Two-dimensional discrete element modeling of a spherical steel media in a vibrating bed

A discrete element model was developed to model granular flow in different vibratory beds and the results are compared with experimental measurements of bulk flow velocity and bed expansion. The sensitivity of the model predictions to the contact parameters was considered and the parameters were optimized with respect to the experimental results. The difference between the model predictions of the bulk flow velocity and the measurements was less than 10% at four locations in media beds of two depths. The average bulk density of the vibrating beds was also predicted to be within 10% of the measured values.