Computing framework of large-scale dilated polyhedral DEM particles simulation based on GPU

Abstract

Dilated polyhedral element can accurately construct geometric shape of irregular particles, which can improve the accuracy of contact-impact computing remarkably. But the data structure of dilated polyhedral is more complex than sphere’s, and there are always a huge amount of DEM particles need to be considered, so the calculation burden is heavy, and the computation process is very time-consuming. It has great practical significance to implement a computing framework of dilated polyhedral DEM particles simulation with high efficiency. This framework completes parallel computing acceleration of large-scale dilated polyhedral particles based on GPU by using CUDA. Loose coupling among different parts of computing framework enable it to support different mechanical models. From the perspective of user and adequate consideration of the characteristics of DEM calculation, UI interface which is implemented under QT platform is designed elaborately. OpenGL is used for visualization of calculation results. Tests of multiple sets of data show that this framework can effectively simulate and display scenarios of complex particles contact-impact process dynamically.