Simulation of granular flow in a rotating frame of reference using the discrete element method

Abstract

Over the years, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has attracted significant attention for its capacity to simulate granular flows because it captures physical phenomena that cannot be observed using continuum methods. However, the simulation of granular systems with DEM is computationally demanding, especially in the case of systems in rotation. One solution is to perform simulations in a non-inertial rotating frame of reference, which requires the addition of fictitious velocity-dependent forces such as the Coriolis force. We assess the numerical feasibility and accuracy of such DEM simulations. We show that the velocity Verlet scheme in its classical form no longer defines a symplectic map and is no longer of second order when there are velocity dependent forces. Nevertheless, our study of a dense particle flow within a rotating hourglass shows that the relevant properties of such flow are accurately reproduced in a non-inertial frame and that computational performance is improved.