Discrete dynamic modelling of granular flows in silos.

Abstract

This thesis develops and tests a two-dimensional discrete dynamic model for the simulation of granular flows in silos and hoppers. The granular material considered is assumed to be an assembly of viscoelastic discs and the motion of such a particle system is shown to be governed by a set of nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations. This system of equations is then solved numerically using the centered finite difference scheme. Based on the model presented, a computer program has been developed and used to analyse the flow behaviour of granular materials during filling and emptying of a silo. The results show that the discrete dynamic model developed is capable of modelling granular flows in silos, particularly predicting wall pressures and analysing flow blockage.