Course content

In this MOOC, fundamentals related to the DEM are covered in order to guide a novice in the field. The ultimate goal is to provide the mathematical foundation and software skills to correctly setup and interpret a typical DEM-based simulation. For this purpose, a number of calculations, as well as simulation examples will be discussed. The course is divided into six units that are grouped as follows:

• Introduction (Unit 1)
• Theoretical Foundations of the DEM (Unit 2)
• Force Model Closures – Essentials (Unit 3)
• Practical Aspects when using the DEM (Unit 4)
• Force Model Closures – Advanced (Unit 5)
• Calibration, Verification and Validation (Unit 6)

Learning goals

After attending this MOOC, the participants should be able to...

• ... configure and run a DEM simulator
• ... postprocess and interpret results from a typical DEM simulation involving spherical particles

Prerequisites

The MOOC assumes only some basic knowledge of mechanics and mathematics. Specifically, this includes:

• Newton’s laws of (translational) motion
• Basic vector operations (addition, various forms of vector multiplication)

Course schedule

Each unit is structured as follows:

• an introductional video lays the foundations of each unit.
• one or more videos with interactive questions form the core of each teaching unit
• these videos are followed by self-assessment quizes to check the knowledge gained. In order to obtain the MOOC certificate, at least 75% of the points must be achieved in each of these quizzes.

Hand outs (PDFs) are provided to help the students in taking notes, as well as to underline key learning concepts.

For the particularly motivated, we offer additional material: For example, these are more complex questions and calculations, or larger simulation examples. Worked out examples of this additional material can be handed in to collect the credits for the accompanying TU Graz course of Prof. Radl.

Participants are encouraged to raise questions in the accompanying forum. These can then be answered by both the course creators and the participants.

For actively participating in the course you will receive an automatic certificate which includes your name, the course name as well as the completed lessons. We want to point out that this certificate merely confirms that you answered at least 75% of the self-assessment questions correctly.

This work is licensed under Creative Commons - 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Additional content

Collect ECTS credits with this MOOC!

You can also collect credits within the “European Credit Transfer System” (ETCS) when successfully participating in this MOOC! Please register via TUGRAZonline, and enroll in the course CHE.874UF ("Design of Multiphase Flow Processes"). This course will be offered in the summer semester following the start date of this MOOC!