DEM simulation of the packing of rodlike particles

• The DEM simulation of rod packing with different material properties is reported.
• The intersection angle and coordination number vary in line with the porosity.
• The correlation between the macro- and microstructural properties is established.
• Variation of rod packing can be strongly related to the contact force.

The packing of rodlike particles with a micro size widely exists in various engineering applications, such as the process of separation and catalytic reaction. In this work, a mathematical analysis of the rod packing has been carried out by employing the discrete element method (DEM). The emphasis is focused on the influence of material properties of the rodlike particles on the characteristics of the packing structure, which is quantified in terms of the packing porosity, coordination number and intersection angle. The results show that the porosity increases with the friction coefficient and surface energy while decreasing with the restitution coefficient. The coordination number and intersection angle vary in line with the porosity correspondingly and the correlation between the macrostructural and microstructural properties of the packing structure is established. The variations of the rod packing due to the friction coefficient and surface energy are much more pronounced than that of the restitution coefficient and stiffness. It also shows that the changes of the packing structure can be strongly related to the contact force. Those findings would be of interest from applied standpoints as well as showing fundamental effects of material properties on the rod packing.

Employing three-dimensional DEM simulations, the effects of material properties including the friction coefficient, surface energy, restitution coefficient and stiffness on the packing structure of rods are analyzed in terms of the packing porosity, coordination number, contact orientation and intersection angle.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide