Mathematical training for industry
Industry usually receives the bulk of its raw materials in granular form. DEM is a set of mathematical techniques for modelling the movement and flow of such materials. The EU-funded project 'Particle systems: Training on DEM simulation for industrial and scientific applications' (PARDEM) was a knowledge transfer project. The 11-member consortium aimed to provide both individual and networked training in engineering use of the method via research secondments and special events. The research agenda addressed four separate technical areas of DEM modelling. The four-year project concluded in October 2013. PARDEM achieved all its training objectives. After a kick-off meeting, seven subsequent network events offered a range of basic and advanced scientific training, plus complementary skills. After 2011, network events were researcher-led. All project researchers took advantage of opportunities for individual training, ranging in topic from specialised scientific subjects to languages. PARDEM's 13 early-stage researchers registered for PhDs at partner universities; at the project's conclusion, studies had been either completed or scheduled for completion. The consortium facilitated knowledge transfer via secondments or short visits between partners. External dissemination was achieved via network events, conference participation and journal publication. From a total of eight events. three summer events were conducted in conjunction with international conferences. Research secondments involved material characterisation tests, plus development and validation of DEM simulations, yielding a set of best practice methodologies . The PARDEM project effectively trained a group of young researchers for future leading roles in DEM development and simulation. The experimental results also helped in validating the techniques for industrial use.
