Powerful Distinct-Element Modeling for Unmatched 2D and 3D Simulation Flexibility
Unlock unparalleled simulation capabilities with intuitive tools designed for precision and efficiency with PFC Suite.
PFC Suite
What’s new in the latest release of PFC Suite?
What is PFC Suite?
PFC (Particle Flow Code) is a powerful and versatile distinct-element modeling (DEM) framework available in both 2D and 3D, giving you the flexibility to tackle a wide range of engineering challenges. With the PFC Suite, you get access to both 2D and 3D capabilities in one package!
PFC brings materials to life with synthetic assemblies of variably sized rigid particles that interact at contacts to realistically simulate both granular and solid materials. It accurately models the independent movement—translation and rotation—of countless rigid particles, capturing their complex interactions through internal force and moment calculations. Whether you’re working with disks in 2D, spheres in 3D, rigidly connected clumps, or even convex polygons and polyhedra, PFC adapts to your needs. Its robust contact mechanics ensure precise force and moment updates, delivering unmatched realism and accuracy in your simulations!
Why Choose PFC Suite?
PFC Suite delivers advanced discrete element modeling with exceptional flexibility and efficiency, enabling accurate simulation of complex material behavior in geotechnical, mining, and industrial applications.
Powerful Computing Capabilities
PFC uses a highly optimized shared memory multi-threading technique — two models can run simultaneously to achieve simulations up to 5x faster than equivalent 3D models.
Ease of Use
Interactive visualization of model results is intuitive and comprehensive. Although fundamentally command driven, PFC has extensive documentation and examples to help quick start your model.
Advanced Analysis Options
A thermal model, several script-based fluid coupling methods, and a user-defined contact model plug-in system make PFC a capable multi-physics solver.
Fast and Responsive Simulations
ITASCA solvers have the unique capability of visualization and interrogation of the model while it is running, saving time and building intuition in model results.
Flexibility and Customization
User-defined contact models and scripting allow any well described physical phenomena to be added to a PFC model.
Comprehensive Support for Various Industries
Adaptable to diverse project needs and a wide range of applications, including civil engineering, mining, material processing, and energy engineering.
Dynamics
ITASCA’s explicit dynamics solution method allows both quasi-static processes and dynamic processes like stress wave propagation and fracture growth to be represented directly.
Powerful Scripting
Empower your simulations with FISH and Python scripting, unlocking endless possibilities for model customization, advanced visualization, and innovative physics integration.
PFC Industry Solutions
Explore PFC in action as it tackles diverse geotechnical challenges from different industries with precision. Discover how our solutions empower engineers to achieve efficient, reliable outcomes in real-world applications.
Axial forces along the structural elements supporting an underground tunnel and displacements in the rigid block of the surrounding rock.
Blast movement simulation of the dynamic rock movement and muck pile formation informed by FLAC3D models to predict burden velocity and time-dependent gas pressure.
Sublevel cave min drawpoint simulation showing particle displacements after 120% extraction.
Coupled model to evaluate the damage around boreholes and the impact on nuclear waste repository performance.
Simulation used to assess risks associated with the design and installation procedure of the foundation in contact with the seabed for a subsea tidal turbine.
Coupled lined tunnel model with PFC3D particles along part of the tunnel to model detailed rock damage.
Rockfall along a slope using clumps of particles for a specific coefficient of restitution (COR). Particle traces for several of the clumps are also shown.
Underground facility modeled using Rigid Blocks, the SpringNetwork contact model, and DFNs.
Section through a rotating drum showing DEM aggregate colored by original horizontal layer (left) and by block velocity (right).
Simulation of a UCS test peering inside the sample to reveal displacements and cracks forming in shear (black) and tension (white). Charts of stress, modulus, and Poisson’s ratio.
Three-point strength test showing displacements within an assembly of pressed fibers.
PFC Includes All Options
PFC Suite now incorporates several formerly paid options, enhancing the software’s capabilities and providing powerful tools to address diverse engineering challenges.
Thermal
Simulate heat transfer with conduction and advection models. Ideal for geothermal and nuclear waste applications with variable boundary conditions.st boundary conditions and fast model run times.
- One-way coupling to mechanical stress and pore-pressure calculations
Included with license
User Defined Models
Develop custom material models tailored to specific project needs using C++. Enhance simulation flexibility with downloadable templates, advanced parameters, and user-defined constitutive behaviors for greater accuracy.
- Modify existing or create new constitutive models
- Distribution via DLL files
- Access to ITASCA’s User Defined Model Library
- Ideal for specialized material behaviors like liquefaction analysis
Included with license
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