Particle dynamics simulation: a hybrid technique applied to granular mixing

摘要: Soft-sphere particle dynamics simulations have found wide use in recent years. One application for which this technique is particularly well suited that of granular mixing. Particle properties can be varied on a particle-by-particle basis and detailed mixed structures are easily captured visualized. While method has proven to quite versatile, it computationally intensive. Current the literature generally handle 3000–5000 particles, whereas typical industrial may contain as many 109 particles—six orders magnitude more. However, certain circumstances — such tumbler mixer, where bulk motion consists solid body rotation not necessary explicitly calculate all particles. By combining geometrical insight, essence, by focusing simulation only needed, new hybrid simulation, much faster than conventional method, achieved. This yield more an order increase computational speed, allowing 102 while maintaining versatility simulation. Two applications presented: operated avalanching regime continuously flowing tumbler.