Segregation of particulate solids＂ Experiments and DEM simulations

Segregation of granular materials is a complex phenomenon, difficult to measure quantitatively and to predict. Discrete element method （DEM） can be a useful tool to predict segregation effects and to support the industrial design. In this context, a very challenging idea is the characterization of the granular solids to provide the key parameters needed for a successful DEM simulation of segregation processes. Rolling friction, sliding friction and the coefficient of restitution are the critical parameters to be studied. These microscopic simulation parameters are calibrated by comparing the macroscopic behavior of granular matter in standard bulk experiments, which have the advantage of being highly repeatable and reliable. An experimental method is presented to characterize free surface segregation. The effects of different particle properties, particularly, shape and size, on segregation of cohesionless materials were investi- gated. From the experiments, particle size demonstrated a stronger effect on segregation than particle shape. Finally, the corresponding DEM simulations of the segregation experiments were presented. The parameters obtained by calibration were validated by the comparison of the modeled segregation behav- ior with the experimental results. Thus, calibrated DEM simulations are capable of predicting segregation effects.     

A coupled sliding and rolling friction model for DEM calibration

The accuracy of dense Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations is sensitive to initial density, contact orientation, particle size and shape, and interparticle interaction parameters including contact stiffness, cohesion, coefficients of friction, and coefficients of restitution. Although studies have characterized the effects of individual particle interaction parameters on mechanical responses of loaded granular material, research combining DEM parameters for calibration is scarce. Robust DEM calibration methodology combining sliding and rolling friction coefficients was developed and validated to predict bulk residual soil strength of initially dense DEM particle assemblies.     

Calibration of granular material parameters for DEM modelling and numerical verification by blade-granular material interaction

The discrete element method (DEM) is a promising approach to model blade-granular material interactions. The accuracy of DEM models depends on the model parameters. In this study, a calibration process was developed to determine the parameter values. The particle size was the same as the real material and the particle shape was modelled using two spherical particles rigidly clumped together to form a single grain. Laboratory shear tests and compressions tests were used to determine the material internal friction angle and stiffness, respectively. These tests were replicated numerically using DEM models with different sets of particle friction coefficients and particle stiffness values. The shear test results are found to be dependent on both the particle friction coefficient and the particle stiffness. The compression test results show that it is only dependent on the particle stiffness. The combination of shear test and compression test results can be used to determine a unique set of particle friction and particle stiffness values. The calibration process was validated experimentally and numerically by modelling a blade moving through granular material. Results show that the forces acting on the blade can be accurately modelled with DEM and the maximum error is found to be 26%. The relative particle-blade displacements were used to predict the position and shape of the shear lines in front of the blade. A good qualitative correlation was achieved between the experiments and the DEM simulations.     

Discrete element parameter calibration and the modelling of dragline bucket filling

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is useful for modelling granular flow. The accuracy of DEM modelling is dependent upon the model parameter values used. Determining these values remains one of the main challenges. In this study a method for determining the parameters of cohesionless granular material is presented. The particle size and density were directly measured and modelled. The particle shapes were modelled using two to four spheres clumped together. The remaining unknown parameter values were determined using confined compression tests and angle of repose tests. This was done by conducting laboratory experiments followed by equivalent numerical experiments and iteratively changing the parameters until the laboratory results were replicated. The modelling results of the confined compression tests were mainly influenced by the particle stiffness. The modelling results of the angle of repose tests were dependent on both the particle stiffness and the particle friction coefficient. From these observations, the confined compression test could be used to determine the particle stiffness and with the stiffness known, the angle of repose test could be used to determine the particle friction coefficient. Usually DEM codes do not solve the equations of motion for so-called walls (non-granular structural elements). However, in this study a dynamic model of a dragline bucket is developed and implemented in a commercial DEM code which allows the dynamics of the walls to be modelled. The DEM modelling of large systems of particles is still a challenge and procedures to simplify and speed up the modelling of dragline bucket filling are presented. Using the calibrated parameters, numerical results of bucket filling are compared to experimental results. The model accurately predicted the orientation of the bucket. The model also accurately predicted the drag force over the first third of the drag, but predicted drag forces too high for the subsequent part of the drag.     

Angle of repose in the numerical modeling of ballast particles focusing on particle-dependent specifications: Parametric study

The discrete element method (DEM) is widely used in the realistic simulation of the shapes of particles. Researchers have considered the simplification of particle shapes owing to the high computational cost of such simulation. In this regard, the modeling of calibrated particles is a major challenge owing to the simultaneous effects of particle properties. The angle-of-repose test is a standard test method used to calibrate the bulk behavior of simulated particles. In the present study, the hollow-cylinder (slump) test was modeled for the verification of discrete element simulations. In this regard, a sensitivity analysis was conducted for all effective parameters, namely the static friction, rolling friction, restitution coefficient, sphericity, roundness, particle size distribution, and number of ballast particles. The results indicate that the rolling friction, roundness, number of particles, and size of particles are the most important parameters in the determination of the angle of repose (AOR). For particles in the range of ballast (20–60 mm), the effect of the number of particles on the angle of repose is reduced when the number is greater than 426. Additionally, it is concluded that angular particles can be replaced with sub-angular particles (R ≈ 0.2–0.45) with a higher rolling friction coefficient (μ_r > 0.14).     

Influence of rolling friction on single spout fluidized bed simulation

In this paper we study the effect of rolling friction on the dynamics in a single spout fluidized bed using Discrete Element Method (DEM) coupled to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In a first step we neglect rolling friction and show that the results delivered by the open source CFD–DEM framework applied in this study agree with previous simulations documented in literature. In a second step we include a rolling friction sub-model in order to investigate the effect of particle non-sphericity. The influence of particle–particle as well as particle–wall rolling friction on the flow in single spout fluidized bed is studied separately. Adequate rolling friction model parameters are obtained using first principle DEM simulations and data from literature. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of correct modelling of rolling friction for coupled CFD–DEM simulations of spout fluidized beds. We show that simulation results can be improved significantly when applying a rolling friction model, and that experimental data from literature obtained with Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) technique can be satisfactorily reproduced.     

Characterization of artificial spherical particles for DEM validation studies

This paper describes a study in which advanced particle-scale characterization was carried out on spherical particles that can be used in experimental tests to validate discrete element method (DEM) simulations. Two types of particle, alkaline and borosilicate glass beads, made from two different materials, were considered. The particle shape, stiffness, contact friction properties and surface roughness were measured. The influences of hardness and roughness on the mechanical response of the particles were carefully considered. Compared to the alkaline beads, the borosilicate beads were more spherical and more uniform in size, and they exhibited mechanical characteristics closer to natural quartz sand. While only two material types were studied, the work has the broader implication as a methodology for selecting particles suitable for use in DEM studies and the key parameters that should be considered in the selection process are highlighted.     

Fracture of granular materials composed of arbitrary grain shapes: A new cohesive interaction model

Discrete Element Methods (DEM) are a useful tool to model the fracture of cohesive granular materials. For this kind of application, simple particle shapes (discs in 2D, spheres in 3D) are usually employed. However, dealing with more general particle shapes allows to account for the natural heterogeneity of grains inside real materials. We present a discrete model allowing to mimic cohesion between contacting or non-contacting particles whatever their shape in 2D and 3D. The cohesive interactions are made of cohesion points placed on interacting particles, with the aim of representing a cohesive phase lying between the grains. Contact situations are solved according to unilateral contact and Coulomb friction laws. In order to test the developed model, 2D uniaxial compression simulations are performed. Numerical results show the ability of the model to mimic the macroscopic behavior of an aggregate grain subject to axial compression, as well as fracture initiation and propagation. A study of the influence of model and sample parameters provides important information on the ability of the model to reproduce various behaviors.     

2D DEM simulation of particle mixing in rotating drum:A parametric study

Mixing behaviors of equal-sized glass beads in a rotating drum were investigated by both DEM simulations and experiments. The experiments indicated that higher rotation speed can significantly enhance mixing. The particle profiles predicted by 2D DEM simulation were compared with the experimental results from a quasi-2D drum, showing inconsistency due to reduction of contacts in the single-layer 2D simulation which makes the driving friction weaker than that in the quasi-2D test, better results could be rea...     

Discrete element modeling of inherently anisotropic granular assemblies with polygonal particles

In the present article, we study the effect of inherent anisotropy, i.e., initial bedding angle of particles and associated voids on macroscopic mechanical behavior of granular materials, by numerical simulation of several biaxial compression tests using the discrete element method (DEM). Particle shape is considered to be irregular convex-polygonal. The effect of inherent anisotropy is investigated by following the evolution of mobilized shear strength and volume change during loading. As experimental tests have already shown, numerical simulations also indicate that initial anisotropic condition has a great influence on the strength and deformational behavior of granular assemblies. Comparison of simulations with tests using oval particles, shows that angularity influences both the mobilized shear strength and the volume change regime, which originates from the interlocking resistance between particles.     

煤仓内煤散料流动状态与力学行为影响因素

针对煤仓内煤散料流动问题及其力学行为,采用三维颗粒流模拟程序PFC3D建立了某型号煤仓与某种煤散料的离散元模型,简述了其力学模型与求解步骤,模拟分析了煤仓内煤散料卸料流动状态。通过分析水平向侧压力、颗粒速度场和接触力场,重点讨论了煤仓下部锥体内壁面摩擦系数、锥仓倾角和卸料口径等对煤散料颗粒流动状态和力学行为的影响。结果显示,深仓卸料流动为整体流动与中心流动混合状态,煤仓内壁摩擦系数、锥体倾角和卸料孔开口半径均对煤散料流动和水平侧压力有较大影响。     

基于离散单元法和人工神经网络的近壁颗粒动力学特征研究

颗粒与壁面的相互作用往往对颗粒流动具有显著影响. 为研究颗粒与壁面作用机理, 对滚筒内颗粒流动过程进行离散单元法(DEM)数值模拟. 基于模拟结果统计分析靠近壁面处颗粒的运动特征, 结果表明, 小摩擦系数时颗粒平动和旋转速度均近似满足正态分布, 但由于壁面影响, 摩擦系数增大时颗粒沿滚筒轴向的旋转速度偏离正态分布, 颗粒动力学理论推导壁面边界条件时应考虑速度正态分布的修正及速度脉动的各向异性. 采用人工神经网络(ANN)构建了颗粒无因次旋转温度、滑移速度和平动温度之间的函数模型, 进而可以在常规双流模型壁面边界条件中考虑颗粒旋转的影响. 基于DEM模拟及结果分析可以为壁面边界条件的理论构造和半经验修正提供基础数据和封闭模型.      

不同尺度分布散粒材料砂堆形成过程的二维离散元模拟

用作者开发的离散元程序,模拟不同尺寸分布的砂堆形成过程.把散体颗粒简化为圆形颗粒,模拟过程分三步:首先利用参考网格生成颗粒的松散堆积结构;为了避免颗粒下落的冲击作用对砂堆安息角的影响,先模拟颗粒在重力作用下在圆柱容器内的自由下落与堆积,直至堆积达到稳定;最后,移除容器,只保留一个底部边界,模拟颗粒体系的散落过程,直至形成一个稳定的砂堆.模拟结果表明,在其他参数保持相同的情况下,随着颗粒尺寸的减小,砂堆的安患角逐步减小并趋向于一常值.对模拟中的两组颗粒体系进行相同条件下的砂堆形成实验,结果表明,模拟与实验所得安息角大体相当.     

Implementation of rotational resistance models: A critical appraisal

Contact models that simulate rotational resistance at particle contacts have been proposed as a means to capture the effect of shape in DEM simulations. This contribution critically explores some key issues related to the implementation of rotational resistance models; these include the need for physically meaningful model parameters, the impact of the model on the overall numerical stability/critical time increment for the DEM model, model validation, and the assessment of model performance relative to real physical materials. The discussion is centred around a rotational resistance model that captures the resistance provided by interlocking asperities on the particle surface. An expression for the maximum permissible integration time step to ensure numerical stability is derived for DEM simulations when rotational resistance is incorporated. Analytical solutions for some single-contact scenarios are derived for model validation. The ability of this type of model to provide additional fundamental insight into granular material behaviour is demonstrated using particle-scale analysis of triaxial compression simulations to examine the roles that contact rolling and sliding have on the stability of strong force chains.     

Determining the angle of repose of sand under low-gravity conditions using discrete element method

This study is a comparative investigation of data, collected through experimental and numerical means, related to the flow of sand particles through a hopper under low-gravity conditions. During a parabolic airplane flight simulating low-gravity conditions, we determined effects of gravity on the angle of repose of sand pile particles by flowing dry sand from a hopper. The gravity effects on the angle of repose of the sand were negligible. Two-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate the angle of repose. Results were compared to observations made during the low-gravity experiments. Effects of varying parameters such as the friction coefficient and coefficient of rolling friction were determined by running various DEM simulations. Moreover, the effect of the elemental radius on the angle of repose was investigated using DEM. The angle of repose is influenced by certain changes in the friction coefficient and rolling friction values, but the elemental radius has only a negligible effect on the angle of repose within the range of variation. Results show that the DEM model used for this study might be applicable to determine terramechanical interactions under lunar surface gravity conditions, provided that parameters are adjusted and an extended period of simulation is achieved.     

DEM investigation on conveying of non-spherical particles in a screw conveyor

Screw conveyors are extensively used in modern industry such as metallurgy, architecture and pharmaceutical due to their high-efficiency in the transportation of granular materials. And substantial efforts have been devoted to the study of the screw conveyors. Numerical method is an effective way to study screw conveyor. However, previous studies have mainly focused in the regime of spherical particles while the in-depth investigations for non-spherical particles that should be the most encountered in practical applications are still limited. In view of the above situations, discrete element method (DEM), which has been widely accepted in simulating the discrete systems, is utilized to investigate the conveying process of non-spherical particles in a horizontal screw conveyor, with particles being modeled by super-ellipsoids. In addition, a wear model called SIEM (Shear Impact Energy Model) is incorporated into DEM to predict the wear of screw conveyor. The DEM simulation results demonstrate that the particle shape is influential for the flow behaviors of particles and the wear of conveyor. The conveying performance evaluated quantitatively of both mass flow rate and power consumption is subsequently obtained to investigate the effect of sphericity of particle with different operation parameters. Moreover, particle collision frequency and collision energy consumption are acquired to investigate the possible particle breakage between particles and screw blade. The comparisons between particle–particle collision and particle–wall collision reveal that particles with large shape index have more possibility to be damaged in particle–wall impingement.     

Scaling granular material with polygonal particles in discrete element modeling

Despite advancements in computational resources, the discrete element method (DEM) still requires considerable computational time to solve detailed problems, especially when it comes to the large-scale models. In addition to the geometry scale of the problem, the particle shape has a dramatic effect on the computational cost of DEM. Therefore, many studies have been performed with simplified spherical particles or clumps. Particle scaling is an approach to increase the particle size to reduce the number of particles in the DEM. Although several particle scaling methods have been introduced, there are still some disagreements regarding their applicability to certain aspects of problems. In this study, the effect of particle scalping on the shear behavior of granular material is explored. Real granular particles were scanned and imported as polygonal particles in the direct shear test. The effect of particle size distribution, particle angularity, and the amount of scalping were investigated. The results show that particle scalping can simulate the correct shear behavior of the model with significant improvement in computational time. Also, the accuracy of the scalping method depends on the particle angularity and particle size range.     

Prediction of draft forces in cohesionless soil with the Discrete Element Method

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is applied to predict draft forces of a simple implement in cohesionless granular material. Results are compared with small-scale laboratory tests in which the horizontal force is measured at a straight blade. This study is focused on the case of cohesionless material under quasi-static conditions.The DEM requires the calibration of the local contact parameters between particles to adjust the bulk material properties. The most important bulk property is the angle of internal friction ?. In the DEM, the shear resistance is limited in the case of spherical particles due to excessive particle rotations. This is cured by retaining rotations of the particles. Although this is known to prevent the material from developing shear bands, the model still turns out to be capable of predicting the reaction force on the blade.In contrast to empirical formulas for this kind of application, the DEM model can easily be extended to more complex tool geometries and trajectories. This study helps to find a simple and numerically efficient setup for the numerical model, capable of predicting draft forces correctly and so allowing for large-scale industrial simulations.     

ROTATIONAL RESISTANCE AND SHEAR-INDUCED ANISOTROPY IN GRANULAR MEDIA

This paper presents a micromechanical study on the behavior of granular materials under confined shear using a three-dimensional Discrete Element Method （DEM）. We consider rotational resistance among spherical particles in the DEM code as an approximate way to account for the effect of particle shape. Under undrained shear, it is found rotational resistance may help to increase the shear strength of a granular system and to enhance its resistance to liquefaction. The evolution of internal structure and anisotropy in granular systems with different initial conditions depict a clear bimodal character which distinguishes two contact subnetworks. In the presence of rotational resistance, a good correlation is found between an analytical stress-force-fabric relation and the DEM results, in which the normal force anisotropy plays a dominant role. The unique properties of critical state and liquefaction state in relation to granular anisotropy are also explored and discussed.     

Determination of contact parameters for discrete element method simulations of granular systems

Both linear-spring-dashpot (LSD) and non-linear Hertzian-spring-dnshpot (HSD) contact models are commonly used for the calculation of contact forces in Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of granular systems.Despite the popularity of these models, determination of suitable values for the contact parameters of the simulated particles such as stiffness, damping coefficient, coefficient of restitution, and simulation time step,is not altogether obvious.In this work the relationships between these contact parameters for a model system where a particle impacts on a flat base are examined.Recommendations are made concerning the determination of these contact parameters for use in DEM simulations.