Numerical modeling of silo filling. II: Discrete element analyses

During the last two decades, many attempts have been made to develop computational models to represent the behavior of particulate solids in silos. Two methods have been used most commonly: the finite element method and the discrete element method. In an attempt to compare the state of the art in the two methods and to make an unbiased assessment of their capabilities, this project has harnessed expertise from all over the world to compare predictions of a group of standardized problems concerning silos. The first of these problems was deemed the simplest: that of filling a silo or container with solid. The challenge was to determine the stress state in the solid and the resulting wall pressures. The problem description and continuum analysis results were presented and discussed in a companion paper. This paper summarizes the discrete element predictions. A comparison is also made between the discrete and continuum analyses. Finally, comments are made on the outcome of the project.