DEM study on influence of particle shape and deformation on friction
behaviour of flexible cylindrical particle flows
Abstract
This study used a Discrete Element Method (DEM) model to investigate the
Jenike shear process of flexible, cylindrical particles with different
aspect ratios. The model was validated through experiments and
analytical solutions. It was found that particle shape and deformation
have a significant impact on friction behavior, affecting particle
deformation, contact forces, orientation, and internal friction angle.
Results indicate an increase in shear stress with normal load,
regardless of particle stiffness or shape. Flexible particles showed
higher shear stress and internal friction angles than rigid ones,
especially for aspect ratios of 6. With aspect ratios of 4 and 5,
flexible particles deform significantly during shear with complex
reconfiguration, while aspect ratio 6 particles experience a uniform
reconfiguration, indicating a solid packing structure that enhances flow
resistance. These findings will aid in improving kinetic theories for
granular flow of complex irregular particle flows.