EDEM, CFD-DEM

Question

In the EDEM software, is it possible to use a particle-bonded model as an equivalent substitute for a complex rigid body?

My primary application involves CFD-DEM simulations. The key requirement is to accurately determine the total fluid forces and torques acting on this complex rigid body within the flow field using this approach, without resorting to complex moving meshes.

I have previously attempted to approximate this complex rigid body model by combining individual particles, but during the simulation process, the assembly fragmented, failing to maintain the integrity and consistent motion of the rigid body.

I would therefore like to enquire whether the EDEM software possesses the relevant functionality to construct complex geometries using particle bodies that maintain absolute rigidity and do not fragment, thereby meeting the requirement for the precise determination of fluid forces in the aforementioned coupled simulation?

stitch · Answer

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your reply, if the simulated geometry is a cone that is much larger than the particles, is the clump method still valid and applicable?

Stephen Cole · Answer

Hi,

With EDEM the particles are typically rigid.  You can create a shape from clumps of multi-spheres and this would be a completely rigid particle and free to move.

ON the CFD side this would be seen as local areas of solid volume fraction and would also be assigned a spherical value for calculation of the drag forces.  It wouldn't be treated as a rigid boundary like a Wall in CFD rather an area of high solid volume fraction.

You can also create meta-particle and bond these together, however typically the bond models will allow some flexibility where as using a clump of spheres it will be completely rigid.

Regards

Stephen