Discrete Element Simulation of Powder Sintering for Spherical Particles

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical simulation of powder sintering. The numerical model presented in this paper uses the discrete element method, which suggests that the material can be modeled by a large set of discrete elements (particles) of a spherical shape that interact with each other. A methodology has been developed to determine the DEM parameters of bulk materials based on machine vision and a neural network algorithm. The approach is suitable for obtaining the exact values of the DEM parameters of the investigated bulk material by comparing the visual images of the material’s behavior at the experimental stand in reality and in the model. Simulation of sintering requires an introduction of cohesive interaction between particles representing interparticle sintering forces. Numerical sintering studies were supplemented with experimental studies that provided data for calibration and model validation. The experimental results have shown a significant capability of the designed numerical model in modeling sintering processes. Evolution of microstructure and density during sintering have been studied under the laboratory conditions.

Feasibility of Applying Alkaline-Earth Metal Carboaluminates for Bayer Process Aluminate Solution Purification from Organic Impurities

“…Obviously, it is about physical adsorption of branched organic molecules on a sorbent surface [6,[14][15][16]; therefore, the surface area of the preparation plays a crucial role. Thus, calcium hydrocarboaluminate obtained by a non-roasting method and with a more developed surface (~ 60 m 2 /g) has an efficiency of purification from organic substances almost twice as high as that of a sorbent obtained by the classical roasting method.…”

Optical Inspection Systems for Axisymmetric Parts with Spatial 2D Resolution

“…As examples of the use of tools that implement the optical method of control, one can cite the tasks of assessing the cryolite ratio [2], determining the position of the electrodes of ore-thermal furnaces [3] in the metallurgical industry, assessing the efficiency of flotation [4] at obage fabrics, monitoring of self-oscillations in the process of cutting materials based on the registration of the light field [5] and roughness measurement [6,7] in mechanical engineering. Technical vision systems are also used in studies of the mechanical properties of bulk materials [8,9].…”

Mechanical Properties and Mineralogical Composition of Potash Ore as a Factor in Selecting the Processing Method

“…It is worth researching the beneficiation ability of potash ores using alternative processing methods (such as electric separation) from the prospective of environmental safety [19,20] and energy efficiency [21]. It is also advisable to model the process [22] of separation of dry bulky materials [23] in order to increase the accuracy of predicting the results of beneficiation.…”