How to define non-rotating (translating only) spheres

Submitted by RocheDEM on Thu, 08/16/2012 - 00:06

Hi,

I am trying to simulate rocks that tend not to roll, is there a way that I can model translating only particles?

I tried using the rolling friction model with a high value of rolling friction;

pair_style gran/hertz/history rolling_friction cdt

with

fix m6 all property/global coefficientRollingFriction peratomtypepair 1 0.5

But the particles seem to rotate about the same value (comparing omega) no matter what I put in for the rolling friction value. Maybe I could just use an enormous value (greater than 1.0) for rolling friction? But I question the validity of the model at that point.

I have attached my input files (I think that the file extension needs to be changed back to .tar.gz).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

AttachmentSize
Binary Data Mill_11_12.tar_.gz270.49 KB

kjkostlan | Thu, 08/16/2012 - 09:14

I needed to change the c++ code a bit, my fix is in the developer forums under

"fix_move.cpp with a couple useful commands", remove the _txt decorations at the end fo the attached file's name. I can't attach files here.

It needs to be tested, but it probably works because it was a simple change.

RocheDEM | Thu, 08/16/2012 - 21:15

Can I use this fix_move in version 2.0.6? Or do I have to install 1.5.3?

Do you have a small input script using your modified fix_move that I could "test drive".

Is there no other way to simulate non-rotating spheres???

Thanks

Kirk A. Fraser, ing. P.Eng.
Ingénieur en Conception
Design Engineer
________________________________________
kirk.fraser@roche.ca

Tél. : 418.549.6472 Poste : 263
Cell. : 418.540.1454

RocheDEM | Fri, 08/17/2012 - 05:04

What about just using fix nve instead of fix nve/sphere...

I just tried it out, it appears to do exactly what I am looking for, the particles translate but do not rotate.

Any thoughts, is there a reason why I shouldn't use this fix?

Kirk A. Fraser, ing. P.Eng.
Ingénieur en Conception
Design Engineer
________________________________________
kirk.fraser@roche.ca

Tél. : 418.549.6472 Poste : 263
Cell. : 418.540.1454

KFDEM | Sat, 08/18/2012 - 01:40

Yes, the particles for a pile with an obvious angle of repose. I use a differnt discrete element program at work (comercial), this program only allows translating particles (3DOF). Using fix nve in liggghts give me the same behaviour as the comercial code.

Give it a try, let me know what you think.

sbateman | Fri, 08/17/2012 - 17:59

You could try setting coefficientFriction = 0, which will cause F_tangential = 0 and so no torque will be applied to the particles.

Of course, that means you would be simulating completely smooth frictionless rocks, which is probably a bit unphysical.

ckloss's picture

ckloss | Wed, 08/22/2012 - 12:08

Hi Kirk,

the case is a bit too complex to handle it on a "quick look" basis. Can you track down the issue to a smaller scale where the effect that you see is easier to track?

Christoph