Discrete element modelling of the quasi-static uniaxial compression of individual infant formula agglomerates--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Hanley, K. J., O’Sullivan, C., Byrne, E. P., & Cronin, K. (2012). Discrete element modelling of the quasi-static uniaxial compression of individual infant formula agglomerates. Particuology, 10(5), 523–531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2012.04.002

Discrete element modelling of the quasi-static uniaxial compression of individual infant formula agglomerates

Kevin J. Hanley ^a *, Catherine O'Sullivan ^b, Edmond P. Byrne ^a, Kevin Cronin ^a

a Department of Process and Chemical Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
b Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Skempton Building, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom

10.1016/j.partic.2012.04.002

Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2012, Pages 523-531

Received 9 January 2012, Revised 31 March 2012, Accepted 12 April 2012, Available online 8 June 2012.

E-mail: k.hanley@imperial.ac.uk

Highlights

► A 3D DEM was developed for individual agglomerates of infant formula.

► The Taguchi method was used to calibrate the DEM parameters with quasi-static loading data.

► Weibull moduli for the simulation results and the experimental data were similar.

► The energy dissipation rates were highest where bond breakage events occurred.

Abstract

Infant formula is usually produced in an agglomerated powder form. These agglomerates are subjected to many transient forces following their manufacture. These can be difficult to quantify experimentally because of their small magnitudes and short durations. Numerical models have the potential to address this gap in the experimental data. The objective of the research described here was to calibrate a discrete element model for these agglomerates using experimental data obtained for quasi-static loading, and to use this model to study the mechanics of the particle response in detail. The Taguchi method was previously proposed as a viable calibration approach for discrete element models. In this work, the method was assessed for calibration of the model parameters (e.g., bond stiffnesses and strengths) considering three responses: the force at failure, strain at failure and agglomerate stiffness. The Weibull moduli for the simulation results and the experimental data were almost identical following calibration and the 37% characteristic stresses were similar. An analysis of the energy terms in the model provided useful insight into the model response. The bond energy and the normal force exerted on the platens were strongly correlated, and bond breakage events coincided with the highest energy dissipation rates.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Discrete element modelling; Uniaxial compression; Quasi-static crushing; Simulation; Granular materials; Taguchi methods

文章导读