PFC Model Objects

The PFC model consists of bodies and mechanical contacts. There are three types of bodies: balls, clumps, and walls. A body is composed of one or more constituent pieces that make up the body surface. Clumps are composed of pebbles and walls are composed of facets. The interaction between the surfaces of two bodies is defined by a mechanical interaction that is composed of one or more mechanical contacts. The mechanical interactions/contacts are discussed in “Contacts and Contact Models.” We refer to bodies, pieces, and mechanical interactions/contacts as PFC model components throughout the documentation. Further descriptions of the PFC model components are provided in the “Model Components” section.