Discrete element modeling of the flow of irregular, smooth-surfaced particles through an environment of arbitrary geometry

摘要

Bulk characteristics of the dynamic behavior of an assembly of particles modeled using the discrete element (DE) method are based on calculations at the particle scale. It follows that accuracy of simulation of the bulk behavior of real particle assemblies will correlate closely with the degree of approximation of the physical properties of the model particles to those of the real particles. In terms of DE model formulation particle physical properties are defined as parameters in models of particular physical phenomena associated with contact between two bodies. Parameter values are determined by fitting experimental data to the physical model or by correlation between experimental and simulation results. It is well established in studies comparing experimental with DE model results that the critical physical models are the contact force model, the friction model and the method of representation of particle shape. The form and parameter values of each of these models will contribute to the degree of correspondence between experimental and simulated behavior.