The Use of Simulation Software using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for the Process of Materials Comminution

¹ Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
² Kazimierz Wielki University, Chodkiewicza 30 Street, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland

Abstract

Comminution processes are one of the most common processes for processing energy materials, e.g. coal, biomass, and post-recycling elements. The hitherto unsolved problem is the high energy consumption of machines and the lack of precise descriptions of the phenomenon of comminution in terms of the relationship between the design features of mills and the properties of comminuted materials. The dynamic development of simulation techniques based on advanced models and the method of discrete elements allows for a certain mapping of occurring phenomena. The purpose of the work is to illustrate the possibility of using simulation software based on the discrete element method to model the grinding processes in the shredders grinding assemblies. The paper presents aspects of modeling the shape and size of particles, their interactions and contacts with mills structural elements, as well as aspects of crushing modeling in RockyDem software.