Shape representation of axi‐symmetrical, non‐spherical particles in discrete element simulation using multi‐element model particles
- 1 June 1999
- journal article
- Published by Emerald in Engineering Computations
- Vol. 16 (4), 467-480
- https://doi.org/10.1108/02644409910271894
Abstract
A new method of representing non-spherical, smooth-surfaced, axi-symmetrical particles in discrete element (DE) simulation using model particles comprising overlapping spheres of arbitrary size whose centres are fixed in position relative to each other along the major axis of symmetry of the particle is presented. Contact detection and calculation of force-deformation and particle movement is achieved using standard DE techniques modified to integrate the behaviour of each element sphere with that of the multi-element particle to which it belongs. The method enables the dynamic behaviour of particles of high aspect ratio and irregular curvature (in two dimensions) to be modelled. The use of spheres to represent a particle takes advantage of the computational speed and accuracy of contact detection for spheres, which should make the method comparable in computational efficiency to alternative schemes for representing non-spherical particles.Keywords
This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Shape representation and contact detection for discrete element simulations of arbitrary geometriesEngineering Computations, 1998
- Numerical simulation of the gas-solid flow in a fluidized bed by combining discrete particle method with computational fluid dynamicsChemical Engineering Science, 1997
- Contact detection algorithms for three‐dimensional ellipsoids in discrete element modellingInternational Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 1995
- A linear complexity intersection algorithm for discrete element simulation of arbitrary geometriesEngineering Computations, 1995
- Effect of particle shape on the strength and deformation mechanisms of ellipse‐shaped granular assemblagesEngineering Computations, 1995
- A combined finite‐discrete element method in transient dynamics of fracturing solidsEngineering Computations, 1995
- An ellipse‐based discrete element model for granular materialsInternational Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 1993
- SIMULATION OF BLASTING INDUCED ROCK MOTION USING SPHERICAL ELEMENT MODELSEngineering Computations, 1992
- Three‐dimensional discrete element method for granular materialsInternational Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 1990
- A discrete numerical model for granular assembliesGéotechnique, 1979