Create Static Factories

Static factories produce particles/Meta-Particles at a specified time. Simulation is paused during particle creation.

To create Static factories:
  1. In the Creator Tree, select Geometries and then select Factories.
  2. Right-click Factories and then select Add Factory.
  3. Select Add Static Factory and specify the following details:
    For Specify
    Factory Type
    Fill Section Select to create as many particles that will fit in or in the selected Geometry section.
    Total Number Specify the total number of particles that will be produced by the factory.
    Total Mass Specify the total amount of mass that will be produced by the factory.
    Start Time Specify the time at which particle creation will take place.
    Max attempts to place particle If you select random particle position, you must also define the maximum number of attempts to place a particle. During simulation, EDEM attempts to place particles in a random position in or on the specified section. If placing the particle in that position would cause an overlap with any other physical element in the model, EDEM Simulator will abandon the position and try to find another for the specified number of times for each particle.
    Overlap Check Based on Contact detection between particles can be based on the physical or the contact radius. If you are generating particles which have a contact radius (for example when using the bonded model) selecting the Based on Contact Radius will ensure that the particles are placed with enough separation to ensure that the particles do not bond with one another.
    Parameters
    Material/Meta-Particles Indicates the bulk material created by this factory.
    Position

    When particles and Meta-Particles are created, they are placed on or in the specified section. Particles are never created on top of one another. When a factory tries to create a particle/Meta-Particle it will repeatedly attempt to find free space to place it.

    Select one of the following options:

    • Random

      Particles are positioned randomly.

    • Cubic

      Particles are created in a simple cubic lattice. Select the Display Lattice option in the Viewer controls pane to show the lattice in the Viewer.

    • BCC lattice

      Particles are created in a body-centered cubic lattice. It is defined in the same way as a cubic lattice.

    • FCC lattice

      Particles are created in a face-centered cubic lattice. It is defined in the same way as a cubic lattice.

    You can select only a random position when defining a target mass to create.
    Velocity

    Indicates the velocity that particles can be given to particles at the time of creation.

    Select one of the following options:

    • Fixed

      All particles have the same fixed velocity. The velocity must be defined as a vector.

      .
    • Random

      Each particle is given a velocity at random within a defined range.

      .
    • Normal distribution

      The particle velocities have a normal distribution. The particle direction, mean velocity and the standard deviation must be defined.

    • Linear distribution

      The particles are given velocities that fall on the line segment between the two velocity vectors that are provided.

    • Spray

      The particles are formed in a conical spray. The spray direction is defined as a velocity vector. The angle is the angle of maximum deviation from the normal. The mean velocity and standard deviation must also be defined.
    Orientation Indicates the orientation that particles can be given to particles at the time of creation. Useful for non-spherical particles.

    Select one of the following options:

    • Fixed

      All particles have the same fixed orientation. The orientation is defined in an orientation matrix. EDEM automatically adjusts the values you enter to maintain an orthogonal orientation matrix.

    • Random

      Each particle is given a random orientation.
    Angular Velocity Indicates the velocity that can be given to particles at the time of creation, as they will be spinning when placed on or in the specified section.

    Select one of the following options:

    • Fixed

      All particles have the same fixed angular velocity. The velocity must be defined as a vector.

    • Random

      Each particle is given an angular velocity at random within a defined range.

    • Normal distribution

      The particle angular velocities have a normal distribution. The particle direction, average angular velocity and the standard deviation must be defined.

    • Linear distribution

      Particles are given angular velocities that fall on an arbitrary arc drawn between two velocity vectors.
    Rigid Link Indicates that particles can be linked to a Geometry section. When Rigid Link is not active, the particle will inherit the motion from the Geometry section and this will override any other applied velocity or angular velocity.
    Select one of the following options:
    • Off

      Rigid Link is not active.

    • On Contact

      Rigid Link will be active when contact occurs between the particle and Geometry section.

    • On Creation

      Rigid Link will be active as soon as the particle is created.

    • On Time

      Rigid Link will activate at the time specified.

    Custom property Indicates custom properties that can be given to particles.

    Select one of the following options:

    • Fixed

      All particles have the same fixed value.

    • Initial

      Particles use the initial value of the property.

    • Normal

      Custom property values have a normal distribution. The mean and standard deviation must be defined.

    • Random

      Each particle is given a value at random within a defined range.
    Note: To change the Factory type, right-click the Factory that you have created and then select Change Factory Type.