Discrete Element Simulations of particles interacting via capillary forces using MercuryDPM

TL;DR

This paper implements and compares advanced capillary bridge models within MercuryDPM's DEM framework, enhancing the simulation accuracy of wet granular particles.

Contribution

It introduces the implementation of Willett and Bagheri capillary force approximations into MercuryDPM, expanding its modeling capabilities.

Findings

Improved accuracy in simulating wet granular interactions

Demonstrated capabilities through two-particle collision simulations

Enhanced modeling of complex capillary forces

Abstract

We present the implementation of two advanced capillary bridge approximations within the Discrete Element Method (DEM) framework of the open-source code MercuryDPM. While MercuryDPM already includes a simplified version of the Willett approximation, our work involves implementing both the classical Willett approximation and the recently published Bagheri approximation in MercuryDPM. Through detailed descriptions and illustrative simulations using a two-particle collision model, we demonstrate the enhanced accuracy and capabilities of these approximations in capturing the complex dynamics of wet granular matter.