A first order numerical study of the spheronisation process

In this paper we carry out a first order engineering analysis of the spheronisation process. We examine numerically the rounding of a single extrudate particle in a vessel chosen to apply apparently random impacts to the particle. The process parameters are chosen in relation to the practical situation; however, the mechanical properties of the extrudate are substantially simplified: a simple elasto-plastic constitutive model is used and the yield strength of the material is reduced so that spheronisation is obtained after a relatively small number of impacts. This study illustrates first order effects during rounding of particles and discusses the interplay between material and process parameters.