Modeling Granular Mixtures with Simple Rules: A Student Project in Agent-Based Simulation
Muhammad Farhan Shadiq, Aurellyallodia Faiza Kusuma, Fifi Fitriyah Masduki, Sevi Nurafni, Putri Mustika Widartiningsih, Sparisoma Viridi

Pradita Dirgantara High School
Institut Teknologi Bandung
IKOPIN University
The University of Tokyo

Abstract

In this project, we used simple computer rules to simulate how mixtures of small solid particles (like sand or grains) behave. These mixtures can include different shapes and sizes of particles, and their behavior can be hard to predict. Our model uses a method called agent-based modeling, where each particle is treated like a small ^agent^ that follows rules based on its properties-such as size, shape, and surface roughness. Instead of using complicated physics equations, we used probabilities to decide how particles interact. We tested our model using real data from experiments with mixed particles, focusing on how they form piles. Our results show that even with simple rules, the model can still show realistic particle behavior. This approach could help create faster simulations for science and engineering.

Keywords: Agent-Based Model, Granular Materials, Computation, Angle of Repose

Topic: Instrumentation and Computational Physics