EDEM Software Research Articles

Design and Experimental Study of a Biomimetic Pod-Pepper-Picking Drum Based on Multi-Finger Collaboration

In order to reduce ground drop loss during mechanical pepper picking and improve the net recovery rate, a drum snap finger picking device was designed. The picking device is mainly composed of a picking drum and auxiliary picking components; the picking finger arrangement was designed biomimetically and its structure and operating parameters were optimized by the DEM (discrete element method). According to the physical and mechanical characteristics of the pepper and the simplified three-dimensional model of the picking device, a virtual simulation model of the pepper-picking device was established using the EDEM software. Through simulation analysis and using the orthogonal test method, the main factors which affect the ground drop loss rate of pepper and their optimal parameter combination values were determined. The simulation results were verified by a pepper-picking field experiment. Orthogonal tests show that, when the picking drum speed (V′) is 210 rpm, the pepper-feeding speed (V″) is 1100 mm·s−1, the bending angle of each picking spring tooth (C) is 162°, and each group of circumferential fingers has rows, the picking device has a good picking effect. At this time, the ground drop loss rates in both the simulation and field test were 7.50% and 7.85%, respectively, and the drop error was only 4.46%, which was within the allowable range. The design form and parameter optimization simulation method in this paper provide an important reference for the design and optimization of pepper-harvesting machinery.

Comparative research on the pipe-soil frictional resistances of circular and rectangular pipe sections during trenchless pipe jacking.

Pipe jacking is a trenchless construction method to achieve forward tunneling and efficient construction of underground structure simultaneously without extensive surface excavation. In the process of pipe jacking construction, the jacking force provided by the hydraulic jacking equipment must overcome the frontal resistance of the cutter head and the frictional resistance between the pipe sections and formation at the same time. In particular, the pipe-soil frictional resistance increases with the increases of jacking distance, buried depth, pipe diameter and the complexity of jacking trajectory. Therefore, it is very important to correctly estimate jacking force in trenchless jacking engineering practice for the smooth implementation of pipe jacking, operation risk and comprehensive cost control. Firstly, the stress states of jacking circular and rectangular pipe sections in the soil are analyzed, and the key influencing factors of their pipe-soil frictional resistance are obtained respectively. Then, the pipe-soil frictional resistance of jacking the circular and rectangular pipe sections with the same external surface area in the dry sandy soil and coal granular layer are tested separately by using the self-developed multifunctional experimental apparatus during trenchless pipe jacking. The results show that the pipe-soil frictional resistances of jacking circular and rectangular pipe sections in the coal granular layer are always smaller than that in the sandy soil under the same experimental conditions, and the corresponding fitting calculation equation of pipe-soil frictional resistances are obtained respectively. Meanwhile, the modified calculation methods of the above pipe-soil frictional resistances are proposed respectively based on the relationship between the lateral pressure coefficient K and the buried depth of pipe section H. Moreover, the disturbed area of soil in the upper part of jacking circular pipe section presents an arc distribution, while the disturbed area of soil in the upper part of jacking rectangular pipe section presents a slightly concave distribution. Due to the different disturbance conditions of soil around the pipe section, the lateral pressure coefficient K should be corrected in the calculation equations of pipe-soil frictional resistance of jacking circular and rectangular pipe sections based on the discrete element numerical simulation analysis by EDEM software. Finally, the pipe-soil frictional resistances obtained by different methods in the sandy soil are compared and analyzed. The calculated values of the modified theoretical calculation method are very close to the experimental test values, while the other methods are smaller than the experimental test values, which makes the rationality of the modified theoretical calculation method of pipe-soil frictional resistance is verified, and some suggestions are also put forward for the value of some coefficients in the relevant empirical estimation equations. The above research achievements systematically compared the states of pipe-soil frictional resistances of jacking circular and rectangular pipe sections based on different research methods, especially for the correct evaluation of jacking force during trenchless pipe jacking, they could provide some valuable references and effective guidance for the subsequent research, engineering practice and further development of trenchless pipe jacking technology.

Calibration of Simulation Parameters for Fresh Tea Leaves Based on the Discrete Element Method

To address the problem of a lack of accurate parameters in the discrete element simulation study of the machine-picked fresh tea leaf mechanized-sorting process, this study used machine-picked fresh tea leaves as the research object, established discrete element models of different fresh tea leaf components in EDEM software version 7.0.0. based on the bonded particle model using three-dimensional scanning inverse-modeling technology, and calibrated the simulation parameters through physical tests and virtual simulation tests. Firstly, the intrinsic parameters of machine-picked tea leaves were measured using physical tests; the physical-stacking tea leaf test was conducted using the cylinder lifting method, the tea leaf repose angle being 32.62° as measured from the stacking images using CAD. With the physical repose angle as the target value, the Plackeet–Burman test, the steepest-ascent test and the Box–Behnken optimization test were conducted in turn, and the results showed that the static friction coefficient between tea leaves, the rolling friction coefficient between tea leaves and the static friction coefficient between tea leaves and PVC have a major effect on the repose angle, and the optimal combination of the three significant parameters was determined. Finally, five simulations were conducted using the optimal combination of parameters, the relative error between the repose angle measured by the simulation test and the physical repose angle being just 0.28%. Moreover, the t-test obtained p > 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between the simulation test results and the physical test results. The results showed that the calibrated discrete element simulation parameters obtained could provide a reference for the discrete element simulation study of fresh tea leaves.

Effect of Operating Parameters on the Mulching Device Wear Behavior of a Ridging and Mulching Machine

To conduct an in-depth investigation of the impact of various operating parameters on mulching device wear during the operation of full-film dual-row ridging and mulching machine mulching, this paper employed EDEM software to create a 3D discrete element model of how a mulching device interacts with the soil on the seed bed and simulated the dynamic process of the interaction between the mulching device and the soil during the mulching operation. We analyzed the cladding wear process between the cladding device and the cladding sand particles, and two areas of impact wear on the overburden conveyor housing and areas of wear on the chute deflector scratches were detected. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design approach was used, with mathematical modeling of the relationship between the scraper conveyor lifting line speed, seed bed cover, scraper spacing, and wear of the cover device, finding the optimal combination of operating parameters for mulching devices. The results of the simulation test indicated that the mulching device experienced a minimum wear of 0.958 × 10−3 mm at a lifting line speed of 0.7 m·s−1 for the scraper conveyor, a mulching volume of 2.55 kg·s−1 for the seed bed, and a scraper spacing of 98 mm. The results of the field trial validation showed that, in a comparison between simulated wear parts and a mulching operation prototype of the same two wear parts, the established discrete element model appeared reasonable concerning the structural parameters, with a feasible abrasion mechanism process of sand particles on the soil-covering devices, demonstrating the model’s reliability and validity. It can serve as a guide for optimizing the design of mechanized full-film dual-furrow seed bed mulching operation.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ МНОГОЗАХОДНЫХ ВИНТОВЫХ ЛОПАСТЕЙ НА ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ МЕЛЮЩИХ ТЕЛ В БИСЕРНОЙ МЕЛЬНИЦЕ

The distribution of bead mills in industrial enterprises of the processing industry for fine and ultra-fine grinding of various materials, the need for their improvement is demonstrated. A new design of a horizontal bead mill with multi-start screw blades is considered. This allows increasing productivity and reducing specific power consumption. The purpose of the studies was to assess the possibility of increasing the efficiency of the bead mill when screw blades are installed on the paddle shaft and their influence on the energy state of grinding bodies. Using the EDEM software product, the mathematical planning method of the experiment, a simulation of the process of movement of grinding bodies in the model of the body part of the bead mill was carried out when it was equipped with a pair of two-way screw blades. The obtained regression equation was studied. It describes the dependence of the averaged value of the total kinetic energy of the grinding body on varying factors: the angle of rotation of the beginning of the blade screw starts, the distance between the screw blades, the pitch of the screw blade, and the angular speed of the blade shaft. The possibilities of increasing the average value of the total kinetic energy of the grinding body and regulating the energy state of the grinding bodies have been established. The feasibility of conducting further theoretical and experimental studies aimed at studying the process of grinding material in a bead mill with multi-start screw blades and establishing rational design and technological parameters that ensure increased efficiency of this process has been determined.

离散元法 (EDEM) 仿真与参数优化： 低损高效玉米脱粒装置的设计与试验

Aiming at the problems of low threshing efficiency and high damage rate of current threshing devices. In this study, the operational form of the threshing drum and the structure of the threshing element were innovated, and a new threshing drum with low damage and high efficiency was designed. Using EDEM software, flexible body modeling of corn kernels, cobs and whole ears was carried out. The dynamic analysis of the corn threshing process was completed and the simulation parameters were further optimized. The optimum operating parameters were analyzed by orthogonal rotational tests and response surface method with a speed of 800 r/min for the threshing drum, a clearance of 10 mm for the concave plate and 30 mm for the threshing drum. The radius of the round head of the threshing element was 5 mm. The height of the threshing element was 60 mm. The final threshing efficiency was 98.78% and the damage rate of threshing was 0.62%. The results show that the new threshing device can meet the requirements of low-loss threshing devices for corn combine harvesters and can provide a theoretical basis for the development of the theory and technical system of corn plot combine harvesters in the future.

离散元法分析履带自走式芦苇收获机割台运行参数

In this paper, the basic rigid unit and discrete element rigid model of reed stem and discrete element flexible model of reed stem were established by means of multi-spherical filling and other methods. Then, three-point bending test was carried out in EDEM software to complete the calibration of bonding parameters. Finally, simulation analysis was carried out with the loss rate as the index. The simulation results show that the optimal parameter combination is 46 r/min for the transverse transmission device, 53 r/min for the vertical clamping longitudinal transmission device, and 470 mm for the center distance of the drum. Finally, the initial field test verifies that the maximum parameter combination of the harvester header is 49 r/min for the transverse conveying device of the header, 51 r/min for the vertical clamping longitudinal conveyor and 1.1 m/s for the field forward speed of the reed harvester, and the loss rate of the harvester is 3.36%, and the optimal parameter combination is consistent with the simulation analysis results.

Design and test of potato seeding apparatus based on double-layer seed picking scoop structure.

At present, potato seeders in China generally have poor uniformity of seed rows and high coefficients of variation in plant spacing during seed rows, causing difficulties for subsequent mechanized plant protection and harvesting. Based on the effect of seed discharge to analyze the sowing process, a potato seed discharger with a double-layer seed picking spoon structure was designed. By analyzing the seed discharging mechanism and its operation process, the shape and size structural parameters of the seed picking spoon were determined. Finite element simulation of the seed pickup process and seed carrying process of the seed discharging mechanism was carried out by EDEM software to determine the double-layer seed scoop scheme and the range of factors for subsequent tests. A two-factor test was conducted with seeding line speed and seed drop height as test factors, and plant spacing coefficient of variation and seed potato lateral offset dispersion as test indexes. The test results showed that the double-layer seeding spoon chain seeder reduced the coefficient of variation in plant spacing by 5.8%, and the dispersion in lateral offset by 5.5 mm, compared with the single seeding spoon seeder, when the seeding speed was 0.184 m/s and the height of falling seed was 9 cm.

Numerical analysis of charge characteristics of electrostatic chute for edible powder

AbstractThe influence of physical parameters on the charge characteristics of food powder in the process of electrostatic chute transportation was studied to provide technical support for the electrostatic elimination of food powder in the process of conveying and packaging. Taking edible powder as the research object, firstly, the particle model was established, and the three‐dimensional model of electrostatic chute was imported into EDEM software to calibrate the parameters of particles with different particle size distribution, different water content and different chute materials. Then the chute transport simulation was carried out on the calibrated edible powder to analyze the variation law of the average charge‐mass ratio of the powder. The electrostatic chute test platform was built to complete the relevant tests. The simulation study found that the average charge‐mass ratio between wheat flour with water content of 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18% and 304 stainless steel chute is 7.024, 7.01, 6.838, 6.55, and 5.932 nC/g, respectively. The average charge‐mass ratio in contact with PVC chute is 5.622, 4.808, 4.766, 4.412, and 4.768 nC/g; The average charge‐mass ratio between wheat starch with the same moisture content and 304 stainless steel chute is 2.984, 2.468, 2.254, 2.248, and 2.078 nC/g, and the average charge‐mass ratio between wheat starch and PVC chute is 2.522, 2.152, 1.962, 1.371, and 2.026 nC/g. When the water content is the same (10%–18%), the static friction Angle of powder and chute is negatively related to the charge of wheat flour and wheat starch in the static chute. The higher the water content of wheat flour and wheat starch (10%–16%), the worse the chargability. The charge characteristics of wheat flour with large grain size distribution range are higher than those of wheat starch with small grain size distribution range. The results of electrostatic chute test and simulation are consistent, which verifies the correctness of the simulation results. The research results provide certain reference for the electrostatic elimination in the process of food powder conveying and packaging.Practical ApplicationIn this paper, EDEM is used to establish the particle parameter model of food powder, and the parameters of wheat starch and wheat flour particles are calibrated through the combination of experiment and simulation, and electrostatic chain‐simulation experiments are carried out. By obtaining the average charge‐mass ratio change of powder's charge characteristics under different influencing factors, the corresponding electrostatic influence rule of powder is found. The influence of physical property parameters on the charge characteristics of food powder in the process of electrostatic chute transportation was studied to provide technical support for electrostatic elimination in the process of food powder transportation and packaging.

Fast and precise DEM parameter calibration for Cucurbita ficifolia seeds

The lack of discrete element method (DEM) models and calibration parameters for Cucurbita ficifolia seeds, as well as low accuracy and efficiency of common parameters calibration methods, hinder the application of DEM for computer simulation in air-suction directional seeding equipment. In this study, the DEM parameters of the seeds were calibrated. The angle of repose (AOR), intrinsic parameters, and partial contact parameters of the seeds were experimentally measured. The seed 3D models were reconstructed based on the three-view profile information. The parameters and their value ranges were filtered through the Plackett–Burman design and steepest ascent test. The response surface method (RSM) and machine learning were utilised for optimisation inversion of the parameters. The experiments showed that the geometric relative error of the seed model was 0.69–6.54%, which meets the modelling requirements for DEM. The seed–seed static friction coefficient, the seed–seed and the seed–PVC rolling friction coefficient were 0.341, 0.026, and 0.059, respectively, which were obtained by inverting the GA-BP regression model via the Genetic Algorithm. The simulated AOR was 26.64°, with a relative error compared to the actual AOR of 1.64%, which was better than the simulated AOR obtained by RSM optimisation. The greater the smoothing value setting in EDEM software, the less the particle filling, resulting in improved simulation efficiency but reduced model accuracy. The CPU + GPU(CUDA) solver showed high DEM solution efficiency. The results reveal that the method can be used to quickly and accurately construct a 3D model of the seed, and the parameter optimisation accuracy of GA-BP-GA is better than that of RSM.

Numerical simulation of particle and bubble detachment process in turbulent flow environment using CFD-DEM

Three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) models were developed to simulate particle-bubble interactions by utilizing the API function within the EDEM software platform. Geometric grids were constructed using FLUENT software to induce isotropic turbulence, and this turbulence environment was incorporated into the CFD-DEM framework. The simulations focused on the detachment of particles and bubbles, with particle sizes ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 mm, particle densities ranging from 1500 to 2500 kg/m³, and fixed bubble sizes of 1.00, 1.20, 1.60, and 2.00 mm. The detachment processes occurred within a turbulent flow field at distances of 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 mm from the grid. It is found that the particle-bubble bond required more capillary force to maintain attachment equilibrium as the particle density and size, bubble size, and flow field turbulence environment increased, the smaller the initial flow velocity to bring the bubble and particle to a critical desorption state, indicating the increase in all these factors were not conducive to attachment stability.

Contact parameters calibration of mixtures in different aerobic composting period: Focusing on establishment of particle model and its flow properties

In order to calibrate the contact parameters, particle models for mixtures of each period were established by simulation of repose angle using combined models in EDEM software, and then the flow properties of mixtures in different aerobic composting periods were clarified. Results showed that compared with the six-sphere model, the use of the double-sphere model to represent the compost mixtures of each period was not only closer to the ellipsoid of the actual particles but also simplified the calculation process. The contact parameters that mostly affected the repose angle were Poisson's ratio and shear modulus of mixture in the mesophilic period and JKR surface energy in thermophilic and cooling periods. The relative errors between the simulated repose angle using the optimal parameter combination and the actual measured value were less than 2.5% indicating the reliability of the regression models at each period representing the relationship among the repose angle and significant contact parameters. In addition, the flow properties of mixtures at the mesophilic period were better than those at the thermophilic and the cooling period of its smaller repose angle, the larger mass transformation, and the smaller Ek max value. Meanwhile, mixtures in thermophilic and cooling periods had similar flow properties. Hence, these could provide information for the further application of simulation to optimize the composting process (e.g., stirring frequency and ventilation time) to promote compost maturity.

Research on ash movement law of membrane bin drum slag cooler

For a membrane bin drum slag cooler, the ash movement model is established using the discrete element method. The EDEM software is used to simulate the movement state of the particles. The change of the active layer depth of the particles is analyzed, and the irregular movement of the particles is measured by the radial diffusion coefficient and the mixing degree. The results show that the thickness of the active layer increases linearly with the rotational speed, and the particle size has little effect on it. The diffusion coefficient of the particles in the active layer is large, and in the core area, it is the smallest. It increases from the core to the passive area and decreases near the wall. The particle size has little effect on the diffusion coefficient, but the filling rate dramatically influences it. The increase in rotational speed is beneficial to the diffusion of particles. With the rise of time, the mixing degree of particles increases continuously. The increase in rotational speed and particle size and the decrease in particle filling rate benefit particle mixing.

The Calibration of Soil Simulation Parameters for Wheat Grown after Rice in the Yangtze River Basin of China

In recent years, there have been many studies on the calibration of soil simulation parameters; however, there are few soil parameters for wheat grown after rice that have been calibrated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the data from such calibrations remain inaccurate. Therefore, using the soil of Jiangsu as our research object, a soil parameter calibration was carried out based on the EEPA (Edinburgh elastoplastic adhesion) model and using the discrete element software EDEM (2020, DEM-Solutions, Edinburgh, UK). The depression depth measured via a uniaxial compression test and the maximum crushing force measured via an unconfined compression test were taken as indexes. The Plackett–Burman test was used to screen seven influencing factors (recovery coefficient, static friction coefficient, rolling friction coefficient, surface energy, contact plastic deformation ratio, tensile exp, and tangential stiff multiplier). The recovery coefficient and static friction coefficient were analyzed using a central composite test with depression depth as an index. The surface energy, plastic deformation ratio, and tangential stiffness factor were analyzed via a Box–Behnken test, with the maximum crushing force as the index. Taking the measured depression depth of 3.36mm and the maximum destructive power of 210 N as the target, the following final data were obtained—recovery coefficient: 0.322, static friction coefficient: 0.676, rolling friction coefficient: 0.5, surface energy: 17.158, contact plastic deformation ratio: 0.358, tensile exp: 2, and tangential stiff multiplier: 0.8. Finally, the simulation value and the actual value of the parameter group were verified and compared. It was found that the mismatch coefficient R2 of the actual value and the simulation value is 93.509%. The mismatch coefficient R2 between the actual and simulated values of unconfined compressive test is 94.2%. This shows that the curves obtained from the real test and simulation test have a high similarity. This study can provide technical support for the simulation and optimization of growing wheat after rice seeding equipment in the lower reaches of Yangtze River in China.

Structure design and service performance of bionic conical pick

Heavy equipment such as continuous mining machines and shearers are widely used in coal mining projects, and conical picks are essential cutting tools. During the cutting process, different conical pick structures can have significant impacts on the cutting performance of the equipment, and the wear resistance of the conical picks will directly affect the efficiency and reliability of the equipment. In this paper, a bionic dimple-structured conical pick is designed, and a mathematical model of the dimple structure is established. The cutting performance, self-rotation performance, and wear resistance of dimple-type picks (DTPs) and ordinary-type picks (OTPs) are studied using the discrete element software EDEM and the dynamic analysis software ADAMS. The results show that during the cutting process, the trend of rotational torque over time for both types of conical picks first increases and then decreases, with the maximum rotational torque of DTP being greater than that of OTP, indicating that the self-rotation performance of DTP is superior to OTP. Compared with OTP, DTP exhibits a smaller total wear amount and better wear resistance performance. When comparing end plates equipped with DTP to those with OTP, the end plates with DTP have a smaller load fluctuation coefficient, lower cutting resistance, lower specific energy consumption for cutting, and greater total coal mass.

Influence of impact medium particle size on mechanical deposition layer formation process based on discrete element method

Based on the discrete element method, this study has simulated the movement of materials in the plated barrel using EDEM software to investigate the effect of the impact medium with different particle sizes on the mechanical deposition plating. The simulation analyzed the interaction between five impact mediums with different particle sizes (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm) and the base body while determining the particle size ratio of the impact medium. The rationality of the particle size ratio was verified by the simulation analysis of the interreaction of two groups of mixed particle size impact medium and the base body. The samples of mechanically deposited zinc coating were prepared. The average thickness, relative density, and average deviation of the coating were measured. The results show that When the particle size is 2 and 3 mm, the effective collision frequency of the materials is higher. When it is 3, 4, and 5 mm, the kinetic energy of collision between materials fluctuates evenly. When it is 4 and 5 mm, the collision contact force of the materials changes regularly. Consequently, the obtained particle size ratio (second group) is 2 mm 23%; 3 mm 23%; 4 mm 23%; 5 mm 27%; and 6 mm 4%. Compared with mixed impact media with 20% of each of the five particle sizes (first group), in the second group of assorted particle size simulation test, the collision frequency between materials is high. The contact force changes more regularly between materials. The average thickness, relative density, and average deviation of the mechanically deposited galvanized layer are consistent with the simulation results of the two groups of mixed particle sizes. The average thickness and relative density of the galvanized layer in the second group are higher, the average deviation is smaller, and the compactness and uniformity are the best.

A modified particle contact model for matching the ratios of uniaxial compressive to tensile strength of brittle rocks

The Hertz-Mindlin with bonding (HMB) contact model in the commercial discrete element method (DEM) software EDEM is widely used to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of rocks. However, it cannot match the high ratios of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) to tensile strength (TS) observed in brittle rocks like basalt. In this study, a modified HMB contact model was developed by adequately considering the contribution of moment to stress and the influence of normal stress on shear strength. At the same time, a DEM parameters inversion method was proposed to achieve rapid and accurate calibration of various microscopic parameters. The results indicate that the moment-contribution factor and maximum tensile strength in the modified HMB contact model are two key parameters affecting the UCS/TS ratio. Specifically, the moment-contribution factor mainly affects UCS, while also jointly influencing TS together with the maximum tensile strength. The modified HMB contact model successfully achieves the high UCS/TS ratio that aligns with the test value and exhibits significant pressure-dependence. This model proves to be appropriate for accurately simulating the mechanical behavior of brittle rocks.

Design and Experiment of a Fully Automatic Plate Lifting Machine for Rice Hard Disk Seedling Cultivation

To mitigate the challenges associated with labor intensity and labor expenses in the rice seedling-raising process within greenhouses located in northern China, a comprehensive solution was developed in the form of a completely automated rice seedling-raising machine. The investigation of the first procedure was carried out through the utilization of EDEM software to ascertain the most favorable range of parameters. Performance tests were conducted on the automatic lifting machine designed for rice hard disk seedling cultivation. Based on the findings of the regression model, it can be inferred that when the rake angle is set at 21.278°, the locomotive speed is 0.333 m/s, and the longitudinal conveyor speed is 0.17 m/s, the completeness rate of seed trays reaches 99.48%. Additionally, the lifting efficiency is measured at 510 trays per hour, while the disk jam rate stands at 0.4%. These results indicate that the lifting machine satisfies the specified requirements.

Simulation of Particle Breakage in Vibration Mill Based on Tavares Model

In this paper, discrete element simulation software EDEM and Tavares crushing model were used to carry out numerical simulation research on the motion characteristics and crushing characteristics of materials in the MZ100 vibration mill during the grinding process. The influence of material characteristics, shape characteristics and filling rate of grinding media, vibration frequency, and amplitude of vibration mill on the efficiency and effect of vibration mill was analyzed. The factors affecting the distribution characteristics of the rotary center of mass and the low-energy region of the grinding medium in the grinding cavity are discussed. The extreme inflection point of the crushing efficiency of the grinding material in the grinding cavity with respect to the increase of the excitation frequency is obtained. In order to improve the grinding efficiency and reduce the low energy zone, the optimum process parameters of eccentric vibration grinding were discussed, which provided theoretical guidance for the efficient crushing of grinding materials.

Numerical Study on Particle Movement and Crushing Characteristics in Vibromill

In order to optimize the eccentric vibromill to reduce the energy-depleted area and improve the grinding efficiency, the present paper employed the software EDEM to investigate the characteristics of movement and breakup of the grinding materials in an eccentric vibromill under different vibration frequencies and amplitude. The results indicate that the cylinder vibrates continuously at a high frequency under harmonic excitation force. A prominent dynamic rotating center is formed in the dielectric grinding chamber, which changes with the vibration frequency and amplitude. During the mixing process of grinding media and materials, the mixing speed of materials increases with amplitude. However, when the amplitude is too large, some materials are thrown to the edge of the grinding chamber, which reduces the mixing uniformity.