Simulation of particle deformation within a compressed packed bed

Abstract

Deformation arising from softening-melting conditions in the blast furnace has provided a significant challenge to numerical modelling. In this paper, a sub-particle discrete element approach is used to simulate a bed of particles deforming under load at a constant temperature. Effects of temperature on material properties are established through the use of simulations of material under compression, with the results compared to experimental data. This was used as a starting point for the packed bed simulations at different temperatures, with the ratios between parameters maintained. Porosity within the final bed was used as a measure of the deformation, and compared to previous low temperature experimental work. The nature of the modelling technique allowed for visual analysis of the deformation of individual macro-particles within the packed bed. Numerical results for the stabilised final porosity were comparable for a variety of loads for a given set of parameters demonstrating that this technique is suitable for modelling plastically deformable granular materials.

Areal analysis induced bias on interface thickness around ovoidal particles

“…from the aggregates down to the much smaller interfacial transition zone (ITZ). To overcome these shortcomings, computational models have been proposed to theoretically investigate the mechanical properties [1][2][3][4], the transport properties [5][6][7][8] and durability [9][10][11] of cementitious composites. Garboczi et al [12] employed star-shaped particles to model the shape of realistic aggregates; however, these complex shapes preclude any analytical approach.…”