Discrete Element Model Parameters Research Articles

Parameter calibration of discrete element model for gluten densification molding.

The densified powder material is convenient for storage and transportation, with broad market application prospects. In this study, the discrete element model parameters required for simulating gluten densification were calibrated using the Hertz-Mindlin with JKR contact model. Initially, physical testing techniques were utilized to assess the size distribution, density, and angle of repose (AoR) of gluten particles. Following this, the Plackett-Burman test, the steepest ascent test, and the Box-Behnken test were conducted, and the significant factors were obtained: The coefficient of rolling friction (P-P) was 1.038, the coefficient of static friction (P-P) was 0.071, and the surface energy (P-P) was 0.047. Finally, the AoR and densification simulations were performed under the optimal parameter combination, along with validation tests. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated and tested AoR was 0.52%. The compression ratio and compression force curves of simulated and actual were similar.

Optimization and Experimental Study of Operation Parameters for Fertilizer Injection Drilling Device Based on Discrete Element Simulation

In addressing the challenges of high energy consumption and low efficiency in fertilization borehole drilling for clayey soils in southern orchards, this study utilizes the Discrete Element Method to establish a simulation model for clayey soils. Through this approach, we identify an optimal set of operational parameters that significantly reduces energy consumption. By utilizing simulation technology to model the drilling process, we analyzed the impact of rotation speed and feed rate on the torque and resistance of the drilling apparatus. Initially, this paper describes field measurements of particle parameters in soils from southern orchards. Subsequently, utilizing the Discrete Element Method and particle contact theory, we established a simulation model to represent the interactions between soil and soil, as well as soil and auger in the soil environment of the southern region. For the Southern orchard clay with a moisture content of 16.8% and a measured angle of repose of 35.55°, parameter calibration was performed. The contact model “Hertz-Mindlin with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts” was selected in EDEM. Using Design Expert, a regression model variance analysis was applied to the discrete element model parameters, leading to the determination of the optimal values for significant soil model parameters. The soil JKR surface energy is 5.85 J·m−2, with a soil–soil restitution coefficient of 0.65 and a soil–steel static friction coefficient of 0.5. Subsequently, discrete element simulation experiments on the drilling apparatus were conducted in EDEM, considering various rotation speeds and feed rates. The simulation analysis indicates that the torque consistently increases with higher rotation speeds, with a maximum relative error of 7%. The torque initially rises from zero to a maximum value, then gradually decreases to a low value, followed by a rapid increase to a higher value, and finally drops back down. This cycle repeats in the observed pattern. The total force experienced reaches its minimum average value of 200 N at a feed rate of 0.05 m/s. Simulation test results indicate that, among the three forces acting on the auger (vertical resistance, horizontal resistance, and lateral resistance), vertical resistance is the primary factor contributing to power consumption. As the rotation speed increases, the maximum value of vertical resistance continues to rise, while horizontal resistance and lateral resistance exhibit a declining trend. As the feed rate increases, the maximum values of resistance in all three directions also increase. When the feed rate exceeds 0.05 m/s, the maximum lateral resistance experiences a sharp increase. Through comprehensive analysis, the optimal operational parameters for borehole fertilization are determined to be a rotation speed of 100 r·min−1 and a feed rate of 0.05 m/s. The aim of this study is to reduce the energy consumption of borehole fertilization operations, minimize carbon emissions, and promote the sustainable development of orchard production.

Quantitative assessment and optimization of parallel contact model for flexible paddy straw: a definitive screening and central composite design approach using discrete element method

To simulate the bending behaviour of paddy straw at varied moisture contents after crop harvesting, we created a flexible paddy straw specimen model based on the Hertz–Mindlin with parallel contact bonding model using the discrete element model (DEM) approach. The research presented in this study aims to investigate a new approach called Definitive Screening Design (DSD) for parameterizing and screening the most significant parameters of the DEM model. This investigation will specifically focus on the three-point bending test as a means of parameterization, and the shear plate test will be used for validation purposes. In addition, the most influential DEM parameters were optimized using another Design of Experiments approach called Central Composite Design. The findings from the DSD indicated that parameters such as bonded disk scale, normal stiffness, and shear stiffness have the highest impact on the bending force, while the coefficient of static friction (Straw-Steel) has the least effect. The three bonding parameters were respectively calibrated with the loading rate (0.42, 0.5, and 0.58 mm s−1) and a good agreement between actual and simulated shear force at moisture content M1—35 ± 3.4%, M2—24 ± 2.2% and M3—17 ± 2.6%. Modelled stem helps simulate the straw with low error and increases the accuracy of the simulation. The validated model, with an average relative error of 5.43, 7.63, and 8.86 per cent, produced reasonable agreement between measured and simulated shear force value and loading rate.

Determination of Characteristics and Establishment of Discrete Element Model for Whole Rice Plant

In order to accurately establish a discrete element model for the whole plant flexibility of upright rice during the harvesting period, several physical characteristics, such as geometric features, moisture content, and density, of the entire rice plant were measured, along with frictional properties, such as the static and rolling friction coefficients, and mechanical properties, including the elastic modulus and restitution coefficient. A flexible and upright discrete element model of the rice plant was established using the DEM method based on the Hertz–Mindlin (no slip) and Hertz–Mindlin with bonding mechanical models. The parameters were optimized through Plackett–Burman screening experiments, steepest ascent experiments, and Box–Behnken optimization experiments to accurately determine the discrete element model parameters of each component of the rice plant. The calibration process of the contact parameters between rice grains and steel was analyzed in detail as an example, resulting in a calibration error of 0.68% for the natural repose angle. Taking the calibration of the contact parameters between the main stem and steel as an example, a detailed analysis of the calibration process was conducted. The calibration resulted in a calibration error of 2.76% for the natural repose angle and 2.33% for deflection. This study lays the foundation for understanding the mechanical response of rice and machinery when they are coupled together. Additionally, it provides valuable references for establishing discrete element models of plant species other than rice.

Discrete element contact parameters measurement and calibration of sugarcane leaves based on RSM-PSO

In response to the lack of accurate and reliable parameters in the discrete element simulation analysis of the sugarcane leaf crushing and return device, in this work, the actual and simulated errors of two stacking angles α and β of sugarcane leaves were used as indicators to calibrate the discrete element parameters. The second-order regression models between the important parameters and the indicators were obtained by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test, and Box-Behnken optimization test, and the analysis of variance and interaction factors were performed. The response surface method and particle swarm optimization algorithm were used to find the best significance parameters, and the best combination of significance parameters was obtained: the static friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.306, the rolling friction coefficient between sugarcane leaves was 0.198, and the recovery coefficient of sugarcane leaf-plate collision was 0.102. The relative errors of the simulation results and the physical test stacking angle α and stacking angle β were 0.609% and 1.643%, respectively. The calibration parameters can provide a theoretical reference for the design and research of sugarcane leaf crushing and returning machines, as well as the calibration of discrete element model parameters for leaf crops with high water content.

Three-dimensional DEM tillage simulation: Validation of a suitable contact model for a sweep tool operating in cohesion and adhesion soil

Discrete element modelling (DEM) is widely used to estimate soil-tool interaction and tillage forces. To run an accurate simulation, it is essential to determine the appropriate DEM contact model and parameters. Although previous work has been introduced to determine the DEM contact model and parameters, the accuracy of numerical simulation is not high because of the soil differences when tillage tools operate in cohesion and adhesion soil in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. In this paper a Hertz-Mindlin with JKR Cohesion contact model and Linear Cohesion contact model were used to predict soil disturbance area and draft forces. The DEM parameters were determined using cone penetration, and uniaxial unconfined compression as an assisted test. The field experiment using sweep tool was used to validate the simulation results. A good agreement has been showed between simulation results and experiment results. Using verified model, the relative error for the predicted soil disturbance area at speeds of 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 m/s were 5.3, 3.6 and 7.1 %, respectively. The maximum and average relative errors between simulated and measured draft forces were 6.98 and 3.91%, respectively. The effect of tillage depth and speed at soil disturbance area and draft forces were found which can provide some guidance for the selection of parameters during actual operation.

Calibration of Contact Parameters for Particulate Materials in Residual Film Mixture after Sieving Based on EDEM

In this study, to obtain the contact parameters of particulate materials accurately and quickly in residual film mixture after sieving, the contact parameters of particulate materials were calibrated via a physical test and simulation test. By using the self-made dynamic angle of a repose measurement test bench, the dynamic angle of repose of the particulate materials was measured at 41.32°, and the standard deviation was 1.33°. A discrete element simulation of the dynamic angle of the repose test was performed via an EDEM screening experiment design through a simulation of a combination of different parameters, with the dynamic angle of repose as the response value. Through simulation experiments, three significant influencing factors, as well as the level range of each factor, were confirmed. By using the response surface experiment, a mathematical model of the dynamic angle of repose and the three most influential parameters was created. The analysis of variance showed that the determination coefficient R2 and the correction determination coefficient R2adj were 0.9824 and 0.9598, respectively. The model had a good fit. The variable coefficient was 2.06% and the lack of fit was non-significant, which showed that the regression model was very significant, and the dynamic angle of repose could be predicted according to the model. By solving the optimization for the mathematical model, the optimal combination of parameters with three important influencing factors were obtained. The results showed that the coefficient of the static friction between soil and soil was 0.38, the coefficient of the rolling friction between soil and soil was 0.08, and the coefficient of the static friction between cotton residue and cotton residue was 0.33. The relative error of the dynamic angle of repose between the simulation with the optimal parameter combination and the physical test value was 2.64%. The results could provide a reference for the calibration of the discrete element model parameters of other agricultural particulate material, as well as provide a theoretical basis for the design of related collecting and conveying machinery.

丘陵山地根茎类中药材种植区土壤离散元参数标定

Aiming at the lack of accurate and reliable discrete element simulation parameters in the study of the soilmachine interaction mechanism and the design of machinery in the planting areas of rhizomes in hilly mountainous areas, EDEM software was used to calibrate the parameters. The soil angle of repose test was used to calibrate the contact parameters between soil particles, and the soil sliding test was used to calibrate the contact parameters between soil and machinery. The Box-Behnken optimization method was used to establish the multiple regression model of the angle of repose and the sliding angle, and the optimal contact parameters between soil particles were obtained by solving the model. The optimal combination of contact parameters was used to conduct tests on the angle of repose and soil sliding angle and the errors between the simulation and physical tests were 3.94% and 3.66%, respectively. In order to further verify the accuracy of the calibrated and optimized discrete element model parameters, the rotary tillage ridge field test and the simulation test were used for comparative analysis, and the relative errors of the simulated test results and the field test results for ridge height, ridge top width, and ditch bottom width were obtained, respectively. 4.45%, 6.96%, 8.56%, the error is within the acceptable range. The rotary tillage and ridging effects are consistent in simulation and field tests, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the calibration of soil parameters.

Determination and Validation of Discrete Element Model Parameters of Soybeans with Various Moisture Content for the Discharge Simulation from a Cylindrical Model Silo

This study investigates the physical parameters that affect the flow patterns of soybeans with various moisture content (12% to 60%) at varying orifice sizes (20, 40, and 60 mm) in a cylindrical silo. The flow conditions required to obtain a steady mass flow during discharge were evaluated via experiments and three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulation. The discharged mass flow rates at different flow conditions provided the critical size of the orifice. If the reduced diameter (Dred) of an orifice is >5.59, the flow showed a steady state. Based on the mass flow index (MFI), the flow patterns at 40% and 60% moisture content at 40 and 60 mm orifice sizes, respectively, showed funnel flows. although these flow conditions were satisfied to maintain a steady flow. The maximum wall pressure for the funnel flow showed the location of the interlocking phenomenon where the stagnant zone began during discharging. DEM simulation was validated through the mass profiles using the parameters obtained by the experiments. This study demonstrates that the experimental and analytical results with DEM simulation predict the flow behaviors of soybeans well at various moisture contents. These results are useful for designing silos for continuous food processing.

Determination of Discrete Element Modelling Parameters of a Paddy Soil with a High Moisture Content (>40%)

Discrete element modelling (DEM) parameters are of great importance for the accurate prediction of soil properties and disturbance. This study aimed to provide an efficient method for accurately determining the DEM parameters of a paddy soil with a high moisture content (45.66%). The DEM parameters of the paddy soil modelled using the Hertz–Mindlin with JKR contact model were determined by using the Plackett–Burman (PB), steepest ascent, and central composite tests. The accuracies of the developed DEM models were evaluated using actual slumping tests. Based on the PB test, the surface energy of soil, coefficients of soil–soil rolling friction, and coefficients of soil–steel static friction exerted larger influences on the overall relative error (δZH). The optimization results showed that to achieve a minimum δZH (5.96%), the surface energy of soil, the coefficients of soil–soil rolling friction, and the coefficients of soil–steel static friction should be 0.808 J m−2, 0.11, and 0.6, respectively. The optimized DEM model had an overall relative error of 7.27% with a coefficient of variation of 1.32%, indicating that the DEM parameters of the calibrated paddy soil had good accuracy.

Calibration of Discrete Element Parameters of Maize Root and Its Mixture with Soil

Discrete element simulation is an effective method to reveal the interaction between tillage components and work objects. However, due to the lack of discrete element modelling parameters of maize root and its mixture with soil, existing tillage models cannot accurately simulate the farmland environment under a no-tillage system. This study developed single maize root (SMR) with different diameters and maize root-soil mixture (MRSM) DEM models based on calibrated parameters through the angle of repose (AOR) tests. First, the Plackett–Burman and the steepest climb tests were performed to identify the range of essential parameters for the AOR of the SMR. Then, the optimal parameters for the SMR and MRSR models were obtained by Box–Behnken design (BBD) testing. The results showed that the static friction coefficient of SMR-SMR and the rolling friction coefficient of SMR-SMR and SMR-steel significantly affected the AOR. In addition, the AOR of MRSM was extremely sensitive to the restitution coefficient and surface energy coefficient of root soil. Based on optimal parameters, the relative errors between the simulated and measured AOR and pixel peak values of the piles’ contour curve were less than 5% for SMR and MRSM. The error of the dynamic AOR of the measured and simulated MSRM was less than 10%. These results indicate that the parameter calibration method and the developed models can be valuable references for DEM simulation for maize stubble and tillage.

Calibration of Discrete Element Model Parameters of Soil around Tubers during Potato Harvesting Period

To address the fact that existing studies may not be able to accurately describe the discrete element parameters of the soil during the potato harvesting period and to improve the accuracy of the potato harvesting equipment simulation studies, this study was conducted on the soil around the harvested potato tubers in the field. The simulation parameters of the discrete element model of soil were determined by the soil stacking angle test and soil block shear crushing test with the actual test measurements as the target. Based on a series of experimental designs, the factors affecting the stacking angle were the static friction coefficient and the rolling friction coefficient between soil particles; and the rolling friction coefficient between soil and steel. The factors affecting the maximum shear damage force were normal stiffness and shear stiffness per unit area. The quadratic regression equations were established and solved to obtain the optimal discrete element simulation parameters. The results can provide more realistic and reliable parameters for the construction of soil simulation models of potato fields during harvesting and for the discrete element simulation of soil-touching components of potato harvesting equipment. It can also further enrich the parameter data of soil discrete element simulation models and provide a reference for related research

Simulation and Experiment of the Spiral Digging End-Effector for Hole Digging in Plug Tray Seedling Substrate

Usually the planters used in agricultural machinery face two problems: The planters have to spread the soil twice using the tray seed planter, and it is difficult for them to dig the holes before planting. This study has designed a spiral digging end-effector to dig holes in parallel effectively and quickly so that the seeds can be planted in the holes easily. A spiral digging end-effector was designed with five spiral bits, a synchronous belt, a cylinder, a gear motor, and a connecting plate based on the tray size and the pumpkin seed characteristics. Before the optimization of the end-effector’s parameters, the substrate discrete element model parameters were calibrated using the method of “material funneling” applied for the EDEM discrete element model simulation. The contact parameters and model parameters (substrate–substrate static friction coefficient, substrate–substrate rolling friction coefficient, and surface energy) that have significant impacts on the substrate AOR (angle of repose) were selected by applying the Plackett–Burman Design and the path of steepest ascent method, and their respective optimal value range were determined. The optimal parameter values were obtained through the Central Composite Design response surface analysis test, and the parameters of the spiral digging end-effector were optimized combining the substrate particle simulation. The verification test results indicate that the substrate discrete element model parameters were accurate and reliable if the substrate static friction coefficient was 0.427; the substrate rolling friction coefficient was 0.039, and the surface energy was 0.228. When the cone angle is 30°, the spiral angle is 80°, and the rotational speed is 240 r/min, the section width at the hole depth of 13 mm is 23.1 mm, and the particle overflow proportion is about 2.05%. Compared with the protrusions penetrating end-effector, soil porosity is increased, and soil aeration is improved. Therefore, the spiral digging end-effector can effectively and quickly dig holes in the seedling substrate and can sow pumpkin seeds, which provides a research basis for the design and improvement of automatic pumpkin seed sowing equipment.

An efficient method for determining DEM parameters of a loose cohesive soil modelled using hysteretic spring and linear cohesion contact models

Appropriate discrete element modelling (DEM) parameters are essential for accurate prediction of soil properties and disturbance. This study aims to provide an efficient method for accurately determining DEM parameters of a loose cohesive soil in a range of soil conditions. DEM parameters of the loose cohesive soil modelled using hysteretic spring and linear cohesion contact models were determined by a combination of Plackett–Burman, steepest ascent and central composite tests. The accuracies of DEM models developed under different soil moisture contents (0.27–22%) were evaluated using slumping angle of repose test and funnelling angle of repose test. Heap angles under different soil moisture contents decreased quadratically with time with determination coefficients ranging from 0.750 to 0.969. For the given soil, friction or rolling friction coefficient of soil–soil changed with a cubic function as moisture content increased. Similar coefficients of friction (0.23–0.25) and rolling friction (0.038–0.049) of soil–soil were found for moisture contents from 12 to 22%. Based on ANOVA outputs, soil properties tested were significantly affected by soil moisture content at p < 0.05, including angle of repose (AOR), releasing time, yield strength of soil and coefficients of friction and rolling friction of soil-steel. Low relative errors (<2.8%) were found for simulated AORs using developed soil DEM models under different soil moisture contents. Simulated releasing time agreed well with high-speed video measurements. The suggested method has good potential to accurately determine DEM parameters for loose cohesive soils in a range of conditions.

Determination of discrete element model parameters for a cohesive soil and validation through narrow point opener performance analysis

The discrete element method (DEM) is a powerful tool that can be used to predict soil disturbance and soil cutting forces to assist design optimisation of soil cutting tools. In this study, DEM input parameters were calibrated to model a cohesive soil (Black Vertosol of southern Queensland, Australia) using the hysteretic spring contact model, coupled with linear cohesion model, and nominal particle radius of 5 mm. DEM simulations were validated using experimental results for the effects of opener rake angle and cutting edge chamfer, and bentleg opener shank offset on no-tillage narrow point opener performance. Overall, DEM results closely agreed with experimental results and exhibited similar trends. By using particle displacement analysis to predict loosened furrow boundary, most predictions of furrow parameters namely furrow cross-sectional area, furrow width, and critical depth had relative errors ranging from 1 % to 19 %. Lateral soil throw was predicted with relative errors of 0.2 %–9 %, except for the straight opener with 45° rake angle (-32 %). Ridge height was over predicted in all cases due to larger DEM particles than actual soil particles used. Relative errors of 20 %, 22 %, -31 %, and -5 % in draught were recorded for the straight openers with 90° (blunt), 90° (chamfered), and 45° rake angles, and the bentleg opener, respectively. These results show that DEM and the input parameters determined to model the cohesive soil of this study can be used to reliably assess furrow opener performance.

Extrusion rheometer for 3D concrete printing

An ability to measure and monitor the rheological characteristics of concrete is important for 3D printing applications. Printable concretes need to have high yield stress and viscosity for buildability. The common rheological testing methods, such as slump tests and rheometers are not sensitive for these highly stiff concretes. In this study, the suitability of the orifice extrusion method in measuring rheological parameters of 3D printable concrete was explored for different concrete mixes with varying aggregate proportions. Further, a Discrete Element Model (DEM) was developed to simulate the particle flow in an orifice extruder with a user-defined contact model. The DEM parameters were calibrated using the experimental results from the orifice extruder and validated further using the slump test data. Finally, using the calibrated model, the 3D printing extrusion process with different print velocities was simulated to validate the applicability of the developed model to simulate the extrusion-based 3D concrete printing process. The results and observations from a DEM simulation were confirmed using the 3D concrete printing experiments, which were conducted using a laboratory-scale 3D printer.

WITHDRAWN: An efficient method for determining DEM parameters of a loose cohesive soil modelled using Hysteretic Spring and Linear Cohesion contact models

Abstract Appropriate determination of discrete element modelling (DEM) parameters is essential for accurate predictions of soil properties and disturbance behaviours in agriculture. In this paper, DEM parameters of a loose cohesive soil modelled using Hysteretic Spring and Linear Cohesion contact models were determined by a combination of Plackett-Burman (PB) test, Steepest Ascent test and Central Composite test. The accuracies of DEM models developed under different soil moisture contents (ranging from 0.27 to 22 %) were evaluated using slumping angle of repose (SAOR) test and funnelling angle of repose (FAOR) test. The results showed that heap angles under different soil moisture contents decreased quadratically with time with determination coefficients ranging from 0.750 2 to 0.969. For the given soil, friction or rolling friction coefficient of soil-soil changed with a cubic function as moisture content increased. Similar coefficients of friction (from 0.23 to 0.25) and rolling friction (from 0.038 to 0.049) of soil-soil were found for soils with moisture contents from 12 to 22 %. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) outputs, soil properties tested were significantly affected by soil moisture content at p

High-stress impact–abrasion test by discrete element modeling

This work presents a discrete element model (DEM) of the impeller–tumbler wear test in order to investigate high-stress impact–abrasion mechanisms on steel plates with the use of abrasive granite particles. A DEM calibration procedure of the granite particles is first performed to set particle-scale DEM parameters such as particle shape, density and frictions. The simulations of the impeller–tumbler wear test showed good qualitative results with experimental observations. Simulation results demonstrate that edges of the tested steel plate samples are first abraded, as in the experiments, and a linear increase in abrasion energies cumulated with time on the steel plates is obtained which is in accordance with the linear time evolution of sample mass loss in the experiments. Simulations shed light on the particle flow and particle–wall contact behavior which was impossible to observe experimentally. Local investigations of particle–wall contacts show an exponential decay of normal contact forces classically found for static granular materials when forces are above the mean contact force. Also, tangential contact forces distribution follows an exponential decay for forces above their mean force. This work demonstrates that the exponential decay of large contact forces is a robust feature even for a dynamic and loose granular system which is a novelty. Finally, probability density functions of normal and tangential abrasion energies are found to follow exponential decays for energy data above their mean values which is for the first time observed.

Modelling mineral slurries using coupled discrete element method and smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Slurry in wet grinding mills is critical for transporting fine progenies out of the system to downstream floatation process. It is commonly modelled as Newtonian fluids when simulating grinding mills with numerical tools. However, rheology of the slurry exhibits shear thinning non-Newtonian behaviours. This study aims to investigate the non-Newtonian characteristics of mineral slurries both experimentally and numerically. Non-Newtonian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and its coupling to discrete element modelling (DEM) framework was initially described. Non-Newtonian rheology of a copper slurry with various solids concentrations was determined experimentally by a rotary viscometer. SPH-DEM modelling of the viscometry test was conducted with both Newtonian and Power-law non-Newtonian settings in fluid phase, and comparisons were performed. Results suggested that the non-Newtonian SPH based method better reflects actual rheological behaviours of the slurry. In addition, DEM parameters exhibited limited impacts on rheology of the solids-liquid mixture, particularly at low solids concertation and high shear rate states. The findings suggested that the non-Newtonian based SPH-DEM method should be used to more accurately model the slurry flows within grinding mills.

An Effective Inverse Procedure for Identifying DEMParameters of Rock-Like Materials

This study aims to identify discrete element model parameters of rock-like materials. An inverse procedure is developed to determine the discrete element model parameters from experimental measurements. This involves the solution of an inverse problem through minimizing the misfit function which describes the error between numerical computation and experiment by an optimization procedure. In this procedure, the discrete element method is adopted as the numerical calculation method of the forward problem. The orthogonal experimental design is used for parameter sensitivity analysis. Besides, the approximation model with radial basis function is adopted instead of the actual calculation model to reduce the time of forward calculation. The ant-colony optimization algorithm is employed as the inverse operator. Therefore, the parameters of the discrete element model are optimized by this procedure. The three-point bending experiment with discrete element simulation is provided to verify the validity and accuracy of the inversion results. The results indicate that it can rapidly obtain the available and reliable model parameters just through a few sets of experimental data. As a result, this inverse procedure can be applied more widely to parameter identification of the discrete element model for brittle materials.