Forming an unbreakable multiphere entity from individual particles, using EDEM API contact model.

Hi everyone,

I would please need your advise/pointers in implementing a cohesive contact model, using EDEM API. Or perhaps any alternative suggestion(s) to acheive this:

Context:

The idea is when the two (or more) particles come into contact with eachother, a normal user-defined force (under a condition) is applied between them. After a certain amount of overlap (i.e. half way through), they should become one unbreakable entity like a multisphere, even if that condition is removed afterwards. Any general contact model (such as HM or linear-spring) should act on the multisphere as a whole.

User-defined force and problem:

Under the user-defined force, after the overlap is halfway through, I apply a stopping force to bring their relative velocities to zero, and then the linear cohesion V2 (LCV2) model. However, the particles keep sinking into each other. And if HM is applied in combination with LCV2 the particles get repelled. Secondly, when particles are stacked, the further effect of gravity cause the top particle to sink.

Thank you.

Best regards,

MQ