Shape-changing particles for locally resolved particle geometry in DEM simulations--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Illana, E., Qyteti, K., Scharnowski, M., Brömmer, M., Wirtz, S., & Scherer, V. (2024). Shape-changing particles for locally resolved particle geometry in DEM simulations. Particuology, 89, 185-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2023.11.003

Shape-changing particles for locally resolved particle geometry in DEM simulations

Enric Illana^*, Klidi Qyteti, Maik Scharnowski, Maximilian Brömmer, Siegmar Wirtz, Viktor Scherer

Institute of Energy Plant Technology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany

10.1016/j.partic.2023.11.003

Volume 89, June 2024, Pages 185-190

Received 24 July 2023, Revised 24 October 2023, Accepted 2 November 2023, Available online 15 November 2023, Version of Record 6 December 2023.

E-mail: illana@leat.rub.de

Highlights

• Shape-changing polyhedron by applying a scaling factor to each vertex.

• Continuous transition model from polyhedron to sphere and vice versa.

• Speed-up DEM simulations by locally resolving the shape of the particles where required.

Abstract

Taking into account the complex shape of particles in discrete element method (DEM) simulations of large-scale granular systems is computationally demanding due to the time-consuming contact detection algorithms for polyhedral particles. In this short communication, a novel approach that locally resolves the particle shapes where needed and uses a simplified representation elsewhere, to accelerate simulations without compromising accuracy, is presented. For this purpose, a method employing a smooth transition of the particle shape representation from analytical spheres to shape-resolving polyhedra is introduced in DEM. The feasibility and correct implementation of this approach are demonstrated through simulations of hopper discharge involving spherical and dodecahedral particles from a flat bottom silo or shaft kiln. The model capabilities, in terms of accuracy as well as reduction in computational effort, are quantified for a moving bed with continuous outflow.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Polyhedron; Size change; Shape change; Locally resolved; DEM

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