ThreeParticle is a powerful 3D CAE software that uses the Discrete Element Method to simulate interactions between large numbers of individual particles, fluids, and other elements, allowing for the virtual development and testing of systems in industries like mining, mechanical engineering, and more. It offers a variety of unique features like integrated multi-physics modeling capabilities and a large selection of contact models. The software can be used to simulate processes and optimize machinery across many applications areas.

1. The smart Multiphysics CAE Software for
Industry and Research

2. ThreeParticle – CAE Software
ThreeParticle is a powerful 3D CAE software that builds on the basics of the Discrete Element
Method (DEM) with an addition to solve multi-physical problems. By using state-of-the-art
technologies, such as parallel computing and GPGPU, complex systems can be calculated in a
short time. ThreeParticle has a variety of features that are unique in commercial DEM software,
including easy handling through CAE and keywords mode, multi-physical problem solving
without additional software and packages, the highest number of contact models, and many
other features, which facilitate the simulation day.
In addition to the high range of functions, the possible applications are almost limitless. With
ThreeParticle everything can be simulated and analyzed, which is built up of geometries
interacting with each other, particles or fluids. Whether it is the optimization of conveyor systems
or reduction of wear on agricultural machinery. Even natural catastrophes such as muds or
avalanches can be simulated on the computer and provide important information about these
systems.
The results of the 3D simulation can be evaluated visually and numerically and give the
development team a virtual insight into new machinery and processes. The DEM has already been very successful in mining,
geotechnology, mechanical engineering and many other areas for several years.
What is the Discrete Element Method?
The DEM is a relatively “new” numerical simulation method,
which is gaining in popularity as a result of the performance
of modern computers.
In contrast to continuum mechanics, the DEM calculates the
movements of individual particles and their interactions with
each other, instead of describing the complex granular
system by means of mathematical equations. Through this
method, it is possible to calculate the behavior of several
million particles via so-called contact models, thus simulating
granular media such as sand, coal, stones with very high
accuracy.
The DEM can also be combined with other simulation methods such as the Continuous Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element
Method (FEM), Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), Multi-body dynamics (MBD) and wear analysis. This method is thus one
of the most powerful tools, for the virtual development of new products.
Fig. 2: DEM with complex shapes and built-in FEA
Fig. 1: Fabric flag with DEM particles

3. Special features
The advantage of ThreeParticle is the great functional diversity and the All-
in-one package. Instead of countless packages and additional modules,
our simulation software combines everything, for virtual development, in a
single product and it can be extended with our C++ API by any user.
Pre-Processing
The unique user interface and the combination of CAE and keywords mode
allows a comfortable and user-friendly operation of the software, without
complicated handling.
The Multiphysics Discrete Element Method (DEM) for granular systems with
accurate particle representation of ThreeParticle can be extended with
Multi-body dynamic systems (MBD), Fluid Dynamics with a meshless
approach and a Finite Element Method (FEM) module for the calculation of
structural parts.
Furthermore, ThreeParticle is equipped with a high-performance 6 DoF
solver for multi-body systems, external speed and force fields, various
wear models, buoyancy calculation, convective and conductive
heat transfer without the need for additional coupling to external
software packages.
Contact models
ThreeParticle has the highest number of contact models in the
commercial and open source DEM software field and allows our users
to always be up to date with the latest technology. The built-in models
can be combined with each other via a master / slave definition (14
master and 13 slave models in ThreeParticle 2019 R4.0).
Post-Processing
The analysis of the 3D simulation, the so-called post-processing, was
also designed for maximum flexibility by an additional export of many
different file formats, such as ParaView, VRML, CSV, 3D CAD, and
more.
Fig. 3: Rotary calciner with Heat transfer
>> What has BECKER 3D GmbH moved
to conquer the CAE market?
„We want to pass on our fascination for the
numerical 3D simulation and enable the impossible
with ThreeParticle.”
Dipl.-Ing. A. Becker, Managing director BECKER 3D GmbH
Fig. 4: Transfer chute between two belt conveyors

4. Applications
The individual application possibilities of ThreeParticle are as diverse as the functional scope of our
3D simulation software itself.
Mining and Materials handling
For more than 10 years, the DEM has already been used with great success in mining and conveying
technologies in order to optimize processes and develop new ones. Through the use of the latest
contact models, it is even possible to model complex rock formations and to analyze their fracture
behavior. The field of application of 3D simulation is also continually being extended in the field of
conveyor technologies. In addition to the simulation of dynamic conveyor belts, screw conveyors
and scraper conveyors, DEM tools are also
used for the development and evaluation
of new conveying methods.
Mechanical engineering
In order to gain a virtual insight into new systems during the development
process and to recognize potential problems at an early stage, the 3D
simulation is an indispensable tool for mechanical engineers. The
automotive industry is also already benefiting from the DEM and SPH
simulation, such as virtual aquaplaning of tires, optimization of
sandblasting processes, hail simulation for body parts and much more.
Geology and Environmental engineering
In geology and environmental engineering, the 3D DEM is used to better understand and predict processes in nature. The
simulation can, for example, be used to test and optimize an avalanche and rock impact protection virtually before installation.
Agriculture
The 3D simulation can be used in agriculture for the
optimization and development of new machines, for
example to analyze sowing and harvesting processes, or to
reduce the wear of a plow.
Other fields of application
In addition to the well-known applications, the DEM is
already used in the petroleum and natural gas, steel,
pharmaceutical and food industries as well as in process and
process engineering and in many other industries. Fig. 7: Hay conditioner with flexible fibre particles
Fig. 6: Aquaplaning with Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI)
Fig. 5: Wear analysis

5. BECKER 3D GmbH
Mitterlingweg 3-5
9520 Sattendorf
AUSTRIA
Court of Jurisdiction: Klagenfurt, AUSTRIA
Registration number: FN 451176w
VAT ID: ATU70835448
Managing director
Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Becker
Internet
Web www.becker3d.com
E-Mail support@becker3d.com