Powder Technology, Vol.369, 72-87, 2020
A hybrid particle-geometric scaling approach for elasto-plastic adhesive DEM contact models
The computation time of Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations increases exponentially when particle size is reduced or the number of particles increased. This critical challenge limits the use of DEM simulation for industrial applications, such as powder flow in silos. Scaling techniques can offer a solution to reduce computation time. In this paper, we have developed a hybrid particle-geometric scaling approach with a focus on Elasto-Plastic Adhesive contact models. It established relationships between particle scaling factors and DEM contact input parameters. The isolated effects of varying particle size and geometric dimensions on bulk properties were also evaluated using uniaxial consolidation, static angle of repose, and ring shear tests. This paper shows how the partide scaling can be applied together with geometric scaling to incorporate two important aspects of bulk materials, their Elasto-Plastic behaviour and their cohesive forces. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.
Keywords:Particle-geometric scaling;Coarse graining;Cohesive bulk materials;Uni-axial consolidation;Angle of repose;Ring shear test