Discrete Element Method using the Superposed Rigid-Rod Model for the Dynamic Behavior of Needle-Shaped Powder with a High Aspect Ratio

One problem of the Discrete Element Method is the assumption of a spherical particle shape, which reduces the computing time but significantly limits the application of the DEM to analysis. This limitation can be overcome by a recently developed rigid-rod model. However, the rigid-rod model has an essential problem related with friction: it always contains friction error because of the bumpy surface. To overcome this issue, we suggest a superposed rigid-rod model in this paper. The superposed rigid-rod model is notably consistent with the theoretical value in terms of the velocity and angular velocity after the collision. The estimated error is negligible(less than 2%). Then, the developed model is applied to hopper discharging. The developed model shows no problem in the discharging flow from the hopper.