DEM-based modelling framework for spray-dried powders in ceramic tiles industry. Part III: Validation procedure

Design of new industrial mould filling systems for the manufacture of ceramic tiles using a discrete element framework

“…In the real experiment, this band cannot be appreciated because the level of density along the mould was higher, as it can be shown in Figures 20 and 21 from Ref. [5]. As discussed in that experimental work, this surface powder density localization will disappear by not applying any scaling, because the general level of density will increase.…”

“…This localized density of powder in the model is a consequence of the adopted scaling factor (more discussion can be found in Ref. [5]). Fig.…”

“…In the classic systems using a feeding grid, the mould gap is created by lowering the mould base, therefore the instant of the gap formation becomes a critical operating variable [5]. However, with the new proposal relying on eliminating the grid, the mould is already formed from the beginning.…”

“…For this purpose, a numerical simulation tool developed and validated in previous works has been used [4,5]. This tool is based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM), a simulation procedure particularly suitable to model discontinuous materials [6].…”

“… is here calculated from the cells intersecting the plane perpendicular to the mould base containing the corresponding line. The details of the calculation to obtain the local compactness is described in the Section 3 of a previous publication [5]. This local value is a measure of the quality of the granular compaction inside the mould during hopper displacement.…”