In my previous blog post I introduced the Adams-EDEM coupling that allows engineers to realistically simulate how bulk materials interact with their systems dynamics. In this post I want to give some insight on the workflow needed to use the coupling.
Fig 1. The Adams-EDEM Workflow.
Engineers begin the process by setting up their Adams and EDEM simulations. The Adams set-up is the same as usual, but for those not familiar with EDEM, the set-up involves two key steps – importing the required equipment geometry CAD files, and defining the material that the equipment will interact with during operation.
EDEM can model a wide range of material types and the choice of material is key to producing realistic behaviors seen in a real world application. To ensure engineers get the right material for the job, EDEM provides the GEMM Database – a powerful library containing 1,000s of material models.
The GEMM Database is searched using easily accessible, real-world material data:
- What angle does a pile of the material form?
- What is the approximate density of the material?
- What scale is the application?
By answering these questions engineers are instantly provided with a fit-for-purpose EDEM material model that will give realistic behavior without any need for specialist knowhow.
When the Adams and EDEM simulations are ready, the next step is to connect them by using the Adams Co-Simulation Interface (ACSI). The ACSI provides a gateway that allows data to be transferred between software packages. During processing, equipment load data from EDEM is transferred to Adams where it is then used in the calculation of the system dynamic response. Adams then transfers the resulting equipment movement back to EDEM. This process happens repeatedly throughout the simulation and results in a realistic force-feedback on the equipment.
It’s been designed to be quick and easy, and in my next blog post I will be demonstrating some examples of the Adams-EDEM coupling in action!
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