General Purpose Distinct-Element Modeling Framework in 2D
Unlock unmatched simulation power with PFC2D—intuitive tools designed for precision, efficiency, and effortless performance.
PFC2D
What’s new in the latest release of PFC2D?
What is PFC2D?
PFC2D (Particle Flow Code) is a versatile distinct-element modeling (DEM) framework designed for two-dimensional simulations. It represents synthetic materials as assemblies of variably sized rigid particles that interact at contacts to model both granular and solid materials. PFC2D simulates the independent translation and rotation of numerous rigid particles, with interactions governed by internal force and moment calculations. Particle shapes include disks, rigidly connected clumps of disks, and convex polygons. Contact mechanics follow particle-interaction laws that dynamically update internal forces and moments, enabling accurate representation of complex material behavior.
Why Choose PFC2D?
PFC2D delivers advanced particle-based simulation capabilities, enabling accurate modeling of granular materials, rock mechanics, and complex material interactions with efficiency and reliability.
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.
PFC2D Industry Solutions
Explore PFC2D 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.
PFC3D BBM tunnel in PFC2D.
Model fracture patterns in PFC2D.
Thick-walled cylinder test with flat-jointed bonded particles shows notch-shaped regions form as the material softens and sheds load deeper into the rock.
Bore hole breakouts extending outside a simulated borehole.
Thick-walled cylinder test with flat-jointed bonded particles modeling perforation damage around a borehole (fractures on the left and fragments on the right), comparing well to observations.
Post-peak view of a UCS test of a rock sample with circular inclusions. The three offset plots show fragments (left), total displacement (center), and contact forces (right).
Simulation of a baked anode (mixed petrol coke grains) for mechanical loading of a disk-shaped specimen with a pre-engineered notch.
Synthetic rock mass (SRM) specimen comprised of bonded particles segmented into rock blocks by a series of joint sets represented by the smooth-joint contact model.
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.
- 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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