Ansys Rocky

ANSYS Rocky is a software tool developed by ANSYS for Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations. It is designed to model and analyze the behavior of granular materials and particulate systems, which are common in many industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, construction, and agriculture.  ANSYS Rocky is often considered one of the best Discrete Element Method (DEM) software packages for several reasons:

High-Performance Simulation. ANSYS Rocky is known for its robust performance and ability to handle large-scale simulations efficiently. Its advanced algorithms and parallel processing capabilities enable users to simulate complex particle interactions and granular flows with high accuracy and speed.

User-Friendly Interface. The software features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies the setup and execution of DEM simulations. This ease of use helps users focus more on analyzing results rather than struggling with the software itself.

Integration with ANSYS Suite.  As part of the ANSYS suite of simulation tools, Rocky integrates seamlessly with other ANSYS products like Fluent for CFD or Mechanical for structural analysis. This integration allows for a comprehensive approach to multi-physics problems, combining DEM with other simulation methods.

Advanced Modeling Capabilities.  ANSYS Rocky supports a wide range of particle shapes, sizes, and material properties. It also offers advanced modeling options for particle interactions, including complex frictional and cohesive behaviors.

Realistic Particle Simulation.  The software excels in accurately modeling and simulating realistic particle behavior, which is crucial for industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Its ability to capture detailed interactions between particles leads to more reliable and useful results.

Scalability.  Rocky’s scalability makes it suitable for both small and large-scale simulations. Whether you’re dealing with a few thousand particles or millions, the software can handle the complexity without compromising performance. Ansys Rocky’s best compute performance is through the use of one or more GPUs. 

Robust Support and Documentation.  ANSYS Rocky comes with extensive documentation and support resources. Users can access tutorials, technical support, and a vibrant user community, which can be invaluable for troubleshooting and learning.

Customization and Extensibility.  The software allows for customization and the development of user-defined scripts and extensions, which can be tailored to specific needs or industries.

A woodchipper is shown in the Ansys Rocky video below. 

A rotating mixer simulated with Ansys Rocky.  Millions of particles can be included.