Computer Simulation of Particle Segregation Process Using 3D Discrete Element Method

Based on soft-sphere dry contact model segregation process of particles was simulated by using 3D discrete element method (DEM). The effects of amplitude, vibration intensity and particle size ratio on segregation velocity of particles were also analyzed. The results show that amplitude has a great influence on segregation velocity which increases significantly as the amplitude increased. But when the value of amplitude is larger than 4 mm, the velocity will have no significantly changes. Vibration intensity has a little effect on the velocity which has little increment when the value of vibration intensity is over 3.1. The segregation velocity increases significantly with the increase of the particle size ratio. The increment of velocity will decrease when the size ratio exceeds the critical value of 3.