Calibration of the Discrete Element Method Using a Large Shear Box
One of the main challenges in using the Discrete
Element Method (DEM) is to specify the correct input parameter
values. In general, the models are sensitive to the input parameter
values and accurate results can only be achieved if the correct values
are specified. For the linear contact model, micro-parameters such as
the particle density, stiffness, coefficient of friction, as well as the
particle size and shape distributions are required. There is a need for
a procedure to accurately calibrate these parameters before any
attempt can be made to accurately model a complete bulk materials
handling system. Since DEM is often used to model applications in
the mining and quarrying industries, a calibration procedure was
developed for materials that consist of relatively large (up to 40 mm
in size) particles. A coarse crushed aggregate was used as the test
material. Using a specially designed large shear box with a diameter
of 590 mm, the confined Young’s modulus (bulk stiffness) and
internal friction angle of the material were measured by means of the
confined compression test and the direct shear test respectively. DEM
models of the experimental setup were developed and the input
parameter values were varied iteratively until a close correlation
between the experimental and numerical results was achieved. The
calibration process was validated by modelling the pull-out of an
anchor from a bed of material. The model results compared well with
experimental measurement.
[1] L. K. Nordell, “Particle Flow Modelling: Transfer chutes and other
applications,” in International Materials Handling Conference
(BELTCON 9), Johannesburg, South Africa, 1997.
[2] D. B. Hastie, A. P. Grima, P. W. Wypych, “Validation of particle flow
through a conveyor transfer hood via particle velocity analysis,” in 2nd
International Conference and Exhibition on Storage, Handling and
Transporting Bulk (Bulk Europe 2008), Prague, Czech Republic, 2008.
[3] T. Gröger, A. Katterfeld, “On the numerical calibration of discrete
element models for the simulation of bulk solids,” in Conveying and
Handling of Particulate Solids (CHoPS-05), Sorrento, Italy, 2006
[4] B. Tijskens, Van Besin, Vandewalle, Ramon, “Large scale DEM,” in
Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids (CHoPS-05), Sorrento,
Italy, 2006.
[5] A. Grima, P. Wypych, “Investigation into calibration of discrete element
model parameters for scale-up and validation of particle-structure
interactions under impact conditions,” Powder Technology, vol. 212, pp.
198-209, 2011.
[6] R. Annabattula, Y. Gan, M. Kamlah, “Mechanics of binary and
polydisperse spherical pebble assembly,” Fusion Engineering and
Design, vol. 87, pp. 853-858, 2012.
[7] I. Cavarretta, C. O'Sullivan, E. Ibraim, M. Lings, S. Hamlin, D. M.
Wood, “Characterization of artificial spherical particles for DEM
validation studies,” Particuology, vol. 10, pp. 209-220, 2012.
[8] L. Vu-Quoc, X. Zhang, O. R. Walton, “A 3-D discrete-element method
for dry granular flows of ellipsoidal particles,” Computational Methods
in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, vol. 187, pp. 483 528, 2000.
[9] C. Gonzalez-Montellano, J. Fuentes, E. Ayuga-Tellez, F. Ayuga,
“Determination of the mechanical properties of maize grains and olives
required for use in DEM simulations,” Journal of Food Engineering, vol.
111, pp. 553-562, 2012.
[10] C. Gonzalez-Montellano, E. Gallego, A. Rami¬rez-Gomez, F. Ayuga,
“Three dimensional discrete element models for simulating the filling
and emptying of silos: Analysis of numerical results,” Computers &
Chemical Engineering, vol. 40, pp. 22-32, 2012.
[11] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “Calibration of discrete element parameters
and the modelling of silo discharge and bucket filling,” Computers and
Electronics in Agriculture, vol. 65, pp. 198-212, 2009.
[12] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “Calibration of granular material parameters
for DEM modelling and numerical verification by blade–granular
material interaction,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 46, pp. 15–26,
2009.
[13] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “The numerical modelling of excavator
bucket filling using DEM,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 46, pp. 217–
227, 2009.
[14] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, G. F. Dymond, “Discrete element parameter
calibration and the modelling of dragline bucket filling,” Journal of
Terramechanics, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 33–44, 2010.
[15] J. Mak, Y. Chen, M. Sadek, “Determining parameters of a discrete
element model for soil-tool interaction,” Soil and Tillage Research, vol.
118, pp. 117-122, 2012.
[16] H. Tanaka, M. Momozu, A. Oida, M. Yamazaki, “Simulation of soil
deformation and resistance at bar penetration by the distinct element
method,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 37, pp. 41-56, 2000.
[17] Y. Franco, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters for soil-bulldozer blade interaction,” in Proc.
of the 15th international conference of the ISTVS, Hayama, Japan, 2005.
[18] Z. Asaf, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters using in-situ tests and inverse solution
techniques,” in Proc. of the 15th international conference of the ISTVS,
Hayama, Japan, September 2005.
[19] Z. Asaf, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters required for soil tillage,” Soil Till. Res., vol.
92, no. 2, pp. 227–242, 2007.
[20] Itasca, PFC3D, Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions, User's Guide, 4th
edition, (www.itascacg.com), 2008.
[21] P. A. Cundall, O. D. L. Strack, “A discrete numerical method for
granular assemblies,” Geotechnique, vol. 29, pp. 47–65, 1979.
[22] O.R. Walton, R.L. Braun, “Viscosity, granular-temperature, and stress
calculations for shearing assemblies of inelastic, frictional disks,” J.
Rheol., vol. 30, pp. 949–980, 1986.
[23] H. A. Navarro, M. P. de Souza Braun, “Determination of the normal
spring stiffness coefficient in the linear spring–dashpot contact model of
discrete element method,” Powder Technology, vol. 246, pp. 707–722,
2013.
[24] C. J. Coetzee, S. G. Lombard, “The destemming of grapes: Experiments
and discrete element modelling,” Biosystems Engineering, vol. 114, pp.
232-248, 2013.
[25] P. W. Cleary, M. L. Sawley, “Three-dimensional modelling of industrial
granular flows,” Second International Conference on CFD in the
Minerals and Process Industries, 1999.
[26] C. Hogue, “Shape representation and contact detection for discrete
element simulations of arbitrary geometries,” Engineering
Computations, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 374-390, 1998.
[27] D. Zhang, W. J. Whiten, “The calculation of contact forces between
particles using spring and damping models,” Powder Technology, vol.
88, pp. 59-64, 1996.
[28] J. W. Carson, H. Wilms, “Development of an international standard for
shear testing,” Powder Technology, vol. 167, no. 1, pp. 1-9, 2006.
[29] J. Härtl, J. Y. Ooi, “Experiments and simulations of direct shear tests:
porosity, contact friction and bulk friction,” Granular Material, vol. 10,
no. 4, pp. 263-271, 2008.
[30] K. H. Head, Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing, Volume 2:
Permeability, Shear Strength and Compressibility Tests, Pentech Press,
London, England, 1981.
[31] J. van der Linde, Discrete element modeling of a vibratory subsoiler,
M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering,
University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa, 2007.
[32] G. K. P. Barrios, R M. de Carvalho, A. Kwade, L. M. Tavares, “Contact
parameter estimation for DEM simulation of iron ore pellet handling,”
Powder Technology, vol. 248, pp. 84-93, 2013.
[33] J. Wiącek, M. Molenda, J. Horabik, J. Y. Ooi, “Influence of grain shape
and intergranular friction on material behavior in uniaxial compression:
Experimental and DEM modeling,” Powder Technology, vol. 217, pp.
435–442, 2012.
[34] A. Grima, P. Wypych, “Development and validation of calibration
methods for discrete element modelling,” Granular Matter vol. 13, pp.
127-132, 2011b. [35] M. Obermayr, C. Vrettos, P. Eberhard, T. Dauwel, “A discrete element
model and its experimental validation for the prediction of draft forces in
cohesive soil,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 53, pp.93–104, 2014.
[36] M. Ucgul, J. M. Fielke, C. Saunders, “Three-dimensional discrete
element modelling of tillage: Determination of a suitable contact model
and parameters for a cohesionless soil,” Biosystems Engineering, vol.
121, pp. 105-117, 2014.
[37] K. H. Head, Soil Technicians’ Handbook, London, Pentech Press, 1989.
[38] C. J. Coetzee, R. G. Nel, “Calibration of discrete element properties and
the modelling of packed rock beds,” Powder Technology, vol. 264, pp.
332–342, 2014.
[39] A. F. Cabalar, “Applications of the oedometer, triaxial and resonant
column tests to the study of micaceous sands,” Engineering Geology,
vol. 112, pp. 21–28, 2010.
[40] Y-C. Chung, J. Y. Ooi, “A study of influence of gravity on bulk
behaviour of particulate solid,” Particuology, vol. 6, pp. 467–474, 2008.
[41] Y. Xu, K. D. Kafui, C. Thornton, G. Lian, “Effects of Material
Properties on Granular Flow in a Silo Using DEM Simulation,”
Particulate Science and Technology, vol. 20 pp. 109-124, 2002.
[42] S. Lommen, D. Schott, G. Lodewijks, “DEM speedup: Stiffness effects
on behavior of bulk material,” Particuology, vol. 12, pp. 107-112, 2014.
[43] J. Härtl, J. Y. Ooi, “Experiments and simulations of direct shear tests:
porosity, contact friction and bulk friction,” Granular Matter, vol. 10, pp.
263–271, 2008.
[1] L. K. Nordell, “Particle Flow Modelling: Transfer chutes and other
applications,” in International Materials Handling Conference
(BELTCON 9), Johannesburg, South Africa, 1997.
[2] D. B. Hastie, A. P. Grima, P. W. Wypych, “Validation of particle flow
through a conveyor transfer hood via particle velocity analysis,” in 2nd
International Conference and Exhibition on Storage, Handling and
Transporting Bulk (Bulk Europe 2008), Prague, Czech Republic, 2008.
[3] T. Gröger, A. Katterfeld, “On the numerical calibration of discrete
element models for the simulation of bulk solids,” in Conveying and
Handling of Particulate Solids (CHoPS-05), Sorrento, Italy, 2006
[4] B. Tijskens, Van Besin, Vandewalle, Ramon, “Large scale DEM,” in
Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids (CHoPS-05), Sorrento,
Italy, 2006.
[5] A. Grima, P. Wypych, “Investigation into calibration of discrete element
model parameters for scale-up and validation of particle-structure
interactions under impact conditions,” Powder Technology, vol. 212, pp.
198-209, 2011.
[6] R. Annabattula, Y. Gan, M. Kamlah, “Mechanics of binary and
polydisperse spherical pebble assembly,” Fusion Engineering and
Design, vol. 87, pp. 853-858, 2012.
[7] I. Cavarretta, C. O'Sullivan, E. Ibraim, M. Lings, S. Hamlin, D. M.
Wood, “Characterization of artificial spherical particles for DEM
validation studies,” Particuology, vol. 10, pp. 209-220, 2012.
[8] L. Vu-Quoc, X. Zhang, O. R. Walton, “A 3-D discrete-element method
for dry granular flows of ellipsoidal particles,” Computational Methods
in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, vol. 187, pp. 483 528, 2000.
[9] C. Gonzalez-Montellano, J. Fuentes, E. Ayuga-Tellez, F. Ayuga,
“Determination of the mechanical properties of maize grains and olives
required for use in DEM simulations,” Journal of Food Engineering, vol.
111, pp. 553-562, 2012.
[10] C. Gonzalez-Montellano, E. Gallego, A. Rami¬rez-Gomez, F. Ayuga,
“Three dimensional discrete element models for simulating the filling
and emptying of silos: Analysis of numerical results,” Computers &
Chemical Engineering, vol. 40, pp. 22-32, 2012.
[11] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “Calibration of discrete element parameters
and the modelling of silo discharge and bucket filling,” Computers and
Electronics in Agriculture, vol. 65, pp. 198-212, 2009.
[12] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “Calibration of granular material parameters
for DEM modelling and numerical verification by blade–granular
material interaction,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 46, pp. 15–26,
2009.
[13] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, “The numerical modelling of excavator
bucket filling using DEM,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 46, pp. 217–
227, 2009.
[14] C. J. Coetzee, D. N. J. Els, G. F. Dymond, “Discrete element parameter
calibration and the modelling of dragline bucket filling,” Journal of
Terramechanics, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 33–44, 2010.
[15] J. Mak, Y. Chen, M. Sadek, “Determining parameters of a discrete
element model for soil-tool interaction,” Soil and Tillage Research, vol.
118, pp. 117-122, 2012.
[16] H. Tanaka, M. Momozu, A. Oida, M. Yamazaki, “Simulation of soil
deformation and resistance at bar penetration by the distinct element
method,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 37, pp. 41-56, 2000.
[17] Y. Franco, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters for soil-bulldozer blade interaction,” in Proc.
of the 15th international conference of the ISTVS, Hayama, Japan, 2005.
[18] Z. Asaf, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters using in-situ tests and inverse solution
techniques,” in Proc. of the 15th international conference of the ISTVS,
Hayama, Japan, September 2005.
[19] Z. Asaf, D. Rubinstein, I. Shmulevich, “Determination of discrete
element model parameters required for soil tillage,” Soil Till. Res., vol.
92, no. 2, pp. 227–242, 2007.
[20] Itasca, PFC3D, Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions, User's Guide, 4th
edition, (www.itascacg.com), 2008.
[21] P. A. Cundall, O. D. L. Strack, “A discrete numerical method for
granular assemblies,” Geotechnique, vol. 29, pp. 47–65, 1979.
[22] O.R. Walton, R.L. Braun, “Viscosity, granular-temperature, and stress
calculations for shearing assemblies of inelastic, frictional disks,” J.
Rheol., vol. 30, pp. 949–980, 1986.
[23] H. A. Navarro, M. P. de Souza Braun, “Determination of the normal
spring stiffness coefficient in the linear spring–dashpot contact model of
discrete element method,” Powder Technology, vol. 246, pp. 707–722,
2013.
[24] C. J. Coetzee, S. G. Lombard, “The destemming of grapes: Experiments
and discrete element modelling,” Biosystems Engineering, vol. 114, pp.
232-248, 2013.
[25] P. W. Cleary, M. L. Sawley, “Three-dimensional modelling of industrial
granular flows,” Second International Conference on CFD in the
Minerals and Process Industries, 1999.
[26] C. Hogue, “Shape representation and contact detection for discrete
element simulations of arbitrary geometries,” Engineering
Computations, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 374-390, 1998.
[27] D. Zhang, W. J. Whiten, “The calculation of contact forces between
particles using spring and damping models,” Powder Technology, vol.
88, pp. 59-64, 1996.
[28] J. W. Carson, H. Wilms, “Development of an international standard for
shear testing,” Powder Technology, vol. 167, no. 1, pp. 1-9, 2006.
[29] J. Härtl, J. Y. Ooi, “Experiments and simulations of direct shear tests:
porosity, contact friction and bulk friction,” Granular Material, vol. 10,
no. 4, pp. 263-271, 2008.
[30] K. H. Head, Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing, Volume 2:
Permeability, Shear Strength and Compressibility Tests, Pentech Press,
London, England, 1981.
[31] J. van der Linde, Discrete element modeling of a vibratory subsoiler,
M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering,
University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa, 2007.
[32] G. K. P. Barrios, R M. de Carvalho, A. Kwade, L. M. Tavares, “Contact
parameter estimation for DEM simulation of iron ore pellet handling,”
Powder Technology, vol. 248, pp. 84-93, 2013.
[33] J. Wiącek, M. Molenda, J. Horabik, J. Y. Ooi, “Influence of grain shape
and intergranular friction on material behavior in uniaxial compression:
Experimental and DEM modeling,” Powder Technology, vol. 217, pp.
435–442, 2012.
[34] A. Grima, P. Wypych, “Development and validation of calibration
methods for discrete element modelling,” Granular Matter vol. 13, pp.
127-132, 2011b. [35] M. Obermayr, C. Vrettos, P. Eberhard, T. Dauwel, “A discrete element
model and its experimental validation for the prediction of draft forces in
cohesive soil,” Journal of Terramechanics, vol. 53, pp.93–104, 2014.
[36] M. Ucgul, J. M. Fielke, C. Saunders, “Three-dimensional discrete
element modelling of tillage: Determination of a suitable contact model
and parameters for a cohesionless soil,” Biosystems Engineering, vol.
121, pp. 105-117, 2014.
[37] K. H. Head, Soil Technicians’ Handbook, London, Pentech Press, 1989.
[38] C. J. Coetzee, R. G. Nel, “Calibration of discrete element properties and
the modelling of packed rock beds,” Powder Technology, vol. 264, pp.
332–342, 2014.
[39] A. F. Cabalar, “Applications of the oedometer, triaxial and resonant
column tests to the study of micaceous sands,” Engineering Geology,
vol. 112, pp. 21–28, 2010.
[40] Y-C. Chung, J. Y. Ooi, “A study of influence of gravity on bulk
behaviour of particulate solid,” Particuology, vol. 6, pp. 467–474, 2008.
[41] Y. Xu, K. D. Kafui, C. Thornton, G. Lian, “Effects of Material
Properties on Granular Flow in a Silo Using DEM Simulation,”
Particulate Science and Technology, vol. 20 pp. 109-124, 2002.
[42] S. Lommen, D. Schott, G. Lodewijks, “DEM speedup: Stiffness effects
on behavior of bulk material,” Particuology, vol. 12, pp. 107-112, 2014.
[43] J. Härtl, J. Y. Ooi, “Experiments and simulations of direct shear tests:
porosity, contact friction and bulk friction,” Granular Matter, vol. 10, pp.
263–271, 2008.
@article{"International Journal of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Sciences:69927", author = "Corné J. Coetzee and Etienne Horn", title = "Calibration of the Discrete Element Method Using a Large Shear Box", abstract = "One of the main challenges in using the Discrete
Element Method (DEM) is to specify the correct input parameter
values. In general, the models are sensitive to the input parameter
values and accurate results can only be achieved if the correct values
are specified. For the linear contact model, micro-parameters such as
the particle density, stiffness, coefficient of friction, as well as the
particle size and shape distributions are required. There is a need for
a procedure to accurately calibrate these parameters before any
attempt can be made to accurately model a complete bulk materials
handling system. Since DEM is often used to model applications in
the mining and quarrying industries, a calibration procedure was
developed for materials that consist of relatively large (up to 40 mm
in size) particles. A coarse crushed aggregate was used as the test
material. Using a specially designed large shear box with a diameter
of 590 mm, the confined Young’s modulus (bulk stiffness) and
internal friction angle of the material were measured by means of the
confined compression test and the direct shear test respectively. DEM
models of the experimental setup were developed and the input
parameter values were varied iteratively until a close correlation
between the experimental and numerical results was achieved. The
calibration process was validated by modelling the pull-out of an
anchor from a bed of material. The model results compared well with
experimental measurement.", keywords = "Discrete Element Method (DEM), calibration, shear
box, anchor pull-out.", volume = "8", number = "12", pages = "2127-10", }
