Parameter calibration of discrete element method modelling for cohesive and non-spherical particles of powder

Abstract

Numerical analysis via the DEM has been applied to various powder processes. To obtain simulation results of high reliability, a calibration method for the input DEM parameters must be established. This paper therefore proposes a calibration procedure for non-spherical cohesive particles. The rolling friction coefficient and surface energy for cohesive force based on the JKR theory were calibrated. Initially, the dynamic angles of repose were calculated using various parameter combinations to obtain a two-dimensional contour map. Subsequently, the DEM parameters were determined by comparing them with the experimental data. Finally, the theoretical static angle of repose was calculated using the selected parameters to verify its agreement with the experimental data, which confirmed its validity. Furthermore, the validity of the calibrated parameters was evaluated by mixing simulations in a V-shaped mixer. Through the proposed calibration procedure, the DEM parameters of several materials were obtained successfully, and their wide applicability was confirmed.