Discrete modeling of granular flow with thermal transfer: Application to the discharge of silos

Heat transfer in particulate beds has an important impact for many industrial processes as well as for the storage of particulate material. This study is aimed at modeling the granular flow and heat transfer between particles during the discharge of a silo. A numerical model based on the detection of contacts and the evolution of heat transfers in particle flow has been developed by using discrete element method (DEM). Through this study, we model the heat flows generated by friction and its transfer by conductance. Influence of the friction coefficient and discharging velocity on the granular flow and heat transfer has been investigated through some numerical examples. This modeling enables to understand better the phenomena at the contact point between particles as well as the heat transfer for a great number of particles in motion from their intrinsic mechanical properties and contact conductance.