Design framework for DEM-supported prototyping of grabs including full-scale validation

The design of machinery for handling granular materials relies mainly on empirical methods and in-house engineering knowledge. This traditional approach provides incremental improvements that are often limited. Advancements in simulation and optimization can offer a promising alternative approach. Most of the research involved in improving or...

DEM particle upscaling for large-scale bulk handling equipment and material interaction

Purpose: The development of bulk material handling equipment can be accelerated and made less expensive when testing of virtual prototypes is adopted. However, the modelling of a grab unloader requires a large volume (77 m3) of iron ore pellets, making the computational costs prohibitive. This paper investigates the extent to which the...

Virtual prototyping of grabs: Co-simulations of discrete element and rigid body models

This dissertation has investigated whether a combination of DEM and MBD can be used for a reliable and accurate environment for predicting grab unloading performance. A grab is a type of bulk material handling equipment used for unloading materials such as coal and iron ore from vessel to shore. Both a grab and iron ore pellets have been...