Discrete element method

In this paper, the loading behaviour of iron ore fines was investigated using both a confined compression test and a uniaxial test. …

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Industrial processes in many sectors including pharmaceutical, food, and chemical sectors involve bulk materials with varying degree of cohesivity. Cohesive solids can experience a number of flow problems including arching, ratholing, segregation, channelling and flooding. A better understanding of these problems can help to improve the handling of these solids and provide optimised solutions. The discrete element method (DEM) using soft contact approach as proposed by Cundall and Strack (1979) has been widely used to investigate the behaviour of granular materials subject to a variety of loading conditions. This paper describes a study using DEM to model cohesive-frictional particulate solids.

Many powders and particulate solids are cohesive in nature and the strength often exhibits dependence on the consolidation stress. As a result, the stress history in the material leading up to a handling scenario needs to be considered when evaluating its handleability. This paper outlines the development of a DEM contact model accounting for plasticity and adhesion force.