Simulation of granular packing of particles with different size distributions

The study of granular matter composed of spherical particles is of interest in manufacturing, material, and metallurgy. The viscoelastic and frictional contacts between the particles are the cause of forming the agglomeration. We present a numerical simulation for particles packing with three different kinds of size distributions: monosize, bimodal, and Gaussian, using distinct element method (DEM). The particles are initially put randomly but without any overlap, and then fall down due to the gravity force and collide with neighbor particles. Because of the dissipative factors of viscoelastic collision and frictional force, all the particles finally come together to form an agglomeration. Coordination number, porosity, radial distribution function, and force distribution are calculated for different size distributions. It is demonstrated that particle size distribution does affect the granular packing structure.

► Particle packing was simulated using distinct element method (DEM).
► Both translational and rotational motions of particles are modeled.
► Monosize, bimodal, and Gaussian distribution are considered.
► Coordination numbers and porosities are obtained.
► Radial distribution function and force distribution are discussed.