Internal Load and Moment Distributions of Rigid, Sphero-Cylindrical Particles in a Stirred Vessel

The discrete element method (DEM) is combined with small deformation beam bending theory to determine the internal load and moment distributions within rigid, sphero-cylindrical particles agitated in a stirred vessel. The results from this model are compared with predictions from a separate DEM model using flexible, glued-sphere particles. The two models show good agreement on the normal load, shear load and bending moment distributions, with less agreement on twisting moments.  Reasons for the differences are proposed and the pros and cons of the different modeling approaches are discussed.  In addition, parametric studies examining the influence of particle aspect ratio, blade rotational speed, material properties, and inter-particle cohesion strength on the internal load and moment distributions are investigated.  Intra-particle load and moment spatial distributions are also examined in order to determine the likely location of particle breakage.