Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation

This hands on course teaches the use of particle based simulations using Discrete Element Method (DEM). DEM can be applied to any system that handles or consists out of (groups of) particles. DEM models individual particles (microscopic level) with the aim to model realistic behaviour of a the system of particles (macroscopic level).

DEM can be used as an engineering tool to provide insight in influencing factors (e.g. particle size, shape and density) in particle processes, such as segregation and mixing. It can help to analyse and solve bottlenecks in industrial systems, but then validation of the model is required. After validation DEM can be used as a virtual prototyping environment for design of equipment that handles particulate materials. The application range is wide: from powder handling (small particle sizes, cohesive materials in food or pharmaceutical industry) to large scale systems such as rock dumping (e.g. 300 kg stones, 500 mm in size), and anything in between including bulk handling.

Next to the theoretical background of DEM, the major part of this hands on course is to perform an assignment using the software EDEM. In this assignment you will model and redesign or optimise a (part of a) handling system with a given particulate material. This might also require laboratory work to measure real material properties on a macroscopic level such as angle of repose and wall friction angle. Your DEM model has to represent realistic material behaviour and realistic interaction between material and equipment. With the properly working DEM model you will analyse influential parameters and where possible improve performance of equipment.

Typical application areas for DEM modelling are:

• bulk handling of materials coal and iron ore, also including solid biomass such as wood pellets or biocoal

• mining

• offshore

• food industry, handling of powders

• pharmaceutical industry, powders and tablets

• agricultural industry, for planting and soil preparation, post harvesting, fruit handling and sorting machines

• pavement engineering, creating mixtures and more.