs attention. Organize your content with subheadings, and wrap up with a conclusion that leaves readers with something to think about.

• Tone: We aim for a tone that’s informative but approachable. Think of it as a conversation with colleagues—clear, concise, and engaging.

• Length: Posts can vary in length, but we suggest aiming for 500-1000 words. This ensures enough detail without overwhelming the reader.

• Visuals: Images, graphs, and videos can greatly enhance your post. Feel free to include them to make your content more engaging.

To make it easier for everyone to participate, we’ve put together a few guidelines. For more details, you can check these pages:

Detailed Science communication and dissemination plan

Useful resources

Getting Started

Ready to contribute? Follow the links above to get all the details. Remember, while we provide guidelines to help you get started, you’re free to express yourself in your own unique way. There are no strict rules—just be mindful to share information that matters and contributes positively to our community. And if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

We’re thrilled to see where this journey takes us and look forward to reading your stories, insights, and updates. Together, we can make this blog a valuable resource and an inspiring space for everyone in our working groups.

Happy blogging!