Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Lucas G. O. Lopes, Diogo T. Cintra, William W. M. Lira
Summary: The paper presents a methodology for obtaining granular models from a GPU parallel implementation of the geometric separation particle packing strategy, suitable for large-scale models in discontinuous media simulations. This approach uses disk-shaped particles and parallelization mechanisms, demonstrating good time improvement and memory efficiency compared to the serial version. It is validated by comparing results with experimental and numerical data, allowing the generation of bigger models in a shorter amount of time without compromising efficiency and accuracy.
COMPUTATIONAL PARTICLE MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
L. Y. Yi, R. P. Zou, D. Pinson, K. J. Dong, A. B. Yu
Summary: This study assessed the applicability of three models for the coordination number in particle mixtures, finding that one model significantly differed from simulated results, while the other two models showed similar performance, but with reduced predictability as particle size differences increased.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
M. Reza Pouranian, John E. Haddock
Summary: The study developed a framework to define the aggregate structure of asphalt mixtures when fine and coarse aggregate stockpiles are blended. Through 3D discrete element simulation, the proposed analytical model was validated to successfully determine the particle structure of binary and multi-sized asphalt mixture gradations, and can be used to better design asphalt mixtures for improved performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Lucas Gouveia Omena Lopes, Lucas Pereira de Gouveia, Diogo Tenorio Cintra, William Wagner Matos Lira
Summary: This work introduces a particle packing method based on distance minimization, using the Levenberg-Marquardt strategy and without the need for a mesh to generate the initial geometric configuration. The methodology aims to provide a good approximation for input parameters of granular media, such as grain size distribution and filling ratio.
ENGINEERING WITH COMPUTERS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhiren Zhu, Jianfeng Wang, Mengmeng Wu
Summary: This paper aims to simulate particle crushing events in triaxial tests using the three dimensional discrete element method, considering irregular particles and coordination numbers. By reproducing irregular particle shapes and modeling the flexible membrane in triaxial tests, the study successfully models particle crushing events by replacing crushed particles with generated fragments while maintaining mass conservation.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Lucas G. O. Lopes, Diogo T. Cintra, William W. M. Lira
Summary: This paper introduces a method to obtain a set of particles with prescribed filling ratio and size distribution using geometric procedures, aiming to address the issue of obtaining an initial set of particles in the analysis of discontinuous media. The method consists of five macro-steps for eliminating overlaps between particles.
COMPUTATIONAL PARTICLE MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Seungkyun Yim, Huakang Bian, Kenta Aoyagi, Kenta Yamanaka, Akihiko Chiba
Summary: This study investigates the spreading behaviors and properties of two types of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb powders produced by different processes. It is found that the flow abilities of the powders differ, with the plasma rotating electrode process (PREP) powder having better static and dynamic flow abilities. The study also reveals that the particle size distribution is the predominant factor governing the powder bed properties.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ado Farsi, Jiansheng Xiang, John-Paul Latham, Mikeal Carlsson, Hugh Stitt, Michele Marigo
Summary: A new component of the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) was used to estimate the effects of geometrical features, friction, and energy dissipation parameters on the bulk properties of rigid pellet packs. The study confirmed the applicability of FDEM methods for simulating multi-body problems and provided a basis for further research on multi-physical engineering systems involving catalyst pellets. The numerical simulations matched experimental results, demonstrating the accuracy of the simulated topology of the pellet pack.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Jinsu Nam, Jaehee Lyu, Junyoung Park
Summary: The paper proposes a new packing model that reduces computation time by using particle growth for generation and packing. The model is validated and compared with three widely used contact models in DEM, showing similar trends in particle contact and pore distribution.
JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Du-Min Kuang, Zhi-Lin Long, Ikechukwu Ogwu, Zhuo Chen
Summary: The study proposed a particle breakage simulation approach based on the discrete element method framework, modeling the variability of particle breakage strength with the invertible function method to avoid local stress generation and non-conservation of mass and volume, and eliminating the need for a predefined fragmentation mode.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Haoran Zhou, Qingshan Meng, Qinglong Qin, Kai Wu, Youkou Dong
Summary: A systematic method is proposed to generate nonstar-like particles satisfying target shape descriptors. By utilizing complex functions and correlation analysis, the method successfully generates particles randomly, and its efficiency and stability are proven through tests.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Reza Amirifar, Kejun Dong, Qinghua Zeng, Xizhong An, Aibing Yu
Summary: This paper presents a numerical study on the self-assembly of mono-size granular spheres under uniform and non-uniform 3D vibration. The results show that under 1D or uniform 3D vibration, self-assembly results in a RHCP structure, while under certain non-uniform vibration, a packing can self-assemble into FCC or HCP crystal structure. The microscopical analyses provide rich insight into the different self-assembly processes under different vibration modes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yoshiyuki Komoda, Kaoru Ishibashi, Kentaro Kuratani, Kosuke Suzuki, Naoto Ohmura, Hironori Kobayashi
Summary: The drying process of electrode slurry is vital for achieving better electrochemical performance in LiB, but it remains poorly understood. The lack of information on slurry microstructure also complicates the solution. This study prepares and characterizes cathode slurries with different internal structures using rheological properties. The drying process of the coating layer is evaluated by measuring film shrinkage. It is found that uniform mixing of coarse particles of active material and the network structure of acetylene-black particles leads to a low drying rate, particle segregation, and poor cycle performance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Ru Fu, Bo Yang, Xinli Hu, Bo Zhou, Matthew Richard Coop
Summary: Mixing soil or sand with tire rubber fibers is a practical and promising solution to global scrap tire pollution. A numerical approach using the discrete element method was proposed to model mixtures of sand and rubber fibers and investigate their mechanical behaviors. The study found that a rubber content of 20% provided the best shear resistance in the critical state. The reinforcing mechanism of rubber fibers was studied to improve soil performance and provide valuable guidance for engineering applications.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arden Phua, Joshua Smith, Chris H. J. Davies, Peter S. Cook, Gary W. Delaney
Summary: In powder bed fusion (PBF), accurately calculating the local packing density of non-spherical particles is crucial for understanding the behavior of powders in the system. The Set Voronoi tessellation method is introduced as a precise technique for this purpose. By studying three critical sections of the PBF system using the Discrete Element Method, we analyze the local packing variations in a discharging Hall flowmeter, the powder spreading process, and a realistic AM powder layer. This work provides important insights into how key process parameters affect the final part quality by studying the variations in local powder packing structure.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Nan Zhang, Shiwei Zhao, T. Matthew s Evan, Yu Du, Yushun Lian
Summary: This article investigates the shear behavior of granular-continuum interfaces by using three-dimensional discrete element modeling. The influence zones vary with normal stresses and soil densities. The micromechanical behaviors and fabric evolution for the interface are studied, and stress and fabric tensors are used to capture the shear strength. Results show that both macro and micro mechanical parameters decrease with increasing confining stress.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Yuanming Lai
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao
Summary: SudoDEM is a novel open-source discrete element code for efficient modeling of non-spherical particles in 2D and 3D, featuring a rich library of particle shapes and efficient contact detection algorithms. The code has been validated and demonstrated its robustness, efficiency and versatility in providing realistic solutions to granular mechanics problems.
COMPUTER PHYSICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Weijian Liang
Summary: The article introduces a novel parallel computing framework for large-scale and multiscale simulations of granular media, utilizing RVE parallelism and GPU-specific techniques. Benchmark tests show that GoDEM can achieve a speedup of approximately 350 compared to a single-CPU-core code.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Changhui Zhang, Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Xiaowen Zhou
Summary: This paper proposes a 3D Voronoi analysis framework for realistic grain packing based on XCT and DEM, along with an efficient parallel processing tool PySVT. It reveals significant differences in particle characteristics between 2D and 3D, with emphasis on Voronoi cell morphology and local porosity analysis for void phase.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Hao Chen, Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Xiaowen Zhou
Summary: The study focuses on the influence of particle shape on the at-rest coefficient of lateral pressure, K0, establishing a relationship between K0 and particle structure through micromechanics-based theories and numerical simulations. Results show that K0 is related to particle shape, with contact force distribution playing the most prominent role in determining K0.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengshou Lai, Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Linchong Huang
Summary: This study revisits the contact resolution of non-spherical particles in DEM through GJK and shape erosion method, highlighting the significant impact of shape erosion on weak contacts within the packing and potential overestimation of contact overlap. However, the negligible effect of shape erosion on the overall coordination number, packing fabric, and stress-strain behaviors is observed. It is recommended to carefully set the erosion ratio to be compatible with the overlaps of strong contacts in practical applications.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Jiayan Nie, Shiwei Zhao, Yifei Cui, Yu Wang
Summary: This study systematically investigates the coupled effects of particle overall regularity (OR) and sliding friction on the shear behavior of dense sands. The findings reveal that different aspects of particle shape can have mutual effects on the overall behavior of sands. Moreover, the study analyzes the microscopic origins of multi-scale shape-dependent shear strength, which is crucial for improving the understanding of the influence of particle shape on the shear behavior of sands.
JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Weijian Liang, Huanran Wu, Shiwei Zhao, Wei Zhou, Jidong Zhao
Summary: This study introduces a scalable three-dimensional multiscale framework for continuum-discrete modeling of granular materials, combining a continuum-based material point method (MPM) and a discrete element method (DEM). A parallel scheme based on MPI model is developed to address computational cost, achieving significant speedup in large-scale simulations. The framework is validated and applied to simulate the intrusion of a solid object, showcasing its numerical performance and predictive capability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhengshou Lai, Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Linchong Huang
Summary: This paper presents a signed distance field approach for DEM modeling of granular media with arbitrarily shaped particles. The approach uses a generic SDF-based interface to rigorously model particle shapes and their contact operations. It defines the signed distance inside and outside particles and represents the particle surface using the zeroth isosurface of the SDF. The paper also develops specialized grain shape models and a numerical scheme for particle surface discretization and reconstruction. Demonstrative examples validate the proposed approach and computational aspects are discussed.
COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Weijian Liang, Fujun Niu
Summary: The text discusses the intricate coupling between heat generation and transfer with mechanical responses in granular materials, introducing a novel hierarchical multiscale modeling framework TM-DEMPM. This framework utilizes Material Point Method coupled with Discrete Element Method to provide physics-based simulations of thermo-mechanical granular responses, with a proposed hybrid OpenMP and GPU-based parallelization for faster numerical solutions.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shiwei Zhao, Zhengshou Lai, Jidong Zhao
Summary: This article presents a novel approach to accelerate particle-based simulations by leveraging ray tracing cores in addition to CUDA cores on RTX GPUs. A new, general-purpose RT-based neighbor search algorithm is proposed and benchmarked with a prevailing cell-based one. The study demonstrates that the RT-based simulations are 10%-60% faster than the cell-based ones.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Hao Chen, Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao, Xiaowen Zhou
Summary: This study proposes a generalized contact scheme based on a hybrid scheme of material point method (MPM) and discrete element method (DEM) to model multi-body and multi-material interactions. The scheme contains two novel features of particle-particle and particle-structure contact schemes guided by a DEM contact model. It demonstrates that the generalized contact scheme can flexibly capture the mechanical responses of multi-body and multi-material systems in MPM.
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shiwei Zhao, Jidong Zhao
Summary: This paper presents a novel approach, called Ray Tracing Discrete Element Method (RTDEM), for efficiently simulating particles with arbitrary shapes. The method uses a triangular mesh and template meshes, along with ray tracing-based algorithms and discrete potential field functions, to accurately and efficiently detect and resolve contacts between the particles.
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Physics, Applied
Jidong Zhao, Shiwei Zhao, Stefan Luding
Summary: This Technical Review provides an overview of computational modeling of granular matter, focusing on the role of particle shape and future challenges.
NATURE REVIEWS PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bingyao Wang, Tianyi Cai, Xiaoshu Cai, Wu Zhou, Zeqi Liu
Summary: The size and morphology of nanoparticles significantly impact their performance. Current methods, such as electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy, have limitations in sample preparation, processing time, and quantitative characterization. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a fast, accurate, and statistical method for measuring nanoparticle size and morphology. In this study, a new method called polarized imaging dynamic light scattering (PIDLS) is proposed, which irradiates nanoparticles with a vertical linearly polarized laser beam and utilizes a polarization camera to collect dynamic light scattering images at different polarization directions. The method effectively determines particle size, morphology, and sphericity based on depolarization patterns and degree of linear polarization. PIDLS also enables simultaneous measurement of particle size and morphology distributions, allowing for the evaluation of particle uniformity. The effectiveness of PIDLS is validated with the measurement of five types of industrial titanium dioxide.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qingye Meng, Shuangling Zhong, Jingfei Wang, Zhenqian Zhang, Yan Gao, Xuejun Cui
Summary: In this study, a non-toxic natural polysaccharide, sodium alginate (SA), was developed for targeted delivery of curcumin (CUR) in tumor therapy. The CUR was coated in microcapsules using a quick, efficient, and environment-friendly sonochemical method. The microcapsules showed similar toxicity to free curcumin in anti-tumour evaluation and exhibited effective antibacterial properties. This research has the potential to provide a low-cost tumor targeting vector and can be promoted for clinical application.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Christin Velten, Mirko Ebert, Christian Lessig, Katharina Zaehringer
Summary: Ray tracing Particle Image Velocimetry (RT-PIV) is an optical technique that corrects for distortions in velocity measurements caused by transparent geometries in challenging optical systems. This study focuses on the challenges and implications of using RT-PIV in a body centred cubic (bcc) sphere packing with gaseous flow, where transparent glass balls are used for optical access. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in reconstructing velocity fields behind transparent spheres.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yanhao Ye, Ji Xu, Wei Ge
Summary: By modeling neighboring particles as a single coarse-grained particle, the discrete particle method (DPM) can now simulate industrial-scale particle-fluid systems. However, there is still a lack of a systematic approach to determine the properties and interaction models of these coarse-grained particles, which affects the predictability of the method. In this study, kernel functions for modeling the coarse-grained particles are constructed based on the analysis of collisions between predefined particle groups, and the model parameters are determined by equating the statistical properties of the coarse-grained particles to those of the real particles. This approach has been effective in simulating the homogeneous cooling of granular gas and experimental fluidized beds.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Boris I. Kharisov, Oxana V. Kharissova, Lucy T. Gonzalez, Yolanda Pena Mendez, Igor E. Uflyand, Idalia Gomez de la Fuente
Summary: Hydroxyapatite (HA) composites with carbon allotropes and nanocarbons are rapidly developing in materials chemistry, especially for medical applications. These composites can be synthesized using various methods and exhibit biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, making them suitable for bone regeneration and wastewater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xing Li, Qun Chen, Zhaozhao Liu, Cheng Zhou, Chen Wang, Chen Chen
Summary: The particle size distribution (PSD) curve is an important expression of soil properties. However, existing characteristic parameters can only represent some points of the curve and fail to capture all the information. This paper introduces a new fraction characteristic parameter based on grading entropy and proposes a refined presentation method for the PSD curve. The new method not only represents the differences in curve width more accurately but also has higher discrimination ability. The application of this method in describing deposit distribution and predicting soil hydraulic conductivity is discussed. The research results can provide reference for the refined representation of PSD curves.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qingjin Zhang, Liangliang Fu, Guangwen Xu, Dingrong Bai
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzes the temperature effect on the minimum fluidization velocity (Umf) in fluidized-bed reactors. The analysis reveals the influence of temperature on Umf is determined by the relative importance of hydrodynamic forces and interparticle forces, which result in changes in gas properties, bed voidage, and physiochemical characteristics of particles. An equation is derived to predict the temperature influences on Umf under broad temperature conditions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Josephine Oppotsch, Matthias Steinke, Miriam Fritsch, Fritz -Herbert Heinsius, Thomas Held, Nikoline Hilse, Viktor Scherer, Ulrich Wiedner
Summary: This work is the second part of a simulation study on processing densely packed and moving granular assemblies using PEPT. A cost-effective PET-like detector system is being developed to overcome the high cost of PET scanners commonly used for PEPT. Monte Carlo simulations and Geant4 software were used to study the spatial resolution of different scenarios, and it was found that oversampling and iteration improved the resolution significantly.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lian Duan, Zhixun Xia, Yunchao Feng, Binbin Chen, Likun Ma, Jianxin Hu
Summary: In this study, boron-magnesium agglomerates with varying mass ratios were prepared and the combustion process of these agglomerates under different oxygen-rich concentrations were investigated. The results showed that when the mass fraction of magnesium powder in boron-magnesium agglomerates exceeded a certain threshold, a transient flameout process occurred. This process is affected by the magnesium content of the agglomerate and the oxygen concentration in the ambient atmosphere.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lixia Hou, Chunxiao Qu, Min Su, Zhihan Liang, Qi Hao
Summary: This study investigates the impact of polymer modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles on lysozyme (Lys) crystallization under different conditions, using functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Polymer C@Fe3O4) as nucleation agents. The findings show that the surface charge density of Polymer C@Fe3O4 is highest at a modification mass ratio of 8:3 for Fe3O4 to Polymer C. By adding 15% of the PolymerC@Fe3O4 prepared from Fe3O4 with an average particle size of 150 nm, magnetic core lysozyme (M-Lys) crystals with an average particle size of 11.08 mm, narrow size distribution, and regular morphology were obtained with a yield of 82.42% within 60 min.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fangling Hu, Liangliang Fu, Qingjin Zhang, Guangwen Xu, Dingrong Bai
Summary: This study proposes a method for synthesizing high-quality forsterite using abundant boron mud waste through high-temperature thermochemical reactions. The reaction can be completed rapidly at low temperatures due to the high reactivity of fine raw powder materials. The synthesized forsterite products exhibit high densification, well-developed grains, and an activation energy of 165.5 kJ/mol in the temperature range of 1100-1500°C. This study provides a low-cost method for producing forsterite and an efficient solution for treating solid waste.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Liu, Yunyan Guo, Rui Zhu, Jinqiang Zhou, Zhengxu Lin, Kai Han, Chongwei An, Jingyu Wang, Bidong Wu
Summary: Improved controllability and energy density of ignition agents are important for the development of energetic composite materials. In this study, HNS/CL-20 composite microspheres were prepared using droplet microfluidics and emulsification techniques with GAP as the binder. The microspheres exhibited higher sphericity and particle size uniformity compared to raw HNS, and retained the crystal structure of both HNS and CL-20. The microspheres also showed higher apparent activation energy, better safety performance, and good dispersibility, demonstrating excellent ignition performance and significant energy release effects.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Max Kriegeskorte, Nikoline Hilse, Phil Spatz, Viktor Scherer
Summary: This study experimentally analyzed the particle mechanics of a single floor in a multiple hearth furnace. The results showed that increasing the blade angle led to an increase in the particle free surface area. The frequency distribution of the mean distance among particles provided information about the morphology of the particle bulk.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Min Cai, Shuangzhu Kong, Sheng Chen, Mengxi Liu, Chunxi Lu
Summary: Reasonable reactor design is crucial for increasing the C2 yield in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). This study focused on large-scale fluidized bed reactors and conducted experiments and simulations to investigate their hydrodynamics and reaction performance. The results showed that the consecutive reactions of ethylene were severe in the bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) reactor due to gas back-mixing, high solids holdup, and non-uniform solids distribution, while they were negligible in the riser reactor. Both reactors achieved isothermal operation for the OCM process, with the riser reactor showing higher C2 selectivity and yield compared to the BFB reactor. This study provides valuable information for OCM reactor design and commercialization.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiangkui Hu, Shijie Yang, Yingying Pei, Xilong Wang, Yulong Liao, Shuai Li, Aolong Yue, Jia-Qi Huang, Hong Yuan
Summary: This review discusses the interfacial issues in all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) based on sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) and high-voltage cathodes, and proposes strategies to stabilize the electrolyte/cathode interfaces. The future research direction of electrolyte/cathode interfaces and the application prospects of powder technology in sulfide-based ASSLBs are also discussed.