Simulation of flow behaviour 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 material consisting of uniform, inelastic, frictional and deformable discs. Two algorithms for contact search are incorporated in the simulation program to increase the computation efficiency. The design and the utilization of the simulation program are discussed. To validate the numerical model, a two-dimensional model bin was built to observe the gravity flow of hollow cylindrical particles. Two series of tests were conducted involving the variables: particle surface roughness, outlet location, outlet width and number of particles. The motion of the particles was recorded during discharge with a high speed video camera. The numerical predictions were compared with the experimental data. The numerically generated particle trajectories and velocities agree well with the observed flow behaviour. (C) 1995 Silsoe Research Institute