Use of DEM in the determination of friction parameters on a physical comparative model of a vertical screw conveyor

Abstract

This article deals with the use of DEM in the application of a screw conveyor for bulk materials. Utilisation of DEM anticipates input parameters which can be obtained only by experimental and laboratory activity in the area of the transport and properties of bulk materials. These concern mainly friction parameters describing flow properties on the transport equipment. Without this knowledge, the use of DEM is limited. With knowledge of the mechanical and physical properties of bulk materials and contact geometries, the use of DEM applies to the simulation of the real behaviour of the conveyed material. This state can only be achieved by verification of the concordance of the simulation and real state, alternatively by calibration. Calibration must be performed on the basis of ranges of input values ascertained in the laboratory environment. After that, it is necessary to obtain the output parameters by an experiment from the DEM-simulation such as particle velocity during transport on the vertical screw conveyor. The same method is used when it is necessary to obtain values from the actual equipment by the PIV method on the basis of which the DEM model will be optimized.