Discrete Elements Method: A New Kind of Initial Conditions - Tetrahedral Packing of Balls

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel initial condition for Discrete Elements Method simulations using tetrahedral packing of identical balls, relevant for modeling fluidized beds and granular transport processes.

Contribution

It proposes using tetrahedral packing of balls as initial conditions in DEM simulations, with an analysis of its filtration properties for industrial applications.

Findings

Tetrahedral packing provides a stable initial configuration for DEM.

Filtration properties of the packing are suitable for modeling fluidized beds.

The method enhances accuracy in simulating granular material transport.

Abstract

The Paper discusses the use of the regular packing of identical balls with the coordination number 4 as a model of a medium consisting of fluid and solid particles in the conditions of fluidization. It is proposed to use the examined packing of balls as an initial condition for the calculations by the Discrete Elements Method (DEM) in technological processes in the fluidized bed in industry, as well as in the modeling of processes that occur in hydraulic and pneumatic transport of granular materials. Filtration properties of such packing required for its use as an initial condition in calculations by DEM are estimated.