It is known that discrete element method modelling (DEM) of rock size reduction can be achieved by two approaches: the population balance model (PBM) and the bonded particle model (BPM). However, only PBM has been successfully used in DEM modelling cone crusher in the literature. The aim of this paper is to explore the feasibility of using the BPM to represent the size reduction of rock experienced within the cone crusher chamber. The feed rock particles were represented by isotropic dense random packing agglomerates. The simulation results were compared with the PBM simulation results, and it was shown that the BPM cone crusher model was able to satisfactorily replicate the performance of a cone crusher as well and it can provide more accurate prediction of the percentage of the fine products. In addition, the novel contribution here is that the rock feed material comprises particles of realistic shapes which break into more realistically shaped fragments compared with the fragments with defined shapes in the PBM model.
展开▼
