Shape representation of axisymmetrical, non-spherical particles in discrete element simulation using multi-element model particles

A new method of representing non-spherical, smooth-surfaced, axi-symmetrica l particles in discrete element (DE) simulation using model particles compr ising overlapping spheres of arbitrary size whose centres are fixed in posi tion relative to each other along the major axis of symmetry of the particl e is presented. Contact detection and calculation of force deformation and particle movement is achieved using standard DE techniques modified to inte grate the behaviour of each element sphere with that of the multi-element p article to which it belongs. The method enables the dynamic behaviour of pa rticles 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, whic h should make the method comparable in computational efficiency to alternat ive schemes for representing non-spherical particles.