The mixing of particulates such as powders is an important process in many industries including pharmaceuticals, plastics, household products （such as detergents） and food processing. The quality of products depends...The mixing of particulates such as powders is an important process in many industries including pharmaceuticals, plastics, household products （such as detergents） and food processing. The quality of products depends on the degree of mixing of their constituent materials which in turn depends on both geometric design and operating conditions. Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding of the interaction between mixer geometry and the granular material, limited progress has been made in optimizing mixer design. The discrete element method （DEM） is a computational technique that allows particle systems to be simulated and mixing to be predicted. Simulation is an effective way of acquiring information on the performance of different mixers that is difficult and/or expensive to obtain using traditional experimental approaches. Here we demonstrate how DEM can be used to unravel flow dynamics and assess mixing in several different types of devices. These devices used for mixing and/or granulation of particulates, are classified broadly as gravity controlled, bladed and high shear. We also explore the role of particle shape in mixing performance and use DEM to test whether Froude number scaling is suitable for predicting scale performance of rotating mixers.展开更多
The discrete element model （DEM） is a very promising modelling strategy for two-phase granular systems. However, owing to a lack of experimental measurements, validation of numerical simulations of two-phase granula...The discrete element model （DEM） is a very promising modelling strategy for two-phase granular systems. However, owing to a lack of experimental measurements, validation of numerical simulations of two-phase granular systems is still an important issue. In this study, a small two-dimensional gas- fluidized bed was simulated using a discrete element model. The dimensions of the simulated bed were 44mm × 10mm × 120 mm and the fluidized particles had a diameter dp = 1.2 mm and density ρp = 1000 kg/m^3. The comparison between DEM simulations and experiments are performed on the basis of time-averaged voidage maps. The drag-law of Beetstra et al. [Beetstra, R., van der Hoef, M.A., ＆ Kuipers,J. A. M. （2007b）. Drag force of intermediate Reynolds number flow past mono- and bidispersed arrays of spheres. AIChE Journal, 53,489-501 ] seems to give the best results. The simulations are fairly insensitive to the coefficient of restitution and the coefficient of friction as long as some route of energy dissipation during particle-particle and particle-wall contact is provided. Changing the boundary condition of the gas phase at the side-walls from zero-slip to full-slip does not affect the simulation results. Care is to be taken that the cell sizes are chosen so that a reasonable number of particles can be found in a fluid cell.展开更多
Discrete element modelling is commonly used for particle-scale modelling of granular or particulate materials. Developing a DEM model requires the determination of a number of micro-structural parameters, including th...Discrete element modelling is commonly used for particle-scale modelling of granular or particulate materials. Developing a DEM model requires the determination of a number of micro-structural parameters, including the particle contact stiffness and the particle-particle friction. These parameters cannot easily be measured in the laboratory or directly related to measurable, physical material parameters. Therefore, a calibration process is typically used to determine the values for use in simulations of physical systems. This paper focuses on how to define the particle stiffness for the discrete element modelling in order to perform realistic simulations of granular materials in the case of linear contact model. For that, laboratory tests and numerical discrete element modelling of triaxial compression tests have been carried out on two different non-cohesive soils i.e. poorly graded fine sand and gap graded coarse sand. The results of experimental tests are used to calibrate the numerical model. It is found that the numerical results are qualitatively and quantitatively in good agreement with the laboratory tests results. Moreover, the results show that the stress dependent of soil behaviour can be reproduced well by assigning the particle stiffness as a function of the particle size particularly for gap graded soil.展开更多
This short review describes the capabilities of magnetic resonance （MR） to image opaque single- and two-phase granular systems, such as rotating cylinders and gas-fluidized beds operated in different fluidization re...This short review describes the capabilities of magnetic resonance （MR） to image opaque single- and two-phase granular systems, such as rotating cylinders and gas-fluidized beds operated in different fluidization regimes. The unique capability of MR to not only image the solids＇ distribution （voidage） but also the velocity of the particulate phase is clearly shown. It is demonstrated that MR can provide measurements over different length and time scales. With the MR equipment used for the studies summarized here, temporal and spatial scales range from sub-millisecond to hours and from a few hundred micrometres to a few centimetres, respectively. Besides providing crucial data required for an improved understanding of the underlying physics of granular flows, multi-scale MR measurements were also used to validate numerical simulations of granular systems. It is shown that predictions of time-averaged properties, such as voidage and velocity of the particulate phase, made using the Discrete Element Model agree very well with MR measurements.展开更多
This paper presents the technological relevance of a concurrent algorithm-based discrete element modelling (DEM) system, HADES. This new system is the successor of SPACE that is limited to spherical grains only. It ca...This paper presents the technological relevance of a concurrent algorithm-based discrete element modelling (DEM) system, HADES. This new system is the successor of SPACE that is limited to spherical grains only. It can realistically simulate the packing of arbitrary-shaped particles up to the fully compacted state. Generation of families of such particles, i.e., generally representing aggregate of fluvial origin and crushed rock, respectively, and the forming way of particulate structure are described. Similarly shaped particles are proposed for simulation of cement paste because of conformity with experimental results obtained by the X-ray tomography method. Technologically relevant territories inside and outside concrete technology are presently explored in this efficient, reliable, and economic way. Some results obtained by this DEM approach are presented.展开更多
The application of a digital modelling method that can faithfully take account of three-dimensional shape and inherent physical and chemical properties of each particulate component provides an essential tool in decom...The application of a digital modelling method that can faithfully take account of three-dimensional shape and inherent physical and chemical properties of each particulate component provides an essential tool in decommissioning design. This is useful in handling of high, medium and low level radioactive waste. The processes involve making decisions on where to cut existing plant components and then how to pack these components into boxes, which are then cemented and kept for long term storage as the level of radioactive declines with time. We illustrate the utility of the method and its ability to take data at plant scale （m-scale） and then deduce behaviours at sub millimetre scale in the packed containers. A variety of modelling approaches are used as a part of this approach including cutting algorithms, geometric and dynamic （distinct element） force models, and lattice Boltzmann methods. These methods are applicable to other complex particulate systems including simulation of waste, building recycling, heap leaching and related minerals processes. The paper introduces the basic concepts of this multi-scale and multi-model approach.展开更多
【目的】实现黏性土壤离散元模型的接触参数与接触模型参数标定。【方法】基于土壤堆积角物理试验结果,采用考虑颗粒间黏结力的"Hertz-Mindlin with JKR"接触模型进行土壤堆积角仿真试验,借助GEMM(Generic EDEM material mode...【目的】实现黏性土壤离散元模型的接触参数与接触模型参数标定。【方法】基于土壤堆积角物理试验结果,采用考虑颗粒间黏结力的"Hertz-Mindlin with JKR"接触模型进行土壤堆积角仿真试验,借助GEMM(Generic EDEM material model database)数据库获得离散元模型关键参数(包括JKR表面能、恢复系数、静摩擦系数与动摩擦系数),进一步运用Box-Behnken试验方法进行堆积角仿真试验。【结果】通过对试验结果进行多元回归拟合分析获得了堆积角回归模型,回归模型的方差分析表明该模型极显著,试验因素对堆积角的影响为二次多项式,且存在复杂的一次与二次交互作用。以堆积角40.45°为目标对回归模型进行寻优,得到了优化解:JKR表面能7.91J·m-2;恢复系数0.66;静摩擦系数0.83;动摩擦系数0.25。以此优化解进行仿真试验获得的堆积角为39.73°。堆积角仿真试验与物理试验在堆积角度和形状上具有较高的相似性。【结论】可利用该优化参数对样品土壤进行进一步的黏性土壤与触土部件间的离散元仿真,从而揭示黏性土壤在触土部件作用下的运动规律。展开更多
为获取适用于海南热区砖红壤与触土部件相互作用的离散元仿真模型参数,该文利用EDEM仿真软件中Hertz-Mindlin with JKR接触模型对海南地区砖红壤进行相关模型参数标定,首先以含水率为7.8%、实际休止角为32.35°的砖红壤为研究对象,...为获取适用于海南热区砖红壤与触土部件相互作用的离散元仿真模型参数,该文利用EDEM仿真软件中Hertz-Mindlin with JKR接触模型对海南地区砖红壤进行相关模型参数标定,首先以含水率为7.8%、实际休止角为32.35°的砖红壤为研究对象,以物理试验获取的砖红壤-砖红壤、砖红壤-触土部件间恢复系数、静摩擦系数及滚动摩擦系数为标定对象,应用Plackett-Burman设计试验筛选出对休止角有显著影响的参数:即砖红壤-砖红壤滚动摩擦系数、JKR表面能、砖红壤-28MnB5板滚动摩擦系数、砖红壤-砖红壤恢复系数。进一步以砖红壤颗粒休止角为响应值,基于Box-Behnken设计试验得到休止角与显著性参数的二阶回归模型,并以实际休止角为目标,针对显著性参数进行寻优,得到最佳组合:砖红壤-砖红壤滚动摩擦系数为0.07、砖红壤-28MnB5板滚动摩擦系数为0.24、砖红壤-砖红壤恢复系数为0.4、JKR表面能为4.31J/m^2。最后在标定的参数下进行休止角与破土阻力离散元仿真验证试验,对比计算得出仿真休止角与实测休止角相对误差为0.62%,仿真破土阻力与实测破土阻力相对误差为3.43%,并通过对比分析两次试验中破土阻力变化曲线的拟合情况,得出两曲线间的可决系数R2=0.993 9,均方根误差RMSE=0.017 7,该结果表明标定所得相关参数可用作海南热区砖红壤离散元仿真。展开更多
文摘The mixing of particulates such as powders is an important process in many industries including pharmaceuticals, plastics, household products （such as detergents） and food processing. The quality of products depends on the degree of mixing of their constituent materials which in turn depends on both geometric design and operating conditions. Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding of the interaction between mixer geometry and the granular material, limited progress has been made in optimizing mixer design. The discrete element method （DEM） is a computational technique that allows particle systems to be simulated and mixing to be predicted. Simulation is an effective way of acquiring information on the performance of different mixers that is difficult and/or expensive to obtain using traditional experimental approaches. Here we demonstrate how DEM can be used to unravel flow dynamics and assess mixing in several different types of devices. These devices used for mixing and/or granulation of particulates, are classified broadly as gravity controlled, bladed and high shear. We also explore the role of particle shape in mixing performance and use DEM to test whether Froude number scaling is suitable for predicting scale performance of rotating mixers.
基金funding from the EPSRC(EP/C547195/1 and GR/S20789/01)
文摘The discrete element model （DEM） is a very promising modelling strategy for two-phase granular systems. However, owing to a lack of experimental measurements, validation of numerical simulations of two-phase granular systems is still an important issue. In this study, a small two-dimensional gas- fluidized bed was simulated using a discrete element model. The dimensions of the simulated bed were 44mm × 10mm × 120 mm and the fluidized particles had a diameter dp = 1.2 mm and density ρp = 1000 kg/m^3. The comparison between DEM simulations and experiments are performed on the basis of time-averaged voidage maps. The drag-law of Beetstra et al. [Beetstra, R., van der Hoef, M.A., ＆ Kuipers,J. A. M. （2007b）. Drag force of intermediate Reynolds number flow past mono- and bidispersed arrays of spheres. AIChE Journal, 53,489-501 ] seems to give the best results. The simulations are fairly insensitive to the coefficient of restitution and the coefficient of friction as long as some route of energy dissipation during particle-particle and particle-wall contact is provided. Changing the boundary condition of the gas phase at the side-walls from zero-slip to full-slip does not affect the simulation results. Care is to be taken that the cell sizes are chosen so that a reasonable number of particles can be found in a fluid cell.
文摘Discrete element modelling is commonly used for particle-scale modelling of granular or particulate materials. Developing a DEM model requires the determination of a number of micro-structural parameters, including the particle contact stiffness and the particle-particle friction. These parameters cannot easily be measured in the laboratory or directly related to measurable, physical material parameters. Therefore, a calibration process is typically used to determine the values for use in simulations of physical systems. This paper focuses on how to define the particle stiffness for the discrete element modelling in order to perform realistic simulations of granular materials in the case of linear contact model. For that, laboratory tests and numerical discrete element modelling of triaxial compression tests have been carried out on two different non-cohesive soils i.e. poorly graded fine sand and gap graded coarse sand. The results of experimental tests are used to calibrate the numerical model. It is found that the numerical results are qualitatively and quantitatively in good agreement with the laboratory tests results. Moreover, the results show that the stress dependent of soil behaviour can be reproduced well by assigning the particle stiffness as a function of the particle size particularly for gap graded soil.
基金Financial support from the EPSRC (EP/C547195/1and GR/S20789/01)
文摘This short review describes the capabilities of magnetic resonance （MR） to image opaque single- and two-phase granular systems, such as rotating cylinders and gas-fluidized beds operated in different fluidization regimes. The unique capability of MR to not only image the solids＇ distribution （voidage） but also the velocity of the particulate phase is clearly shown. It is demonstrated that MR can provide measurements over different length and time scales. With the MR equipment used for the studies summarized here, temporal and spatial scales range from sub-millisecond to hours and from a few hundred micrometres to a few centimetres, respectively. Besides providing crucial data required for an improved understanding of the underlying physics of granular flows, multi-scale MR measurements were also used to validate numerical simulations of granular systems. It is shown that predictions of time-averaged properties, such as voidage and velocity of the particulate phase, made using the Discrete Element Model agree very well with MR measurements.
文摘This paper presents the technological relevance of a concurrent algorithm-based discrete element modelling (DEM) system, HADES. This new system is the successor of SPACE that is limited to spherical grains only. It can realistically simulate the packing of arbitrary-shaped particles up to the fully compacted state. Generation of families of such particles, i.e., generally representing aggregate of fluvial origin and crushed rock, respectively, and the forming way of particulate structure are described. Similarly shaped particles are proposed for simulation of cement paste because of conformity with experimental results obtained by the X-ray tomography method. Technologically relevant territories inside and outside concrete technology are presently explored in this efficient, reliable, and economic way. Some results obtained by this DEM approach are presented.
基金supported by the UK Engineeringand Physical Sciences Research Council Knowledge Secondment Scheme
文摘The application of a digital modelling method that can faithfully take account of three-dimensional shape and inherent physical and chemical properties of each particulate component provides an essential tool in decommissioning design. This is useful in handling of high, medium and low level radioactive waste. The processes involve making decisions on where to cut existing plant components and then how to pack these components into boxes, which are then cemented and kept for long term storage as the level of radioactive declines with time. We illustrate the utility of the method and its ability to take data at plant scale （m-scale） and then deduce behaviours at sub millimetre scale in the packed containers. A variety of modelling approaches are used as a part of this approach including cutting algorithms, geometric and dynamic （distinct element） force models, and lattice Boltzmann methods. These methods are applicable to other complex particulate systems including simulation of waste, building recycling, heap leaching and related minerals processes. The paper introduces the basic concepts of this multi-scale and multi-model approach.
文摘【目的】实现黏性土壤离散元模型的接触参数与接触模型参数标定。【方法】基于土壤堆积角物理试验结果,采用考虑颗粒间黏结力的"Hertz-Mindlin with JKR"接触模型进行土壤堆积角仿真试验,借助GEMM(Generic EDEM material model database)数据库获得离散元模型关键参数(包括JKR表面能、恢复系数、静摩擦系数与动摩擦系数),进一步运用Box-Behnken试验方法进行堆积角仿真试验。【结果】通过对试验结果进行多元回归拟合分析获得了堆积角回归模型,回归模型的方差分析表明该模型极显著,试验因素对堆积角的影响为二次多项式,且存在复杂的一次与二次交互作用。以堆积角40.45°为目标对回归模型进行寻优,得到了优化解:JKR表面能7.91J·m-2;恢复系数0.66;静摩擦系数0.83;动摩擦系数0.25。以此优化解进行仿真试验获得的堆积角为39.73°。堆积角仿真试验与物理试验在堆积角度和形状上具有较高的相似性。【结论】可利用该优化参数对样品土壤进行进一步的黏性土壤与触土部件间的离散元仿真,从而揭示黏性土壤在触土部件作用下的运动规律。
文摘为获取适用于海南热区砖红壤与触土部件相互作用的离散元仿真模型参数,该文利用EDEM仿真软件中Hertz-Mindlin with JKR接触模型对海南地区砖红壤进行相关模型参数标定,首先以含水率为7.8%、实际休止角为32.35°的砖红壤为研究对象,以物理试验获取的砖红壤-砖红壤、砖红壤-触土部件间恢复系数、静摩擦系数及滚动摩擦系数为标定对象,应用Plackett-Burman设计试验筛选出对休止角有显著影响的参数:即砖红壤-砖红壤滚动摩擦系数、JKR表面能、砖红壤-28MnB5板滚动摩擦系数、砖红壤-砖红壤恢复系数。进一步以砖红壤颗粒休止角为响应值,基于Box-Behnken设计试验得到休止角与显著性参数的二阶回归模型,并以实际休止角为目标,针对显著性参数进行寻优,得到最佳组合:砖红壤-砖红壤滚动摩擦系数为0.07、砖红壤-28MnB5板滚动摩擦系数为0.24、砖红壤-砖红壤恢复系数为0.4、JKR表面能为4.31J/m^2。最后在标定的参数下进行休止角与破土阻力离散元仿真验证试验,对比计算得出仿真休止角与实测休止角相对误差为0.62%,仿真破土阻力与实测破土阻力相对误差为3.43%,并通过对比分析两次试验中破土阻力变化曲线的拟合情况,得出两曲线间的可决系数R2=0.993 9,均方根误差RMSE=0.017 7,该结果表明标定所得相关参数可用作海南热区砖红壤离散元仿真。
