About Us

The science behind engicloud.ai

engicloud.ai is built by DCS Computing GmbH— the Austria-based team behind LIGGGHTS®, CFDEM®coupling, and Aspherix®. Over a decade of open-source simulation software, EU research projects, and blue-chip industrial partnerships, distilled into a single AI-powered engineering platform.

10k+
CFDEM® users worldwide
3,600+
Publications citing LIGGGHTS®
2012
Founded in Linz, Austria
10+
EU-funded research projects

DCS Computing GmbH

Founded in 2012 in Linz, Austria — at the intersection of HPC, particle simulation, and engineering software.

DCS Computing GmbH is aleading provider of computational modelling and engineering solutionsfor particle and flow processes. Based in Linz and Vienna, Austria, the company was established in 2012 to give the open-source CFDEM®project a professional home — and has grown into the global reference for Discrete Element Method (DEM) and coupled CFD-DEM simulation.

The company operates at the interface ofphysical modelling, software engineering, mechanical and chemical engineering, and high-performance computing. Its flagship products — LIGGGHTS®, CFDEM®coupling, and the next-generation Aspherix® — are used by blue-chip companies worldwide to design and optimise industrial processes involving particles, powders, gases and liquids.

DCS combines open-source community development with professional commercial support, providing customers with flexible licensing, custom workflow development, and expert consultancy acrosspharmaceuticals, energy, mining, food & beverage, and chemical process industries.

engicloud.ai is DCS Computing's next step: bringing its decades of physics expertise into an AI-powered, cloud-native engineering platform accessible to every engineer — not just simulation specialists.

2012
Founded
10k+
users
3,600+
Publications citing LIGGGHTS®
10+
EU research projects
PharmaceuticalsEnergyMiningChemical ProcessFood & BeverageSpace & Aerospace

Open Source Contributions

DCS Computing created and maintains two of the most widely used open-source simulation codes in computational engineering.

LIGGGHTS®
CFDEMproject/LIGGGHTS-PUBLIC · GPL v2

LIGGGHTS® (LAMMPS Improved for General Granular and Heat Transfer Simulations) is an open-source Discrete Element Method particle simulation code. Built on top of LAMMPS, it became the global standard for DEM simulation in research and industry, with the core developer and main author being Christoph Kloss  (and later Arno Mayrhofer) of DCS Computing. Further contributions were made by Johannes Kepler University Linz, Graz University of Technology, BASF, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, University of Edinburgh, University of Ljubljana, Procter & Gamble, German Aerospace Center, SIMAP Grenoble, Universités à Aix en Provence, Chemnitz University of Technology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, University of Cape Town, University of Erlangen, University of Illinois, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Princeton University, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, ICTP, EPFL, TU Braunschweig, Vienna University of Technology, Züblin Stuttgart, ETH Zürich, Hamburg University of Technology, University of Oulu, Overland Conveyor, Roche Consulting Group, Astec Inc., Twister BV, Corning Inc., Austrian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences, Temple University, NTB Buchs, Intrame, University of Twente, Johnson Matthey, John Deere .

Its successor, Aspherix®, continues the lineage with GPU acceleration, modern software architecture, and a full GUI.

DEMC++GPL v2330 ★ GitHubMPI parallel
View on GitHub
CFDEM®coupling
CFDEMproject/CFDEMcoupling-PUBLIC · GPL v3

CFDEM®coupling provides an open-source parallel coupled CFD-DEM framework, combining LIGGGHTS® DEM with the OpenFOAM® CFD package. It allows engineers to model complex fluid-particle interactions — heat transfer, chemical reactions, multiphase flows — at industrial scale on distributed-memory clusters.

Developed by Christoph Goniva (Managing Director, DCS Computing), with contributions from with contributions from DCSComputing, JKU Linz, TU Graz, Polytechnique Montreal, and BASF.  Its modular architecture lets users implement new models via simple dictionary settings, and it runs fully parallel using MPI. Recently updated for compatibility with OpenFOAM-6 on Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04.









CFD-DEMOpenFOAMGPL v3168 ★ GitHubMPI parallel
View on GitHub
Aspherix®-Palabos

Coupling between the Lattice-Boltzmann code Palabos and the DEM code Aspherix® — enabling LBM-DEM simulations for complex pore-scale fluid-particle physics.

GitHub
ParScale

Open-source simulation engine for intra-particle heat and mass transfer — designed to capture what happens inside particles during drying, combustion, or chemical reaction.

GitHub
C3PO

Coarse-graining and post-processing toolbox for DEM and CFD-DEM data — enables scale-bridging from particle-resolved simulations to continuum process models.

GitHub
Aspherix® CoSim Socket Lib

Library for co-simulation of different codes communicating via sockets — enables live coupling of Aspherix® with external solvers, control systems, or digital twin environments.

GitHub

Customers & Testimonials

From pharmaceutical giants to mining equipment makers — DCS software is trusted by research labs and industry leaders worldwide.

NovartisBoschNesteIdaho National LabsCANTENEESCO Corporation
"

We partner with DCS Computing to develop numerical methods and enhance our understanding of pharmaceutical unit operations — providing tools for optimisation and approaches to minimise risk of failure during the development of manufacturing processes to create novel medicines for our patients.

N
Novartis
pharmaceutical research
"

We profit from close collaboration with DCS Computing GmbH on the development of an innovative simulation model that helps us advance in computational process engineering. We appreciate their capacious expert knowledge and strong technical support.

B
Bosch
computational process engineering
"

ESCO has utilised DCS' DEM technology to simulate mining excavation since 2013 for products such as hydraulic face shovels, excavators, draglines and rippers. DCS' technology and expert support has greatly accelerated our capability and project completion rate.

E
ESCO Corporation
Mining equipment — excavation simulation since 2013
"

Software solutions provided by DCS Computing have enabled us to solve industrial problems beyond the capabilities of general fluid flow simulators. Support and cooperation with DCS has been excellent throughout these years.

N
Neste
industrial fluid-particle simulation
"

Cantene uses Aspherix® to simulate rotating dryers where it is necessary to reduce the humidity of different types of sand. Thanks to the proactive support of DCS Computing we have been able to create a platform to support the design of new optimised dryers for our customers.

C
CANTENE S.r.l.
Rotating dryer simulation & design
"

Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory performed DEM simulation studies of bulk mechanical tests for woody biomass particles using LIGGGHTS. A reasonable agreement was found between DEM simulations and physical experiments in a cyclic loading & unloading test.

Y
Idaho National Laboratory
USA

Selected Publications

DCS Computing's work underpins hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. Below is a representative selection spanning DEM, CFD-DEM, and pharmaceutical process modelling.

2010
LIGGGHTS — A new open source discrete element simulation software
Proc. 5th International Conference on Discrete Element Methods · Kloss, Goniva et al.
JKU
2012
Models, algorithms and validation for opensource DEM and CFD-DEM
Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics · Kloss, Goniva, Hager, Amberger, Pirker
ResearchGate
2024
Describing the Drying and Solidification Behavior of Single Suspension Droplets Using a Novel Unresolved CFD-DEM Simulation Approach
Journal of Aerosol Science · DCS Computing, BASF SE & Hamburg University of Technology
ResearchGate
2026
GPU-accelerated Discrete Element Method simulation of particle mixing in a rotating drum
Aspherix® validation study · DCS Computing GmbH
DCS

EU-Funded Research Projects

DCS Computing regularly participates in European research projects — staying connected to cutting-edge academia to deliver competitive advantages to its users.

Horizon Europe
OpenModel
Integrated open-access materials modelling platform for Europe. EMMO-based ontology, semantic workflow builders, and interoperable simulation tools bridging industry and research.
Partners: 15 European institutions · 2021–2025
H2020
MarketPlace
One-stop web platform connecting materials modelling tools, databases, workflows, and communities to accelerate industrial adoption across Europe.
Partners: 21 institutions · 2018–2023
Horizon Europe
ClimAIr
AI-powered correlation of air pollutants with non-communicable respiratory diseases. Uses Federated Learning to build models while preserving patient privacy across European data sets.
Lead: IDENER (Spain) · multi-European · 2025–2028
H2020 MSCA-ITN
TUSAIL
Training in Upscaling particle Systems: Advancing Industry across Length-scales. Innovative training network using AI and simulation to tackle particle system scaleup challenges.
Lead: University of Edinburgh · 16 partners · 2021–2025
FP7
NanoSim
Multiscale simulation-based design platform for cost-effective CO₂ capture processes using nano-structured materials.
Focus: Carbon capture · nano-materials DEM · 2014–2017
H2020
ZEOCAT-3D
Bifunctional zeolite-based nano-catalyst using 3D-printing technology for direct conversion of methane into aromatic hydrocarbons via dehydroaromatization.
Focus: Catalysis · methane conversion · 2019–2023
H2020 MSCA-ITN
CALIPER
Creating granular materials experts by developing experimental calibration methods for DEM and other computational methods. Bridges experiments and simulation across industries.
FP7
T-MAPPP
Training in Multiscale Analysis of multi-Phase Particulate Processes. Marie Curie network linking academic and industrial partners to advance particle simulation methods.
2014-2018
H2020 MSCA-ITN
Mathegram
Multiscale analysis of the thermomechanical behaviour of granular materials, combining experimental characterisation with multiscale modelling approaches.
2019-2024
// 70+ partner institutions — filter by project
Johnson MattheyLondon, UK4
SINTEFTrondheim, NO3
UCLLondon, UK3
TU GrazGraz, AT3
FraunhoferMünchen, DE2
EPFLLausanne, CH2
Goldbeck ConsultingCambridge, UK2
SINTEF OceanTrondheim, NO2
L'UREDERRALos Arcos, ES2
Univ. of EdinburghEdinburgh, UK2
Universiteit TwenteEnschede, NL2
Università di SalernoFisciano, IT2
CNRSParis, FR2
KNEIA SLBarcelona, ES2
IDENERSevilla, ES2
CNRRoma, IT1
Applied Materials ItaliaIT1
Università di BolognaBologna, IT1
Toyota Motor EuropeBrussels, BE1
Comp. Modelling CambridgeCambridge, UK1
Siemens Industry SoftwareLeuven, BE1
Helmholtz-Zentrum HereonGeesthacht, DE1
Innovation in R&E SolutionsBrussels, BE1
Norsk HydroOslo, NO1
ACCESS e.V.Aachen, DE1
Robert BoschGerlingen, DE1
CrystalSolTallinn, EE1
EnthoughtLondon, UK1
Granta DesignCambridge, UK1
HES-SODelémont, CH1
MBN NanomaterialiaCarbonera, IT1
MTU Aero EnginesMünchen, DE1
NTNUTrondheim, NO1
ANSYS UKSheffield, UK1
Servicio Andaluz de SaludSevilla, ES1
FIMABIS MálagaMálaga, ES1
Luxembourg Inst. of HealthStrassen, LU1
Università di MilanoMilano, IT1
Trilateral ResearchDundalk, IE1
Univ. Medyczny ŁódźŁódź, PL1
FMI HelsinkiHelsinki, FI1
Aristotle Univ. ThessalonikiThessaloniki, GR1
Charité BerlinBerlin, DE1
Remote Sensing SolutionsMünchen, DE1
CHU ToulouseToulouse, FR1
Euro Atlantic Diplomacy SocietySibiu, RO1
Bukovinian State Medical Univ.Chernivtsi, UA1
KeyData Bilgi IslemAnkara, TR1
TECNANLos Arcos, ES1
NCSR DemokritosAthens, GR1
VITOMol, BE1
TU EindhovenEindhoven, NL1
3D-Cat BVBergen, NL1
CERTHThessaloniki, GR1
ENSICAENCaen, FR1
Université de PoitiersPoitiers, FR1
Université de LilleLille, FR1
Andritz Energy & EnvironmentRaaba, AT1
INP ToulouseToulouse, FR1
TU BraunschweigBraunschweig, DE1
TU HamburgHamburg, DE1
JKU LinzLinz, AT1
Siemens Process Systems Eng.London, UK1
NestléVevey, CH1
Procter & GambleWeybridge, UK1
Wageningen UniversityWageningen, NL1
ESPCI ParisParis, FR1
Univ. of SurreyGuildford, UK1
Airbus Defence & SpaceTaufkirchen, DE1
INRAEParis, FR1
CIMNEBarcelona, ES1
Imperial College LondonLondon, UK1
Mitsiolidis-MitsopoulosNigrita, GR1
OpenModel
MarketPlace
ClimAIr
TUSAIL / MatheGram
NanoSim / T-MAPPP
ZEOCAT-3D
2= projects count