Comparison of different effective diameter calculating methods for sphero-cylinders by geometrically exact DEM simulations

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 360; pp. 1092 - 1101
• Main Authors: Yu, Fuhai, Zhang, Yun, Zheng, Yang, Han, Mengzhi, Chen, Guojie, Yao, Zhihao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.01.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Angle of repose; Aspect ratio; Criteria; Cylinders; Discrete element method; Effective diameter; Free surfaces; Granular materials; Materials handling; Mathematical analysis; Mixing and segregation; Particle shape; Shape effects; Shape recognition; Sphero-cylinder; Discrete element method; Sphero-cylinder; Effective diameter; Mixing and segregation
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2019.10.097

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(α), particle volume plays the dominant role. With the increase of α, 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 α. 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. [Display omitted] •A DEM simulation with exact description of spheres and sphero-cylinders.•Formation of radial and axial segregation caused by shape effect is observed.•Shape effect can get alleviated by the existence of sphere particles.•Criteria for the selection of effective diameter calculating method are discussed.