DEVELOPMENT OF A PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR ARCH DESTRUCTION BY VIBRATION IN STORAGE BINS FOR COHESIVE BULK SOLIDS

Abstract

A predictive model is developed for arch destruction during vertical vibration in storage bins for cohesive bulksolids. The model is based on the equilibrium of static and inertial forces on an arch. The cohesive bulk material is simulatedas thin layers connected by elastic and damping elements during vibration. The model predicts the minimum accelerationamplitudes and thrust forces required for destructing arches at certain locations in storage bins. A small cylindrical bin of178 mm diameter and 120 mm high was used to conduct an experiment to validate the prediction model. Tests were conductedfor vibration frequencies from 18 to 90 Hz. It is theoretically proven that the optimal vibration frequencies for arch destructionare among the natural frequencies of the cohesive material storage system. The model predictions compared favorably withexperimental results. The average difference between the model predictions and measured acceleration amplitudes for archdestruction was 7%.