When performing Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations to evaluate terrain mobility, excavation or ground stability, the most important step is initial state development. DEM particle parameters need to be calibrated and precisely packed so that they represent real-world mechanical physics. 

Off-road mobility simulations require the critical state and even the residual strength of the material to be represented in a DEM model. This is evidenced by the typical wheel slip in off-road applications (figure below).

Excavation, penetration and drilling simulations require even greater fidelity, often out to 100% strain in order to produce mechanistically accurate data. 

These calibrations are difficult and time-consuming. This is where we can help.