Thermomechanical modelling of friction effects in granular flows using the discrete element method

Abstract

This study deals with the modelling of the thermomechanical phenomena due to friction effects during granular flow. A two-dimensional model using the discrete element method (DEM) and taking into account the contact detection and heat transfers between grains has been developed. Through this study, we have modelled the heat transfer by conductance and the energy dissipation by friction into a granular medium. This modelling enables better understanding of the phenomena at the contact point between grains as well as the energy dissipation by friction of a great number of grains in motion. The validity of the proposed model has been studied by considering some numerical simulations in quasistatic and dynamic regimes.