Ansys Rocky is an advanced Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation software used to analyze the behavior of granular and particle-based materials.
It enables engineers and researchers to simulate how particles interact, collide, stick, or break under real-world physical conditions — providing a realistic understanding of complex particle flow systems.
Unlike conventional simulation tools, Ansys Rocky focuses on the dynamics of individual particles, allowing users to study bulk materials such as powders, granules, pellets, and fibers within mechanical or fluid systems.
This capability makes it a vital tool for both industrial process optimization and academic research in material science and mechanical engineering.
The Discrete Element Method is a numerical technique used to analyze systems composed of many interacting particles.
Each particle is modeled as an individual entity governed by Newton’s laws of motion. DEM calculates contact forces, friction, adhesion, and impact behavior between particles and boundaries.
DEM analysis is essential for processes involving granular materials, such as:
Powder mixing and blending
Crushing and milling operations
Tablet coating in pharmaceutical applications
Conveyor and hopper design optimization
Bulk material transport and storage
When coupled with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) or FEA (Finite Element Analysis), DEM enables fully coupled multi-physics simulations that deliver deep insights into real-world engineering systems.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-GPU Solver | Supports multiple GPUs for large-scale simulations, enabling millions of particles to be processed efficiently. |
| Real Particle Shapes | Simulates complex, non-spherical geometries such as fibers, shells, or irregularly shaped particles. |
| Breakage Modeling | Accurately represents particle fracture and fragmentation after impact. |
| CFD–DEM Coupling | Two-way interaction between fluids and solid particles via seamless integration with Ansys Fluent. |
| FEA–DEM Coupling | Structural deformation under particle impact can be simulated using Ansys Mechanical. |
| Python Scripting | Automates setup, processing, and post-processing tasks for repeatable workflows. |
| Comprehensive Post-Processing | Provides visual and quantitative data such as velocity, stress, contact forces, and breakage distribution. |
At Fetech Advanced Engineering, CFD–DEM integration is one of the most powerful simulation capabilities we offer.
This coupling enables a two-way interaction between particles and fluids — where fluid flow affects particle movement, and particles alter fluid behavior.
Through Ansys Fluent–Rocky coupling, engineers can analyze:
Particle dispersion in fluidized beds
Sedimentation or transport behavior due to density differences
Flow resistance and energy dissipation in multiphase systems
This approach is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and energy industries to optimize processes and reduce experimental costs.
Ansys Rocky provides exceptional value in industries dealing with granular, powder, or fragile materials.
At Fetech Engineering, we utilize Rocky for high-fidelity simulations across multiple sectors:
Mining & Bulk Material Handling: Crushers, feeders, conveyors, hoppers
Food Industry: Mixing, coating, and granule transport simulations
Pharmaceuticals: Tablet coating and granule flow optimization
Agriculture & Fertilizer: Granule transport, storage, and dosing systems
Automotive & Machinery: Equipment design involving particulate erosion or contamination
These simulations help engineers design more efficient systems, reduce wear, and prevent operational failures before they occur.
Ansys Rocky is not only an engineering simulation tool but also a robust educational platform.
Engineers and students can access various tutorials and free training resources to master DEM concepts:
Ansys Innovation Space: Introduction to Rocky DEM Coupling
ESSS Institute Online Course: Fundamentals of the Discrete Element Method
YouTube Tutorials: CFD–DEM Coupling and Particle Dynamics
Rocky DEM Official Tutorials: Transfer Chute, Mixer, Breakage Simulation Guides
As Fetech Advanced Engineering, we provide software setup, technical training, and consultancy for all Ansys solutions, including Rocky.
Ansys Rocky redefines the standards of particle dynamics simulation by enabling engineers to simulate reality with unmatched precision.
Its realistic particle modeling, multi-physics integration, and high computational efficiency make it a powerful tool for design optimization.
By reducing prototype costs and shortening design cycles, Rocky helps companies innovate faster and operate more efficiently.
As the official distributor of Ansys solutions in Türkiye, Fetech Advanced Engineering provides comprehensive support for:
Ansys Mechanical
Ansys Fluent
Ansys LS-DYNA
CivilFEM, Endurica, RecurDyn, and more.
For more information, demo requests, or training inquiries about Ansys Rocky, contact our engineering team:
🌐 www.fetech.com.tr
📧 info@fetech.com.tr