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This section provides an introduction to the input files that are required to perform a numerical simulation based on the Material Point Method (MPM) implemented within the MPMApplication available in the Kratos Multiphysics framework.

The essential files for a Kratos simulation are the following.

  • Main simulation script MainKratos.py. This Python script serves as the entry point for your simulation. It typically initializes the Kratos environment, loads problem-specific parameters, and defines the execution workflow. This file is discussed in section MainKratos.py.
  • Project parameters file ProjectParameters.json: This JSON file contains the key configuration details for the simulation, such as solver settings, processes defining the initial and boundary conditions and output processes necessary for the post-processing of the solution. This file is discussed in section json files: ProjectParameters.json.
  • Materials file ParticleMaterials.json. This JSON file defines material properties associated with different parts of the model. This file is discussed in section json files: ParticleMaterials.json.
  • Background definition file file_name_Grid.mdpa. This model part file defines the geometry and mesh of the background grid where the material points move. The .mdpa file format is specific to Kratos and provides the structural foundation for the simulation domain. This file is discussed here.
  • Material Point body definition file file_name_Body.mdpa. This model part defines the geometry and the mesh of the body to be discretised by means of material points. This file is discussed here.

Each of these files plays a critical role in defining, building, solving, and post-processing the problem. The following sections provide a detailed explanation of each file, focusing in particular on their role within the MPMApplicationand including examples and key configuration settings for common use cases.

For a more general introduction to these input files, including aspects that apply to all the Kratos applications, refer to the Kratos Crash Course.

These input files are typically generated by means of GiD, a pre-processing tool. A step-by-step tutorial on setting up a problem in GiD, generating the input files and running the simulation in KratosMultiphysicscan be found in Step-by-step Tutorial in GiD.