Suitability of parameters and models in the Discrete Element Method for simulation of mesoscale powder indentation experiments

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been shown in the literature to be able to match the results of certain experimental powder process such as shear cell and angle of repose tests. In this work we try to discover which models and parameters are required by the DEM to simulate a mesoscale process. This work compares 2D and 3D simulations, linear and Hertzian stiffness models, friction and cohesion and several values of stiffness parameter. Using 3D models with friction and higher stiffness values produced the most similar behavior to the experiments. Spectral results show the scales of the particle rearrangements were reproduced by the DEM and independent of parameters and models considered in this work.