Comparing open-source DEM frameworks for simulations of common bulk processes

Multiple software frameworks based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) are available for simulating granular materials. All of them employ the same principles of explicit time integration, with each time step consisting of three main steps: contact detection, calculation of interactions, and integration of the equations of motion. However, there exist significant algorithmic differences, such as the choice of contact models, particle and wall shapes, and data analysis methods. Further differences can be observed in the practical implementation, including data structures, architecture, parallelization and domain decomposition techniques, user interaction, and the documentation of resources.This study compares, verifies, and benchmarks nine widely-used software frameworks. Only open-source packages were considered, as these are freely available and their underlying algorithms can be reviewed, edited, and tested. The benchmark consists of three common bulk processes: silo emptying, drum mixing, and particle impact. To keep it simple and comparable, only standard features were used, such as spherical particles and the Hertz-Mindlin model for dry contacts. Scripts for running the benchmarks in each software are provided as a dataset

Design analysis of the heat exchanger between the primary and the intermediate circuits of the small modular reactor DAVID

The report summarizes the joint results of the Department of Nuclear Reactors FNSPE, CTU and IT CAS, in the area of thermal and hydraulic calculations of the heat exchanger between the primary and intermediate circuits of the developed small modular reactor (SMR) DAVID. The assignment parameters were further specified during control days and with updated documentation. During the analysis of the initial system parameters, it was found that the original geometric configuration of the exchanger had a completely insufficient surface for heat transfer. A decision was made, several parameters were modified and based on a series of calculations using two independent simplified models, a reasonable configuration with a significantly smaller diameter of the tubes in a significantly larger number was chosen. The pressure losses on both sides of the heat exchanger are within normal ranges and will not cause problems with the construction of these circuits. Although there are differences between the results from both used models, their comparison shows that the chosen different calculation methods lead to approximately the same results and the models do not show fundamental errors

DATA CENTERS IN THE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE

There is a multiple increase of the volume of scientific data obtained in the course of research each year. Due to this there is a need for continuous improvement, such as data transmission channels and systems for handling and storage of scientific data. For example, data centers show current centers and storage of scientific data and advanced technology in this area, in particular the "cloud" technology. Particular attention is paid to the information infrastructure for data centers storing scientific information