The transparency and flexibility of open-source software with the power, ease-of-use, and support of a commercial program.
POWERFUL
- Numerical stability with large displacements, including collapse
- 64-bit architecture allows very large models to be constructed; limited only by computer RAM
- 12 built-in contact models
- Thermal solution analysis comes standard
- Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) commands and functions are available to connect PFC to third-party CFD software
- C++ Plug-in allows FISH intrinsic functions and new contact (i.e., constitutive) C++ models
- FISH scripting and Python scripting language enables you to access, monitor, and control nearly every model and solution parameter
- Built-in FISH text editor
- Convex Rigid Blocks can be used for simulating non-spherical objects (without requiring clumps) and Bonded Block Models (BBMs)
- Clumps or Convex Rigid Blocks are easily generated from templates and can be visualized as particles or their surface description
- Bubble pack automatically creates clump template particles for a specified triangulated surface (DXF or STL)
- Socket utilities permit PFC3D or PFC2D models to be coupled to another instance of PFC3D or PFC2D, FLAC3D or FLAC, and 3DEC or UDEC and to 3rd-party software
- PFC3D 5.0 is available as a module, permitting Distinct Element Method (DEM) objects (balls, clumps, and walls) to be used directly within the FLAC3D 6.0 framework (requires PFC3D 5 or later license)
- FLAC3D 6.0 is now available as a module, permitting FiniteVolume Diffence zones and structural elements, to be used directly within the PFC3D 6.0 framework (requires FLAC3D 6 license)
- Includes the Material-modeling support environment for calibrating and testing (compression, diametral-compression, and direct-tension tests) models (linear, bonded, flat-jointed, and smooth-jointed)
- Includes the Pavement-design package environment for creation and triaxial testing of a synthetic unsaturated granular material containing geogrid
- Every event that modifies the model state is recorded; allowing for
<strong>undo</strong>, <strong>playback</strong>, or reuse of any or all previous modeling work
RELIABLE
- Realistic physical solutions
- Natural evolution of failure
- Transparent methodology with all equations and algorithms fully documented
- Built-in contact models are open-source; no black boxes
- Live, person-to-person software support provided by experienced engineers and software developers
- Extensive manuals and documentation
- Automated software update notification in the event of any bug fixes
PROVEN
- Tested and validated against analytical solutions
- Sold commercially for over 24 years (since 1994)
- Used by Itasca’s own consultant engineers and scientists on civil, manufacturing/processing, mining, oil & gas, and power generation projects
- Large repository of examples and validations, with 1000’s of published articles and conference papers
- Hundreds of licenses used worldwide by industry, universities, and government agencies
FLEXIBLE
- General by design
- Access to almost all internal variables via the embedded FISH or Python scripting languages
- CAD interoperability (import DXF and STL geometry)
- Import and export data using I/O functions
- Human-readable data files (ASCII)
- Users may create and run their own contact models using FISH scripting or the optional C++ Plug-in
- The standard version is portable between users and computers
- A multiple seat network version also is available
- Licenses are available in-perpetuity or as a monthly or annual lease
ECONOMICAL
- No CPU limits or additional CPU fees
- No annual maintenance fee
- Lower commercial license prices
- Coupled or uncoupled steady-state and transient fluid flow is included
- 12 contact models including Linear Parallel Bond, Hertz, Smooth Joint, Rolling Resistance, Adhesion, Soft Bond, and Burger's (creep)
- Includes 64-bit version, parallel-processing optimization, and both FISH and Python scripting
- Free standard technical support and software updates (see EULA)
- Discounted pricing for qualified academic institutions
- Two instances of either PFC2D or PFC3D can be run on a single computer with the standard version
- The standard version is secured using a USB key which is portable between users and computers
- Advance purchase of the next version (pre-purchase) at a discount is available any time prior to its release