Abstract
The traditional discrete element method (DEM) uses clumps to approximate realistic particles, which is computationally demanding when simulating many particles. In this paper, the Bullet physics engine is applied as an alternative to simulate realistic particles. Bullet was originally developed for computer games to simulate physical and mechanical processes that occur in the real world to produce realistic game experiences. Physics engines integrate a variety of techniques to simulate complex physical processes in games, such as rigid bodies (e.g., rocks, and soil particles), soft bodies (e.g., clothes), and their interactions. Therefore, physics engines have the capabilities to simulate realistic particles. This paper integrates three-dimensional laser scanner and Bullet to form a realistic particle simulation framework. The soil specimen collapse process is simulated to demonstrate the capability of the proposed framework to simulate realistic particles.
Highlights
The properties of granular materials have drawn great attention from various disciplines including earth science, geotechnical engineering, chemical engineering, powder metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, food processing and others
Researchers have explored the use of idealized particle shapes, such as ellipsoids [2], spherical cylinders [3], pentagons [4], rounded-cap elongated rectangles [5], and polyhedrons [6], in discrete element method (DEM) simulations
Izadi and Bezuijen [11] used Bullet to simulate 3D direct shear tests on uniformsized steel spheres. These studies pioneered the applications of physics engines in granular soil simulations
Summary
The properties of granular materials have drawn great attention from various disciplines including earth science, geotechnical engineering, chemical engineering, powder metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, food processing and others. Researchers have explored the use of idealized particle shapes, such as ellipsoids [2], spherical cylinders [3], pentagons [4], rounded-cap elongated rectangles [5], and polyhedrons [6], in DEM simulations These works have led to significant progress in the simulation of regular particles. Izadi and Bezuijen [11] used Bullet to simulate 3D direct shear tests on uniformsized steel spheres These studies pioneered the applications of physics engines in granular soil simulations. Prior studies [9, 11] focused on using Bullet to simulate 3D randomly-shaped polyhedrons These particles cannot precisely represent realistic particles in physical granular soils. This study will compare simulation strategies of Bullet and DEM
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