Effects of rocking frequency and amplitude on particle discharge in rocking bed: A DEM study

• Effects of rocking frequency fr/amplitude θr on silo discharge are studied by DEM.
• Rocking frequency fr is a major factor: large fr enhances discharge, and vice versa.
• Rocking amplitude θr is the secondary factor by magnifying rocking frequency's effects.
• θr determines the mode of enhancement: either by varying slopes or by oscillations.
• Oscillation periods consolidate the synchronized/forced pulsation of discharge with fr.

A DEM study of a rocking particle bed is performed to show the effects of rocking frequency and amplitude on particle discharge. Six rocking frequencies of fr = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 Hz with seven rocking amplitudes of θr = 5°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° are simulated respectively. The particle distributions, discharged fractions, flow rates, particle trajectories and kinetic energies are compared and analyzed in detail to show and explain the features of particle discharging process under different rocking conditions. The rocking frequency is found to be the primary factor to determine the direction of influence on particle discharge, i.e. either beneficial or detrimental, whereas the rocking amplitude is the secondary factor to magnify the primary influence on particle discharge. In addition, the flare angle of the bed can determine the mode of influence on particle discharge, i.e. either a linearly varied discharge or an oscillated variation of discharge. The results are helpful to improve the process control and optimal design of the particle discharge beds in many engineering applications.

Note: Please replace this figure by Fig. 10c, since it lacks the unit 'Hz'.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide