Software Products

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