Evaluation of coarse graining DEM using representative particle model

Abstract

The application of Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD) coupled to Discrete Element Method (DEM) to simulate industrial and natural scale system requires integrating large number of particles for long times which can make these simulations impractical. One method to reduce the computational cost of DEM simulations is by lumping particles in representative particles of larger diameters to reduce the total number of particles in the simulations. In this work the applicability and limitation of using a representative particle model is evaluated in engineering and natural systems, a fluidized bed system at different fluidization velocities and scaling ratios and a unidirectional open turbulent channel flow in flow regimes ranging from essentially no motion to suspended sediment.