Method and apparatus for simulation by discrete element modeling and supporting customisable particle properties

A computer-implemented simulation system for discrete element modeling, said system comprising:

• discrete elements corresponding to particles, each having a predefined set of properties;
• and
• an interface for receiving at least one behaviour model for applying to the particles, said interface supporting receipt from the at least one model of one or more custom properties for the particles;
• wherein said system is responsive to receipt of said one or more custom properties to extend said discrete elements to contain both the predefined set of properties and the one or more custom properties for the particles;
• and
• wherein said system is operable to perform a simulation using discrete element modeling by applying the at least one behaviour model to the particles and to update accordingly values of the predefined and custom properties.

A computer-readable medium storing program instructions for execution by one or more computers to implement a simulation method for discrete element modeling, said method comprising:

• providing a plurality of discrete elements, each corresponding to a particle, each having a predefined set of properties;
• receiving at least one behaviour model for applying to the particles, the at least one behaviour model including one or more custom properties for the particles;
• in response to receipt of said one or more custom properties, extending said discrete elements to contain both the predefined set of properties and the one or more custom properties for the particles;
• and
• performing a simulation using discrete element modeling by applying the at least one behaviour model to the particles and updating accordingly values of the predefined and custom properties.