A numerical model for flow of granular materials in silos, Part 1: Model development

A hybrid numerical model based on the finite-element (FEM) and the discrete-element methods (DEM) has been developed to predict the stress and velocity fields for particulate materials during discharge from silos. The FEM was used to model the particulate solid as a continuum. In regions where the bulk solid no longer behaves as a continuum, such as in the lower part of a hopper near the outlet and in regions where there are large shear deformations such as at the intersection of a vertical wall and a hopper wall, the DEM was used as the preferred procedure. A model linking the two methods is presented. An algorithm for the combined model is developed. (C) 1997 Silsoe Research Institute.