A study on adjusted contact force laws for accelerated large scale discrete element simulations

Abstract The aim of this work is to systematically investigate the effect of the normal force law and the applied stiffness on the behavior of single particles and particle systems. A detailed review of the literature regarding altered stiffnesses and their use in force laws is provided. The effect on macroscopic simulation properties such as contact numbers, velocity profiles, discharge rates and quality of dispersion for different fractions of maximum overlap is studied in the case of a stirrer vessel and a rectangular hopper. In order to provide further acceleration beyond the limits imposed by classical force models, a number of alternative force laws are developed which have a more favorable ratio between contact time and maximal overlap. Their employment in large scale simulations is investigated in light of their applicability. Some of the suggested force law modifications reveal artificial characteristics requiring further alteration.

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