An algorithm to generate high dense packing of particles with various shapes

¹ Institute of Applied Computer Science, Lodz University of Technology, ul. Stefanowskiego 18/22, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
² Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland

^* E-mail: konrad.miskiewicz@p.lodz.pl

Abstract

Discrete Element Method (DEM) is one of available numerical methods to compute movement of particles in large scale simulations. The method has been frequently applied to simulate the cases of grain or bulk material as the major research issue. The paper describes a new method of generating high dense packing with mixed material of two different shape used in DEM simulation. The initial packing is an important parameter to control, because have influence on the first few seconds after start the simulation. Some-times when the material in silo is arranged with loose packing before the start, the particles move downward gravity. These changes between the start and the first few seconds in simulations act strongly on the results at the end of a discharging process in silo. At the initial simulation time it is important to prepare proper packing with mixed material, in order to make sure that the particles will not move due to gravity action. This solution is a necessary step to integrate in the simulation procedure in order to compare later the computer simulation with experimental measurements of material discharge in a silo.