Simulation and analysis
Discrete element method (DEM)
Bulk solids flow, transfer-chute and equipment-wear modelling by discrete element method.
Describe your projectWhat it covers
Discrete element method modelling simulates the behaviour of granular and bulk materials by tracking individual particles. It covers transfer chute and hopper flow, conveyor loading and trajectory, blockage and spillage, segregation, and wear on liners and equipment. The engineer calibrates the particle model against measured material properties, simulates the design or problem, and uses the result to fix flow, reduce wear and dust, or design a chute that does not block.
When you need it
You need DEM when bulk material handling is causing blockages, spillage, dust, segregation or rapid wear, or when you are designing transfer points, chutes, bins or feeders and want to get the flow right before fabrication. It is the method behind reliable bulk materials handling design.
Standards, codes and tools
Commonly used tools: Rocky DEM, EDEM, LIGGGHTS.
What to look for
Look for an engineer who calibrates the particle model to your actual material, because an uncalibrated DEM model can mislead. Ask how they validate flow against observed behaviour and whether they can turn the result into a chute or bin design, not just a simulation. The deliverable should be a flow fix or a design, not only an animation.
Common questions
What problems does DEM solve?
Bulk materials handling problems: chute and hopper blockages, conveyor spillage and dust, segregation, and liner and equipment wear. It is also used to design transfer points and bins that flow reliably before they are built.
Does the material need to be tested for DEM?
For reliable results, yes. The particle model is calibrated against measured properties of your actual material, such as flow and friction behaviour. An uncalibrated model can produce confident but misleading flow predictions.
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Describe your projectRelated specialties
Design-by-analysis
Code-compliant FEA of pressure equipment to ASME VIII Div 2 Part 5 where the rules do not reach.
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Structural and mechanical stress, deflection and nonlinear analysis by finite element methods.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Flow, mixing, thermal and ventilation analysis by computational fluid dynamics.
Process simulation
Steady-state and dynamic process modelling for plant design, debottlenecking and operation.