Particle shape plays significant roles in granular mixing. However, most simulations neglect effects of particle shapes owing to the complicated contact detections. Representing non-spherical particles by spherical particles of effective diameters can simplify the process. However, there is no criterion for the selection of effective diameter calculating methods. Therefore, DEM are adopted to investigate the efficient scopes of applications. For small aspect ratios(alpha), particle volume plays the dominant role. With the increase of a, the method based on equal surface area stands out. The shape effect on dynamic angles of repose and orientation distributions can get compromised by the existence of spherical particles. And sphero-cylinders tend to lying parallel to the free surface of the active layer with the increase of alpha Results obtained from this article can provide criterion for the selection of effective diameter calculating methods for handling granular materials different in shapes and sizes. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.