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| Modeling of granular flow based on discrete element method simulation and optimization of ore bin parameters |
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Received:November 28, 2025
Revised:January 07, 2026
Accepted:January 26, 2026
Published Online:April 30, 2026
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| DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1005-7854.2026.02.010 |
| KeyWord:discrete element method (DEM);ore bin granular flow;particle parameter calibration;design parameter optimization;Cradle |
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| CINF Engineering Co Ltd, Changsha 410019, China |
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| Abstract: |
| The dimensional parameters of ore bins in mineral processing plants are typically designed empirically based on the repose angle of the stored ore. However, when the ore has high moisture and clay content, issues such as material compaction and low effective volume utilization rate are prone to occur, severely impacting the smoothness of the process flow and normal mine production. To address these problems, this paper proposes an ore bin design method that integrates simulation and optimization design. Four types of materials were taken as research objects, including materials from the medium-fine crushing bin of molybdenum ore, materials from the high-pressure grinding roll bin of molybdenum ore, fine ore bin materials of copper ore, and run-of-mine bin materials of bauxite. Discrete element simulation tests were carried out using Cradle software to systematically reveal the influence laws of viscous damping coefficient, static friction coefficient and rolling resistance coefficient on particle accumulation behavior. Parametric models for particle flow of various ores were established, and a corresponding database was constructed to improve the modeling efficiency for unfamiliar materials. Based on elucidating the influence patterns of key parameters—such as bin half-angle, outlet size, and bin height—on discharge performance, a multi-dimensional evaluation system for ore bin discharge performance was constructed. This system incorporates indicators including the angle between the material layer surface and the horizontal plane when the internal particles account for 70% and 30% of the total volume, arch height, arch duration, and instantaneous arching stress. Combining Jenike's theory and the critical arching height formula, the quantitative relationships between outlet size and arch height, as well as between particle cohesion and critical arching height, were analyzed. A copper mine in Xinjiang was taken as a case study for application verification. The optimized ore bin discharge effect was evaluated through simulation. The results indicate that an excessively large bin half-angle can easily lead to stagnant zones in the material, transforming the discharge flow pattern into funnel flow. Increasing the outlet size based on simulation results significantly improved the bridging situation, with simulation findings showing good agreement with actual site conditions. This study validates the reliability and engineering practical value of the proposed method, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the refined design of ore bins under complex operating conditions. |
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