Using the discrete element method to predict collision-scale behavior: A sensitivity analysis

Discrete element method (DEM) simulations have recently been used to investigate collision-scale measurements such as collision frequency and impact velocity distributions. These simulations are typically validated against particle velocity fields using experimental techniques such as particle image velocimetry or positron emission particle tracking. An important question that has not been addressed is whether validation of a macroscopic velocity field or solid fraction field also implies a validation of collision-scale measurements such as collision frequency. In this study, DEM measurements of solid fraction, shear rate, collision frequency, and impact velocity are made in a small region just beneath the free surface in a rotating drum. The effects of periodic drum length, particle stiffness, coefficient of restitution, and particle size are investigated. The solid fraction and shear rate do not vary with particle stiffness or coefficient of restitution over the range of values studied. However, the collision rate increases with increasing particle stiffness and coefficient of restitution. In addition, the average collision speed decreases as particles become stiffer or less elastic. The shear rate varies with particle size, but the average collision velocity remains constant. These findings indicate that validation against particle velocity and solid fraction fields does not necessarily imply validation of collision frequency and impact velocity. Indeed, the velocity and solid fraction fields were found to be relatively insensitive to a range of DEM contact stiffnesses and coefficients of restitution while the collision distributions were sensitive.