Discrete element modeling for predicting breakage behavior and fracture energy of a single particle in a jaw crusher

In the present study, Discrete Element Method (DEM) technique was applied to model the fracture behavior of a single spherical and cubic rock in a laboratory jaw crusher. The rocks studied were modeled as granular assemblies located between two jaws, and their fracture mechanism was studied. To verify the obtained results, the spherical and cubic specimens produced from Dokoohak Limestone and Dehbeed Granite were studied and the energy applied by the jaws was compared to those of the fracture energy estimated by the single particle breakage analysis. There is fairly good agreement between the energy acquired from the DEM model and the single particle fracture energy of the spherical rocks. It appears that DEM is a suitable method for predicting the crushing energy of the spherical rocks in the jaw crusher. The fracture behavior of the crushed rocks was examined and compared by the results obtained from the DEM model. The tensile mode of fracture occurring in the spherical rocks is well presented by the discrete element modeling. However, the DEM technique is not capable of modeling the delamination mode occurring in the cubic rocks.