Discrete Element Simulation of Abrasive Type Rice Milling

Effect of Operational Conditions on Milling Conditions

Abstract

As the first step for applying discrete element simulation to the development of an abrasive-type rice milling technology, a two-dimensional model was developed using circular elements for the initial milling process. Rice particle movement was observed during milling in a test machine and the decrease in brown rice mass was measured. The simulation reproduced the characteristics of particle movement observed in the experiment. Simulated shear force between a particle and an abrasive roll governed the milling action. Shear force integrated over milling time correlated well with decreased particle mass. The simulation predicted the effect of surface roughness and rotational frequency of the roll on both particle movement and the decrease in mass observed experimentally.