An Experimental and Numerical Study for Discrete Element Model Parameters Calibration: Gluten Pellets

Discrete element method (DEM) simulation is widely used to calculate the flow characteristics of particles under certain conditions. DEM input parameters are prerequisite for accurate modeling and particles. In order explore mechanical properties breaking behavior gluten pellets, pellet material property, interaction pellet–stainless steel pellet–pellet (multi-spheres autofill model), bonding (bonded particle model) were calibrated by experiments simulations. The relative error angle repose, displacement, force between simulated experimental values 0.28%, 0.66%, 1.09%, respectively. Based on regression analysis in Design-Expert 12.0 software, relationships among evaluating indicators (angle force) their corresponding influencing factors established, Meanwhile, feasibility applying multi-spheres model bonded was verified through free fall test, inclined plane sliding tumbling time test. This work can provide a reference design feed processing transportation machinery.