Discrete Element Method Model Research Articles

Contact rheological DEM model for visco-elastic powders during laser sintering

Laser sintering is a widely used process for producing complex shapes from particulate materials. However, understanding the complex interaction between the laser and particles is a challenge. This investigation provides new insights into the sintering process by simulating the laser source and the neck growth of particle pairs. First, a multi-physics discrete element method (DEM) framework is developed to incorporate temperature-dependent contact rheological and thermal properties, incorporating heat transfer and neck formation between the particles. Next, energy transport by ray tracing is added to allow for computing the amount of laser energy absorbed during sintering. The DEM model is calibrated and validated using experimental data on neck growth and temperature evolution of particle pairs made of polystyrene and Polyamide 12. The findings show that the proposed DEM model is capable of accurately simulate the neck growth during the laser sintering paving the way for better controlling and optimizing the process.Graphical

DEM and DEM-CFD modeling of systems with geometric constrictions using a new particle location based multi-level coarse graining approach

A popular Lagrangian approach for modeling granular systems is the discrete element method (DEM). Currently, the simulation of industrial granular systems often exceeds modern computer capacities. Therefore, the coarse graining (CG) approach bundles multiple particles into grains, which are less computationally demanding due to the reduced number of entities considered. In systems, where the maximum grain size is limited by local geometry constrictions, uniform grain sizes lead to inefficient computations since far from the constrictions larger grain sizes could be reasonably used. Multi-level coarse graining (MCG) addresses this by using multiple grain sizes, which are adapted to the geometric constrictions. In this study, geometrical non-uniform hoppers and a Wurster coater system were modeled using a new MCG approach. Results from literature regarding hopper discharge were matched. For the Wurster coater system MCG outperforms conventional CG by providing a higher resolution of the granular material close to the geometric constriction.

Assessment of shear band evolution using discrete element modelling

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to quantitatively assess shear band evolution by using two-dimensional discrete element method (DEM).Design/methodology/approachThe DEM model was first calibrated by retrospectively modelling existing triaxial tests. A series of DEM analyses was then conducted with the focus on the particle rotation during loading. An approach based on particle rotation was developed to precisely identify the shear band region from the surrounding. In this approach, a threshold rotation angle ω0 was defined to distinguish the potential particles inside and outside the shear band and an index g(ω0) was introduced to assess the discrepancy between the rotation response inside and outside shear band. The most distinct shear band region can be determined by the ω0 corresponding to the peak g(ω0). By using the proposed approach, the shear band development of two computational cases with different typical localised failure patterns were successfully examined by quantitatively measuring the inclination angle and thickness of shear band, as well as the microscopic quantities.FindingsThe results show that the shear band formation is stress-dependent, transiting from conjugated double shear bands to single shear band with confining stress increasing. The shear band evolution of two typical localised failure modes exhibits opposite trends with increasing strain level, both in inclination angle and thickness. Shear band featured a larger volumetric dilatancy and a lower coordination number than the surrounding. The shear band also significantly disturbs the induced anisotropy of soil.Originality/valueThis paper proposed an approach to quantitatively assess shear band evolution based on the result of two-dimensional DEM modelling.

Study on the mechanism and countermeasures of progressive collapse in deep excavation retained by multilayer struts

There is still a lack of research on the resilient design of excavations retained by multilayer struts against progressive collapse. This paper utilizes a discrete element method (DEM) model to investigate the mechanism of the force variation in struts and diaphragm walls during excavation and progressive collapse based on the Nicoll Highway accident in Singapore. This study identifies dangerous time points, which occur after the excavation has reached a certain depth, leaving a layer of soil without a corresponding strut. At these points, the bottommost one or two installed struts and diaphragm wall are critical components that can trigger progressive collapse if they fail. To prevent this, two concepts are proposed and are validated by DEM simulation. The sparse upper and dense lower (SUDL) strut arrangement concept ensures progressive collapse resistance of the retaining structure at the bottom of the excavation. The concept of dynamic redundant struts (DRSs) utilizes redundant struts to provide temporary protection in the vulnerable sections of the retaining system during excavation. Alternating the installation and removal of DRSs creates dynamic redundancy, ensuring progressive collapse resistance throughout the construction process in a relatively economical way. Additionally, the DRSs can effectively reduce the lateral deflection of the retaining wall.

A Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method Model for Physics‐Based Simulation of Structure Formation during Battery Electrode Drying

Drying is a critical process step during battery electrode production due to its microstructure defining nature. Distribution and interconnectivity of active material particles, pores, and the overall porosity significantly influence the later cell performance. Knowledge about structure formation as well as electrode property prediction are crucial for optimization and targeted electrode design. However, the exact microprocesses during electrode drying are not yet understood well and very difficult to access experimentally. Therefore, in this study, a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) simulation models for investigating structure formation considering particle–particle as well as fluid‐particle interactions and vice versa is presented. , The volume of fluid method is used for taking into account the fluid‐fluid interface, evaporation and capillary interactions. The simulations reveal the formation of a top–down consolidation front which interacts with the fluid leading to a backflow of liquid. The results show good agreement with experimental measurements for NMC622 cathodes. Furthermore, the influence of production parameters such as mass loading and solids content is examined. The findings demonstrate the modeling tool's suitability for process engineers to anticipate and enhance electrode characteristics and facilitate scientists to understand complex structure formation relationships.

Dust emission evaluation of the flexible metal wheel over lunar terrain and fender effect

The lunar rover’s wheels produce substantial dust emission during movement, presenting safety concerns for astronauts and potential equipment wear. Replicating the dust emission behavior in the low-gravity environment on Earth is challenging. This study proposes a numerical approach to analyze the dust emission distribution of an elastic wire mesh wheel over lunar terrain. The analysis considers adhesion and electrostatic forces within a Discrete Element Method (DEM) model of lunar dust. Then a Multi-Flexible Body Dynamics (MFBD) model of a flexible wire mesh wheel was developed. A virtual single-wheel soil bin experiment was conducted to examine dust emission features under various motion conditions and on rough terrain. Additionally, alternative structures of dust fender were designed to effectively suppress dust, and the effects of the structural features on dust emission were further explored. This comprehensive study provides a valuable reference for simulation and dust-control technologies related to elastic lunar wheels, offering insights that contribute to the effective management of dust emissions from lunar rover wheels.

Triaxial compression test of MICP sand column and simulation of failure process

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology can induce calcium carbonate crystals with cementation and stable performance in the process of microbial metabolism or enzymization through the regulation of environmental factors MICP can be used as a cementing agent to cement cohesionless sand particles to form the materials with the characteristics of higher strength, better durability and environmental friendliness, as well as a good engineering application prospect. In this paper, the shear strength of sand column was tested by triaxial compression tests, and the strength index was obtained. In order to further study the micro-strength mechanism and the failure process, based on the discrete element method, a numerical model of MICP cemented sand column was established considering the factors of matrix soil particle gradation, particle morphology, content ratio of induced calcium carbonate, pore distribution characteristics, inter-particle cementation and so on. The failure process of MICP cemented sand column under load was analysed by numerical simulation, and the reliability of the numerical model was tested by combining with the stress intensity curve of samples under test conditions. The results indicate that compared with the actual triaxial tests of MICP cemented sand column, although there are deviations in stress and strain, cohesion and internal friction angle, the numerical simulation shows similar development law and intensity amplitude, and the same failure trend. The work in this paper verifies the reliability of the numerical model and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent analysis of the factors influencing the geotechnical mechanical properties of biomineralized materials.

Systematic Calibration and Validation Approach for Discrete Element Method (DEM) Modeling of Corn Under Varying Moisture Contents (MC)

Abstract. Discrete Element Method (DEM) based simulation of grain threshing and conveyance processing at relatively dry to wet grain moisture content range has been limited. A comprehensive five-step framework of a DEM grain model calibration and validation of flow and grain impacts on equipment was investigated. The framework was examined by developing DEM models for corn grain moisture conditions sampled during crop harvesting, and simulated hopper discharge corn flow, and corn impact forces on a grain paddle elevator of a crop harvesting machine. Five bulk material response parameters were obtained from two calibration experiments of the angle of repose and direct shear test at the MC levels of 11%, 16%, and 26%. Latin hypercube sampling statistical design of experiment points, Gaussian Process Regression surrogate model, and optimization algorithms were successfully implemented to generate Hertz-Mindlin (HM) with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) cohesive model of corn at three moisture content levels. The DEM simulation results predict the corn mass flow rate of hopper discharge with relative errors of -5%, -4%, and 1% for corn at 11%, 16%, and 26% MC levels, respectively. The DEM also predicts corn impact forces on a paddle elevator with a relative error of less than 11%. The established DEM calibration methodology, used for simulation of crop threshing, and harvested grain handling processes at extreme grain moisture content, can accelerate the simulation-based design of crop harvesting equipment. Keywords: Calibration, Corn, Discrete Element Method, Moisture Content, Sensitivity analysis, Validation.

Calibration of Contact Parameters of Biochar Based on Discrete Element Method

Highlights The rice husk and straw biochar particles were statistically analyzed, and two representative particles were obtained. A particle model was established using the discrete element method and the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts method. This study used a response surface design method to calibrate biochar particle parameters. Abstract. The discrete element method (DEM) is widely used in modelling particulate materials and related applications. DEM modelling requires the calibration of a large number of microparameters that are difficult to experimentally measure. This study aims to obtain the contact parameters of different types of biochar accurately and quickly and proposed a parameter calibration method for biochar particles to verify, which uses particle density, moisture content, inter-particle friction coefficient, particle and steel plates. A mathematical model was established for predicting parameter of friction coefficient, Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) surface energy, and contact behavior. The parameters were verified using the engineering design measurement method and a simulation analysis using a commercial software called Rocky. The results showed that: (a) the data obtained using the cylinder lifting method and the stacking and angle of repose tests of the drawing plate method were stable, the angle of repose of the biochar pellet pile was measured to be 36.55°; (b) the steepest climbing test results indicated that with the increased of Biochar-biochar rolling coefficient, Biochar-steel restitution coefficient, and JKR value, the angle of repose gradually increases; (c) a quadratic regression model was established through a Box-Behnken experiment, and it was found that the interaction term had an extremely significant effect on the angle of repose of biochar particles; (d) a preliminary design of a biochar return machine was created based on the calibration, simulation and actual test results. Keywords: Angle of repose, Biochar, Discrete element, Parameter calibration, Simulation parameters.

Performance Evaluation of Jerusalem Artichoke Digging Tool in Cohesive Soil Using Discrete Element Method

Highlights Response surface methodology is suitable for DEM input parameter optimization. Soil reaction forces reduced at velocity ratios greater than one (1.2-3.9). Vibration reduced soil reaction forces at the target depth of 350 mm by 70%. In general, soil reaction forces increase with speed but decrease with frequency. Abrasive wear predominantly occurred at the tool’s cutting section. Abstract. The discrete element method (DEM) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine the input parameters and combination of operational factors required for optimizing the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) harvesting tool in cohesive soil. The DEM soil model consisted of particles with different radii in three shapes calibrated using angle of repose and cone penetration data. Compared with data from a soil bin subsoiler evaluation, the DEM model showed acceptable relative errors for draught force (6.7%), vertical force (4.5%), and furrow width (9.3%). The effects of operational factors, including forward speed, vibration frequency, and amplitude, on response variables such as draught and vertical forces, drawbar power, and abrasive wear were analyzed for three harvesting shovels (S-shape, step-shape, and fork-shape). The ratio of vibratory speed to forward speed (velocity ratio, Vr) was used to analyze the combined effect of the factors. The operational factors significantly affected all the response variables (p<0.05). At Vr > 1 (1.2-3.9), soil reaction forces and drawbar power were considerably reduced. The optimal parameters for minimizing the response variables were 2.5 km h-1 forward speed, 14.5 Hz frequency, 30 mm amplitude, and S-shape shovel at Vr = 3.9. The minimum draught force, vertical force, drawbar power, and Archard wear depth were 4.64 kN, 0.41 kN, 2.64 kW, and 2.36 mm, respectively, at an operating depth of 350 mm. Operating in vibratory mode reduced draught force by 54% with the full width of the implement. Future work should include Jerusalem artichoke tubers in the simulation and experimental validation. Keywords: Abrasive wear, Clay, Numerical optimization, Soil reaction forces, Velocity ratio, Vibration.

Calibration and experimental verification of discrete element parameters for modelling feed pelleting

The discrete element method (DEM) has demonstrated significant advantages in modelling feed-tool interaction. The selection of an appropriate contact model and its parameter calibration is crucial for developing effective DEM simulations. A DEM model of feed powder was developed to forecast powder compression and densification in feed pelleting by using the Edinburgh elasto-plastic adhesion contact model. Firstly, a calibration method of DEM parameters based on the Plackett–Burman (PB) and the central composite (CC) test was proposed to enhance calibration efficiency. Both experimentally and through DEM simulation of the uniaxial confined compression experiments, powder repose angle experiments, and powder static friction angle experiments were used to calibrate the DEM parameters. Extract the DEM parameters that have a significant impact on feed pelleting through PB testing. Then, the effects of these parameters on response were analysed using CC testing, and ascertain their optimal values. Finally, the single-hole open compression experiment and feed pelleting experiment were used to evaluate the accuracy of the parameters. The results show that the average relative error between the predicted ultimate compressive force in the open compression experiment and the measured value is 8.16%, and that of the torque of the pellet mill is 2.10%. Thus, it was shown that the modelling and calibration method can effectively predict the compression and densification of powder in the feed pelleting.

Estimation of the Transverse Wave Velocity in Siliceous Carbonate Reservoirs of the Dengying Formation in the Gaoshiti–Moxi Area, Sichuan Basin, China

Siliceous minerals of the Dengying Formation in the Gaoshiti–Moxi area in the central Sichuan Basin exhibit four types of quartz crystals (cryptocrystalline quartz, chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, and megacrystalline quartz) and three structural types: cryptocrystalline, microcrystalline, and mosaic (laminated mosaic, window-hole interrupted mosaic, and arc-laminated mosaic). Siliceous minerals have a great influence on the storage performance of the reservoirs in the Dengying Formation. According to the petrophysical parameters of the Dengying Formation and porosity intersection diagrams, the siliceous dolomite and the reservoirs have low impedance characteristics, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them and leads to difficulties in the characterization and prediction of the reservoirs. The transverse wave velocity is favorable for reservoir characterization. Currently, the main method used to estimate the transverse wave velocity is petrophysical modeling, which establishes a relationship between the elastic and physical parameters of the reservoir. In this paper, the siliceous minerals in the dolomite in the study area are regarded as solid inclusions, and the calculation method of the rock matrix modulus is improved by using solid replacement. Then, an improved petrophysical model is constructed by combining the KT (Kuster–Toksöz) model, the DEM (Discrete Element Method) model, the Gassmann equation, and the Wood equation. The transverse wave velocity is estimated using the improved model under the constraint of the longitudinal wave velocity. The shapes of the transverse wave velocity curves obtained by the improved model and the deviations from the measured velocities are significantly better than those of the Xu–Payne model and other models. The results show that the improved model can effectively estimate the transverse wave velocity of the reservoir in this area, which provides a basis for future reservoir predictions in this area.

The influence of particle shape on crushing pattern and energy dissipation within a pressurized sand damper

A discrete element method (DEM) model was introduced to examine the crushing pattern, energy dissipation, force–displacement curves, and stresses within a pressurized sand damper (PSD). Simulations were carried out with various particle shapes, including elongated, triangle, pyramid, cube, and hexagon. While monitoring the force–displacement curves, it was observed that the hexagon-shaped particles yielded the highest forces, while the triangle-shaped particles resulted in the lowest forces. Altering the particle shapes did not significantly impact the overall shape of the force–displacement curves, suggesting that dynamic force generation remains unaffected by the particle shape. Particle crushing was closely examined for all particle shapes, and it was concluded that all shapes exhibit relatively similar crushing locations and patterns. In the analysis of normal stress, hexagon- and elongated-shaped particles were found to experience the highest and lowest stresses, respectively. Observing the energy dissipation revealed that, among the shapes studied, triangle-shaped particles had the lowest cumulative dissipated energy over five loading-unloading cycles, whereas hexagon-shaped particles had the highest. The calculation of specific damping capacity showed a large loss angle, indicating the presence of large strains inside the model.

An interface-enhanced discrete element model (I-DEM) of bio-inspired flexible protective structures

Natural organisms have evolved protective structures that help them survive environmental threats without sacrificing flexibility. While the discrete element method (DEM) has been used to model bio-inspired flexible protective structures, existing DEM models struggle with modeling interactions between elements of complex geometries and finite deformation, making them unsuitable for describing interfacial interlocking and associated failure mechanisms observed in experiments. Here, we propose an interface-enhanced DEM (I-DEM) model that brings about a number of advantages over the existing methods. First, contact-induced geometric nonlinearity is incorporated via a nonlinear interaction function to model interfacial interlocking. Second, finite deformation of interfacial material is taken into account in modeling interfacial failure. Furthermore, contact detection and processing algorithms are utilized to model collision and post-contact behaviors. The utility of I-DEM is demonstrated in modeling bio-inspired flexible protective structures across three distinct interfaces, evidencing its broad applicability to varied interface geometries. FEM simulations of scaled armor structures with segmented helmet and space shield are performed to demonstrate an increase in computational efficiency of the proposed I-DEM model by about four orders of magnitude for static analysis and by two orders of magnitude for dynamic analysis, with numerical discrepancies within about 10%, compared to FEM.

Multi-objective optimization of concrete pumping S-pipe based on DEM and NSGA-II algorithm

In the process of fresh concrete pumping, the S-pipe plays a crucial role in the pumping system. The impact and scratching of concrete aggregate on the wall of S-pipe will cause the wear of the wall and lessen its service life. The structural design of the pumping S-pipe typically relies on experience, and the cost for experiments is too expensive. In addition, the influence mechanism of structural parameters on S-pipe wear is still unclear. In view of this, to reduce the wear of S-pipe and investigate the influence of structural parameters on the wear of S-pipe, the structural parameters of S-pipe (curvature radius r1 and r2, horizontal dimension l3, and inclination angle θ) were optimised through discrete element numerical simulation combined with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) in this paper. Firstly, the wear coefficient was determined by friction and wear test. The discrete element method (DEM) model of pumping suction unit was simplified, and the S-pipe was parameterised. Secondly, sample points and their exact values of the optimization objectives were obtained by Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) plan and DEM simulations, respectively. From these, a Kriging surrogate model was constructed. Taking the average wear rate and the maximum wear of the S-pipe as the optimization objectives, a multi-objective optimization design was performed based on the NSGA-II and the Kriging models. After optimization, a series of Pareto optimal S-pipe models were obtained. Comparing the optimised model with the original model, the average wear rate and maximum wear amount of the S-pipe were reduced by 9% and 26%, respectively.

CFD-DEM simulation of proppant pack stability during flowback in a rough fracture using supercritical CO2

The destabilization of proppant packs during flowback, leading to undesirable consequences such as choke points (fracture closure near the wellbore) and proppant production, is a critical concern in fracturing operations. Despite its significance, comprehensive investigations into proppant pack stability during flowback remain limited, particularly in supercritical CO2 (Sc-CO2) fracturing. This study addresses this gap by employing an experimentally validated coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method (CFD–DEM) model, integrated with a heat transfer model, to analyze proppant pack stability in Sc-CO2 fracturing near the wellbore. An authentic proppant pack for flowback analysis is generated by simulating proppant pack development during the pumping stage and subsequent compression during the fracture closure stage in a synthetic rough fracture. The findings reveal that the flowback stage can be subdivided into three stages: translation-controlled, rolling-controlled, and stable. Proppant pack stability is intricately governed by factors such as fluid drag force, inter-particle contact force, and pre-flowback pack shape. Due to the reduced fluid drag force, the retained proppant ratios rise under varied conditions: from 47.6% to 95.7% with a decrease in flowback rate from 0.3 m/s to 0.1 m/s, from 50.0% to 67.8% with an increase in fluid temperature from 40 °C to 160 °C, and from 16.5% to 80.8% with an increase in proppant size from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. In comparison, due to the increased inter-particle contact force, the retained proppant ratio increases by 16.4% as the closure width increases from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. Additionally, a longer proppant pack with a front characterized by a higher inclination angle and curved zone exhibits higher stability during flowback. These insights significantly enhance the understanding of proppant pack stability during flowback, offering crucial guidance for designing Sc-CO2 fracturing processes.

Investigation of particle-scale mechanical behavior of hydrate-bearing sands using DEM: Focus on hydrate habits

Natural gas hydrates are commonly found in onshore permafrost and seabed regions. Hydrates often exhibit different pore habits in different regions, which may affect the mechanical behavior of hydrate-bearing sands (HBSs). In this study, pore-filling, load-bearing and cementing HBSs were prepared using discrete element method (DEM). The numerical biaxial compression tests show that the digital cementing HBS specimen well capture the stress-strain response of the gas-saturated HBS specimen in experiments under σc = 3 MPa, which justify the DEM model in this study. The pore-filling hydrates contribute little to the stress-strain response of sediments, while the load-bearing and cementing hydrates significantly enhance the failure strength and stiffness, and also induce strain-softening behavior and higher volume dilation. Hydrate cementation hinders the lateral fabric development in HBS, and renders orderly particle displacement and abundant strong force chains. The yielding of HBS is dominated by the buckling of strong force chains. Particle sliding, dislocation and rotation are responsible for the formation and development of shear bands, which governs the volume dilation and non-uniform deformation of HBS. Comprehending the geomechanical behavior of HBS under different hydrate habits facilitates the optimization of engineering solutions for hydrate exploitation.

Pulsation effects on mixing behaviour of binary particles with different densities in supercritical water fluidized bed reactors: A CFD-DEM study

A coupled computational fluid dynamics - discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model for simulating supercritical water fluidized bed reactors (SCWFBR) is established and verified using the previous correlations based on experimental data. The CFD-DEM model is then adopted to investigate the pulsation effects on the mixing behaviour of binary particles with different densities in the SCWFBR. Numerical results show that external energy pulses can be effective in promoting the mixing of binary particle systems with different densities in SCWFBR which cannot be achieved by simply increasing the flow rate constantly. Within the current parameter range: low-frequency pulses are favored to promote particle mixing rather than high-frequency pulses, and an optimal frequency exists. The role of low amplitudes in influencing mixing degree is slight, but the particle mixing degree can be greatly enhanced by increasing the pulse amplitude beyond a certain value. The mechanism that pulsed inlet fluid promotes particle mixing is to raise the heavy particles which are inclined to stay at low positions during the fluidization. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method to predict the optimal frequency established for size-induced segregation can be applicable to solve the problem of the density-induced segregation.

A mechanistic analysis of particle flow in a pulsatile circulating dual fluidized bed for chemical looping technology based on CDF-DEM simulation

This paper presents a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic–discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model using Geldart class D particles for studying the fluid flow pattern in a circulating dual fluidized bed (CDFB) for chemical looping dry reforming of methane (CLDRM). The system design comprised a high-velocity air reactor (AR) also known as riser fluidized bed, a riser tube, a cyclone chamber, a fluidizing bed fuel reactor (FR), and a connecting loop, which closes the loop between AR and FR. The particles distribution, volume fraction, flow pattern, velocity and their circulation between the AR (riser) and FR (second fluidized bed) in CDFB were deeply investigated. The results showed that the CLDRM system experiences a pressure imbalance between the reduction and oxidation zones, causing solid particles to undergo a highly intricate and turbulent pulse flow. As a result, the operation of the system is alternately governed by two flow regimes: bubbling fluidization and pulsatile circulating fluidization. The burst of a high pressure pulses provide the pressure head required for circulation of the particles. The pulses also led to the intermittent transportation of particles ― in the form of particles clusters ― from high-pressure area to the region with a lower pressure.

Electromechanical coupling characteristics analysis of vertical stirred mill based on ECS-MBD-DEM

This paper focuses on the start-up and steady-state operation stages of a vertical stirred mill, and the electromechanical coupling characteristics are thoroughly investigated based on the ECS-MBD-DEM coupling method. Firstly, according to the driving and working principles of the vertical stirred mill, the electrical control system (ECS) and multibody dynamics (MBD) model of the vertical stirred mill are separately established. Subsequently, a discrete element method (DEM) model is developed for the grinding media inside the mill. On this basis, the ECS-MBD-DEM coupling model of the vertical stirred mill is constructed, and its feasibility is validated through experiments. Then, the pitch, screw diameter, grinding media filling, and mill rotation speed of the helical agitator are considered as influential factors, with average value and coefficient of variation used as evaluation indicators for the level and fluctuation of changes. The load torque and current amplitude during the start-up and steady-state stages of the vertical stirred mill are analysed separately based on the ECS-MBD-DEM coupling method. The results indicate that the pitch, screw diameter, and grinding media filling have a significant effect on the average value of load torque. The screw diameter, grinding media filling, and mill rotation speed significantly influence the coefficient of variation of the load torque. The mill speed has a significant effect on the average value and coefficient of variation of the current amplitude. Finally, the cumulative volume velocity difference is proposed as an evaluation indicator for the grinding efficiency in the annular region, and the impact of influential factors on it is discussed, the results show that the grinding media filling and mill speed have a significant impact on the cumulative volume velocity difference.