SIMULATION OF FLOW BEHAVIOR OF BULK SOLIDS IN BINS .1. MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

A numerical model is developed, utilizing the discrete element method, to simulate the mechanical behaviour of a simulated bulk solid materi al consisting of uniform, inelastic, frictional and deformable discs. Two algorithms for contact search are incorporated in the simulation p rogram to increase the computation efficiency. The design and the util ization of the simulation program are discussed. To validate the numer ical model, a two-dimensional model bin was built to observe the gravi ty flow of hollow cylindrical particles. Two series of tests were cond ucted involving the variables: particle surface roughness, outlet loca tion, outlet width and number of particles. The motion of the particle s was recorded during discharge with a high speed video camera. The nu merical predictions were compared with the experimental data. The nume rically generated particle trajectories and velocities agree well with the observed flow behaviour. (C) 1995 Silsoe Research Institute