DEM modelling of silo load asymmetry due to eccentric filling and discharge

Influence of ore-drawing port position on ore-rock flow characteristics in ore pass and lateral pressure on ore pass wall

The blockage and the deformation and failure of the ore pass walls constitute two major problems in applying the ore passes in mines. These problems, which affect the normal operation of mine production, have attracted widespread attention worldwide. The labeled-particle layers method based on numerical simulation was used to investigate the flow characteristics of the ore-rock bulk in the ore pass under different eccentric distances of the ore-drawing port center and ore pass centerline. Moreover, the overpressure coefficient and overpressure number are used to evaluate the degree of damage to the ore-pass wall. The results show that: (1) During the ore drawing process under different eccentricities, the flow patterns of the topmost labeled-particle layers in the ore pass are always in a "-" shaped distribution, and the other layers in the ore pass gradually transition from a "-" shape to a "U" shaped distribution, and then gradually to a "V" shape closer to the drawing funnel; (2) in the range of the ore-drawing funnel, the flow pattern of the ore-rock bulk gradually changes from an upright "V" shape to an italic "V" shape with increasing eccentricity and tip slants to the drawing port, and is less affected in the shaft; and (3) the dynamic lateral pressure caused by the ore-rock flow mainly acts on the lower part of the storage section. When the eccentricity is 0.5 m, the maximum overpressure coefficient and overpressure times are the smallest, leading to the lowest damage degree of the ore pass wall.

Modeling methods for gravity flow of granular solids in silos

This paper provides a review on the flow of free-flowing particles inside silos. We have previously reviewed in detail the experimental studies in this field. In the present work, the focus is placed on the theoretical approaches allowing numerical simulation and modeling of these systems. Modeling of granular flow in silos is very significant due to the advantages of modeling compared to experiments. The simulation methods are divided into four main groups: analytical methods, finite element method, discrete element method, and hybrid models. In each section, the most significant researches are reviewed. The drawbacks and advantages of each method are discussed, and the effects of different parameters are reviewed. Finally, the perspective of future work and the main challenges in this area are discussed.