Identify the top layer particles in a rotary kiln

Yangyang_Shen

Hi. My project is to model a rotary kiln (constant rpm) with some porous ceramic particles. See below for a snapshot of the sideview of the kiln. The particles are wet initially. I want to apply an “evaporation” function to those particles that are on the surface of the bed, i.e. the top layer of particles in the bed (the highlighted part in the snapshot). How can I identify which particles are on the surface, by calculating the coordination number? Or is there an algorithm in EDEM that can determine which particles are on the surface?  

Thanks so much for your time and consideration!

 

RWood

Hi,

Using the coordination number might work or if the region is constant you could define a volume within the API and apply your evaporation function only for those that are within the volume. Similar to what's done here for residence time:

https://community.altair.com/community/en/edem-api-particle-body-force-residence-time-and-distance-travelled-in?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0121829

Cheers,

Richard