The importance of particle shape in discrete-element modelling of particle flow in a chute

Abstract

To investigate the influence of particle shape in the discrete-element modelling (DEM) of particle flow, particles were modelled using both spheres and approximately ellipsoidal four-ball clumps to simulate the flow of pebbles in a chute. The velocity profiles of the particles obtained from DEM are compared with those from laboratory experiments. In the experiments, the velocity profiles were obtained by tracking the positions of marked pebbles using a high-speed camera. It is found that the use of four-ball clumps gives velocity profiles and clearance times for different chute angles that are in good agreement with the experiments if the particle coefficient of friction is chosen correctly. The interparticle coefficient of friction was chosen so as to achieve the same angle of repose in the DEM as in the laboratory for the real pebbles. The use of spheres, however, did not give good agreement with the laboratory results.