Dear MFIX user,
A significant upgrade has been made to the MFIX-Discrete Element Method (MFIX-DEM) version of the software where a huge speedup has been achieved along with enhanced modeling capabilities to increase accuracy. MFIX-DEM has the ability to track the motion, reactions, and temperatures of individual particles which provides detailed insight into equipment behavior. This modeling technique, aided by the NETL Supercomputer high performance computing platform, can now be used to track tens-of-millions of particles in multiphase equipment used in power generation and industrial processes. A factor of 10 increase in speed has been obtained over the baseline test case (2013-2 release version) resulting from novel algorithms to minimize the frequency of expensive calculations. Furthermore, advanced numerical techniques have been implemented to greatly increase the accuracy of the model predictions. Faster, more accurate simulations make it possible for researchers and designers to increase the pace of transformational energy and environmental R&D with no loss of confidence in the predicted results. This improved version (speedup of 10) will be released in Spring 2015.
DEM Speedup history over 2014. The 2014-1 Release version shows a speedup of 4 and the current develop version shows a speedup of 10.
Regards,
MFIX Development Team
