Program Guide

Underlying all Itasca software is a strata of commonalities that is at the foundation of each program, regardless of the numerical method or the elements the program uses. Consequently, whether using DEM software such as 3DEC or PFC, or using continuum software such as FLAC3D, there will be a significant number of underlying systems, processes, utilities, and capabilities that are common to all of them.

All the material in this section focuses on those commonalities, which permeate every aspect of the software, from modeling methodology to implementation of commands to calculation scheme to user interface design to the techniques for model design, processing, and output. And more. The sub-sections listed below cover each of these areas as follows.

Modeling Methodology
This section provides a high level guide to numerical modeling, providing a recommended approach to the process and a discussion of specific considerations that may impact model design and program performance.
Underpinnings
This section surveys the scientific context of the program. It enumerates conventions regarding notations, command syntax highlighting, sign conventions, system of units, precision limits. It also introduces the calculation cycle, physical forces at work in the model (energy, stress and strain), and an introductory look at the components that are used to create models (zones, balls or clumps, structural elements, blocks, etc.).
Program Mechanics
This section describes most of the numerical model development environment provided by the program. Commands, which are the heart of the program, are covered first. Then, following the sequence of the modeling process, the topics are: project creation, data file and command processing, plotting, solving, and results storage. This section can be considered a general user’s guide to the program.
Common Model Objects
This section is the reference for all commands and FISH functions that are commonly available in all Itasca numerical modeling codes. The specific sets of commands for PFC and FLAC3D are referenced in PFC Model Objects and FLAC3D Model Objects, respectively.
Support
This section provides complete information on the resources to be found within the program for help and assistance, as well as the methods available for obtaining technical support when needed.

Commands and FISH References

Common

PFC

FLAC

Scripting

  • FISH Scripting for the general reference on FISH;
  • FISH Functions for an index of all functions built directly into the FISH language (that are not associated with the set found with the common commands (see above)).
  • Python Scripting for the general reference on Python in Itasca software.

Things you need to know: 1. the program is command based 2. the program is state based 3. there is incomplete overlap between commands and UI 4. the program is many-in-one 5. there is always an active pane 6. the tools are responsive to which pane is active