Simulation Analysis of a Spatial Particle Velocity Distribution in a Container for Improving Particle Discharging Flow Rate

Abstract

Understanding the local flow behavior in a hopper container is important to improve particle discharge flow rate from the hopper. In this study, DEM simulations were used to analyze the effect of discharge flow rate from a hopper container on a spatial particle velocity distribution in the container. The Hamaker constant, friction angle, and particle density were varied to change the discharge flow rate. As the discharge flow rate increased, fast and slow flow regions became distinct, and spatially asymmetric local flow was observed. In addition, the difference in average particle velocity between the zones near the wall and the center of the container decreased. From the results, the particles in each zone did not flow at a constant velocity, and instead, fast-flowing discharged regions appeared randomly at each zone, and switched frequently between these zones. In addition, these trends were similar regardless of the particle properties. Thus, the results suggested that the same guidelines could be used to control flow behavior to improve the discharge flow rate, without considering the differences in particle properties.