ABOUT PFC
Particle Flow Code (PFC) is a general purpose, distinct-element modeling (DEM) framework that is
available as two- and three-dimensional programs. PFC Suite includes both PFC2D and PFC3D, or PFC2D
is also available separately. PFC simulates synthetic granular and solid materials as an assembly of
variably-sized, rigid particles (disks/spheres, rigidly connected “clumps” of disks/spheres, and/or convex
polygons/polyhedra). Material behavior depends on particle-interaction (contact) laws, including at a
distance, that update each particle’s movement and rotation and, depending on the contact model,
if any particle bonds have yielded or failed. PFC includes 12 contact laws and users may create new
contact laws using the C++ Plug-in. FLAC3D components like zones and structural elements, can be
loaded* into PFC 6 to combine the power of DEM and continuum modeling in the same program. While
designed with geomechanical and material process engineering in mind, as a general framework PFC
has been used in other fields for simulations of carbon nanotube mechanics, molecular dynamics, heart
cell behavior, 3D printing, tool design, and magnetic materials, to name a few.
FEATURES
• General by design, multi-physics models
• Multi-threaded solution with no CPU
locks or annual fees
• With the standard license:
• Two instances can be run on a single
computer
• USB security key is portable between
users and computers
• Network and lease licenses available
• Includes 12 built-in contact models for a
rich library of material behaviors UPDATED
• FISH scripting adds powerful functionality
to parameterize, analyze, review,
and modify nearly every aspect of the
simulation, even during execution
• Python 3 scripting adds more flexibility
with access to a rich library of scientific,
mathematic, and visualization libraries
• Perform thermal-mechanical analysis Screen capture showing the user interface. The Rigid Block Model of Tunnel Excavation example project for PFC-
• Couple PFC to third-party Computation FLAC3D coupling is open. The text editor (center-left) shows some of the commands used for the model and a
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) programs displacement contours plot (center-right) is also shown. A pop-up details the information of a selected zone.
• FLAC3D integration* with PFC3D 6,
including structural elements (beams,
cables, shells), interface coupling
between particles and zones, and domain hill topography
bridging for dynamic models NEW (walls from DXF)
• Built-in project management tools,
text editor, automatic movie-frame rock slide
generation, and extensive plotting tools (rigid blocks)
• Commands are intuitive, easy to learn, FLAC3D zones PFC3D balls
and easy to apply
• Practical and straightforward material
property assignments barrier
• Powerful periodic space support for (FLAC3D shell element)
particles and contact models
PFC model showing a simulated FLAC3D barrier to Model showing the indentation of a bonded-particle
*Requires a valid FLAC3D 6 license. protect from a rock slide. model (BPM) when compressed by a FLAC3D punch.
www.itascacg.com/pfc
• Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs) can FISH SCRIPTING MATERIAL-MODELING
be generated using imported fractures or • Customize models by adding new physics
built-in statistical command
SUPPORT
(e.g., buoyancy) and parametrization • The FISHTank provides a well-
• Track histories of model properties and • Built-in text editor provides syntax documented environment of FISH
results to compare to actual monitoring checking and context-sensitive help for functions for calibrating and simulating
and instrumentation data simpler, faster model generation lab testing for linear, bonded, flat-jointed,
• Every event that modifies the model state • Text editor includes a built-in, automatic and smooth-jointed ball models
is recorded; allowing for undo, playback, conversion tool to translate PFC 5 data • Lab tests include compression, diametral-
or reuse of any or all previous modeling files for use in PFC 6 compression, and direct-tension
work • Add FISH fragments using Inline FISH for • A separate library of FISH functions, the
• Results files permit users to select which simple calculations within a command Pavement-design package, provides
model data and results to save for more • FISH control set displays the current an environment for creating and triaxial
compact files for archiving, distribution, values of FISH variables and functions testing of a synthetic unsaturated
and post-processing purposes
granular material containing geogrids
• Bundle project files into a single file for
easy distribution and archiving
PYTHON SCRIPTING
• Use Python 3 to manipulate PFC models
• Help available as integrated panel NEW
via the built-in IPython console TRY THE DEMO
• Access powerful Python libraries Itasca offers free demo versions of all
EASY MODEL CONSTRUCTION for advanced math and scientific software for download. There are no time
• Simple commands for controlling particle computations, database integration, data restrictions, but some model size restrictions
size distribution and target porosity visualization, and GUI customization or other limitations may apply.
• Clumps can be easily generated from
templates www.itascacg.com/demos
• Bubble pack command automatically DISCRETE FRACTURES
creates clump templates for a specified • The Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) ORDER SOFTWARE
triangulated DXF or STL surface module provides an efficient tool to Itasca sales offices and agents vary
• Use bricks (compacted, bonded assembly generate and manipulate fracture geographically. To request a sales quote
that may be replicated many times) to • Import/export of fractures from Itasca from your regional agent, visit:
rapidly construct much larger models and Fracman file formats
• Convex Rigid Blocks can be used for • Add deterministic fractures and/or www.itascacg.com/sales
simulating non-spherical objects and generate stochastic fractures
Bonded Block Models (BBMs) NEW • Intersections between fractures,
• Easily convert DXF or STL files into model intersections between fractures and
geometry and geometry into walls outcrop/tunnel surfaces and borehole
• Assign translational/rotational conveyor lines, scanline map calculation
velocity to wall facets to simulate • Computation of clusters and connectivity
spinning drums or conveyor belts properties
• Set domain boundaries to stop, destroy, • Visualization of fractures, outcrop/tunnel
or reflect particles or to be periodic trace maps, and stereonets
• FISH and Python access providing the
ability for custom DFN creation, analyses,
CONTACT MODELS and manipulation
• Responsible for detecting and creating
contacts over the course of the simulation
• 12 built-in contact models including The transparency and flexibility
smooth- and flat-joints for jointed rock, of open-source software with the
Burger’s for creep, Hertz for impact
dynamics, soft bonds for plastic-softening
power, ease-of-use, and support
NEW, and adhesive rolling resistance for of a commercial program.
cohesion NEW
Ribbon blender created via wall geometry (from a DXF
• Complex models involving heterogeneous PFC model using the Pavement Design Package to
file) and a particle cluster template.
simulate embedded geogrids.
material properties can be synthesized
in a straightforward manner using the
Contact Model Assignment Table (CMAT)
granular material (balls or clumps
to specify contact models and properties
with Hill contact model)
• Properties may also be derived
automatically from the properties of two
contacting surfaces parallel
• Use the C++ Plug-in to modify existing, bonds
or create custom, contact models and
functions
THERMAL
• Simulate transient heat conduction and
storage in materials and the development
of thermally induced strains and forces
• PFC supports both thermal-only and
coupled thermal-mechanical analysis
geogrid (strings of overlapping bonded balls)
ICG18-LFT-PFC-600-A4-03
