Comparison research on the neighbor list algorithms: Verlet table and linked-cell

A Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation program of gravity driven granular collapse is developed to compare the performance of Verlet table and linked-cell algorithms. Focusing on the simulation efficiency, the two neighbor list algorithms' parameters are discussed such as search radius RsRs, cell edge LcLc, updating interval time step (UPTime) and the number of particles in simulation system N. The results show that appropriate parameters will improve the simulation efficiency, while the inappropriate parameters will debase the simulation efficiency, even leading to the simulation system crash. The results and discussions presented in this paper will be useful not only for parameters adjustment of DEM but also for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. It will be beneficial to improving the simulation efficiency, especially for the researchers who intend to carry out DEM or MD simulation.