A 3-D discrete-element method for dry granular flows of ellipsoidal particles Original Research Article

We use 3-D discrete element method (DEM) to simulate dry granular flows of non-spherical particles. In our simulation code, non-spherical particles are represented by clusters of spheres for contact detection and for contact-force calculation. For particles in contact, the normal force—displacement (NFD) model is simulated by a partially latching spring system; whereas the tangential force—displacement (TFD) model is simulated by an incremental relation that corresponds to a simplification of the Mindlin and Deresiewicz (R.D. Mindlin, H. Deresiewicz, ASME J. Appl. Mech. 20 (1953) 327–344) contact-mechanics theory. To establish the validity of the simulation procedure, benchmark tests such as superball and superbean simulations were carried out. We present various results obtained from the simulation of ellipsoidal particles flowing down a chute having a bumpy bottom. These ellipsoidal particles had their physical properties obtained from experiments.