Project Description

This predominantly experimental project aims to determine a protocol to calibrate parameters for DEM models using both primary and (coarser) meso-particles, with a focus on mono- and bi-component powders (e.g., powders with flow enhancers).

Specific objectives are:

1. Conduct powder rheometer tests to selectively explore the relevance of different material and particle properties; the strategy will be to minimize the number of parameters that have to be optimized in each condition to match the model with the experiments;
2. Perform sensitivity analysis for model parameters in mono- and bi-component powders at different rotational regimes;
3. Extend material characterization experiments to include uniaxial compaction, shear testing at high temperature or humidity and vibration;
4. Up-scaled DEM modelling (meso-particles) of the experiments to establish parameter sensitivity and develop calibration protocols.

Expected Results:

1. Defined protocols to calibrate DEM parameters;
2. Tailored calibration procedure according to specific composition of the powder (mono or bi-component);
3. Tailored calibration procedure to relate the model chosen to flow regimes and devices.