Three-Dimensional DEM Analysis of Collision Force in a Tumbling Ball Mill

Abstract

The three-dimensional motion of balls in a tumbling ball mill is analyzed numerically by using DEM (Discrete Element Method). The effects of the ball filling ratio and the rotational speed of the vessel on contact force acting on balls in contact is analyzed. The impulsive force caused by collision is characterized by the force corresponding to its peak. The normalized frequency of the impulsive force monotonously decreased with increasing collision strength in all cases. It is found that the ball filling ratio and the rotational speed of the vessel largely affect the characteristics of the impulsive force. The present study predicts the existence of optimum conditions in the ball filling ratio and the rotational speed of the vessel.