In order to develop a common mathematical and simulation platform for tumbling mills, the key aspects of grinding and both slurry and solids transport which are common to all tumbling mills are identified based on a review of existing mechanistic models and milling mechanics. Three versions of generic model structures for tumbling mills (the Generic Tumbling Mill Model Structure Versions 1 to 3: GTMMS I, GTMMS II, and GTMMS III) have been developed based on the population balance framework by incorporating sub-models for breakage characteristics, energy distribution, slurry and solids transport, and discharge.GTMMS I firstly integrates the transport function into a dynamic model structure. As an upgrade of GTMMS I, GTMMS II incorporates a 4D (four dimensional) appearance function sub-model derived from the JK Rotary Breakage Test (JKRBT) data to substitute the existing JK M-p-q t 10 -t n based appearance function model and applies the Discrete Element Method (DEM) energy distribution model, which can replace the traditional selection function, into the model structure.To obtain a 4D appearance function with wider applicable ranges, the JK Mini drop weight tester (JK Mini DWT) was used to conduct drop weight tests for smaller particles with sizes ranging from 16 mm to 0.45 mm. The test results, together with the existing data from JK Standard Drop Weight Tests (JK DWT), were analysed and the wide-range (Ore particle sizes ranging from 425 μm to 63 mm and the input specific energy from 0.1 kWh/t ~ 2.5 kWh/t) 4D appearance function models, namely the wide-range P80-m based 4D model and the wide-range P80-m-q based 4D model, were developed. All the 4D models have better performance in comparison with other t 10 based models.The wide-range 4D appearance function model, together with the DEM energy distribution model corrected by probability-based energy split scheme with both volume ratio and stiffness ratio considered, and the multicomponent sub-model were successfully applied to GTMMS III.All three versions of GTMMS were validated against plant data, and the predictions agree well with plant data. GTMMS I, II and III can work independently depending on the availability of plant data.Because of the harmonic integration of the 4D appearance function, DEM energy distribution model, transport function, discharge function, power model, dynamic modelling and multicomponent modelling, GTMMS I, II and III are more mechanistic, generic, reliable, scalable and applicable and can be treated as vital milestones towards the goal of mechanistic grinding mill modelling and forming a platform for future models such as the unified comminution models (UCM).ii Declaration by authorThis thesis is composed of my original work and contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference has been made in the text. I have clearly stated the contribution by others to jointly-authored works that I have included in my thesis.

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The Appearance function, also known as breakage distribution function, is used to describe the breakage characteristics of an ore impacted with a certain energy. It is the bedrock of comminution modelling. The range of applicability of the majority of existing appearance functions is limited to coarser sizes above a few millimetres. In the previous work, a 4D (four dimensional) appearance function model was developed based on JKRBT test data, but its applicable range was not sufficiently broad at −24.4 + 7.3 mm. In order to develop a more versatile appearance function model that can be used for a wide range of energy levels and feed particle sizes, drop weight tests for smaller particles with sizes ranging from 425 μm to 16 mm were carried out with the Mini JK drop weight tester. Combined with data up to 63 mm from Standard JK Drop Weight Tests, the outcomes were fitted to two types of 4D appearance functions - the P80-m based 4D model and the P80-m-q based 4D model. The proposed 4D models are more accurate and scalable than existing models. Most importantly, they can be used for a wide range of conditions, with feed particle size ranging from 425 μm to 63 mm and input specific energy from 0.1 to 2.5 kW h/t in the initial test data

Polypyrrole/expanded graphite nanohybrids with a hierarchical structure were synthesized as electrode materials, and showed outstanding energy storage performance.