3-D Modelling of Irregular Shape Particles for Discrete Element Method Based on X-ray Tomography

Abstract

Abstract: In order to build 3-D models of irregular shape particles for discrete element method, the real ballast was scanned with X-ray tomography and its tomography images were obtained, a binary image processing was implemented for each image, and with the method of edgepoints detection, the three dimensional coordinates of the ballast were collected. Then, three governing parameters: minimum radius of basicspheres, efficient space factor, and splitradius were introduced and the generating program of particle was compiled based on VC++. The program combines the basicspheres automatically under an overlap-able algorithm to build the model of irregular shape particles. The research results indicate that with the same preset parameters, the process of modelling can be repeated, and the program is not related to the initial conditions. Meanwhile, the balance of model accuracy and required ball number can be achieved by adjusting governing parameters.

Key words: X-ray tomography (CT), irregular particles, discrete element method (DEM), numerical modelling

CLC Number:

TU441.93

DU Xin, ZENG Ya-Wu, GAO Rui, YAN Jing. 3-D Modelling of Irregular Shape Particles for Discrete Element Method Based on X-ray Tomography[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2011, 45(05): 711-715.

References

［1］Coetzee C J, Els D N J. Calibration of granular material parameters for DEM modeling and numerical verification by bladegranular material interaction［J］. Journal of Terramechanics, 2009, 46(1): 1526.

［2］Taylor M A, Garboczi E J, Erdogan S T, et al. Some properties of irregular 3D particles［J］. Powder Technology, 2006, 162(1): 115.

［3］Cundall P A, Strack O D L. A discrete element model for granular assemblies［J］. Geotechnique, 1979, 29(1):4765.

［4］徐泳, 孙其诚, 张凌, 等. 颗粒离散元法研究进展［J］. 力学进展, 2003, 33(2): 251260.

XU Yong, SUN Qicheng, ZHANG Ling, et al. Advances in discrete element methods for particulate materials［J］. Advances in Mechanics, 2003, 33(2): 251260.

［5］王安麟, 邵萌, 梁波, 等. 三维流固两相流的颗粒群轨道柔性模型［J］. 上海交通大学学报, 2005, 39(5):790794.

WANG Anlin, SHAO Meng, LIANG Bo, et al. Particles trajectory flexible model of 3D fluidsolids twophase flows［J］. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2005, 39(5): 790794.

［6］Lu M, McDowell G R. The importance of modelling ballast particle shape in the discrete element method［J］. Granular Matter, 2007, 9(12):6980.

［7］Wang L B, Park J Y, Fu Y. Representation of real particles for DEM simulation using Xray tomography［J］. Construction and Building Materials, 2007, 21(2): 338346.

［8］Wang L B, Frost J D, Lai J S. Threedimensional digital representation of granular material microstructure from Xray tomography imaging ［J］. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 2004, 18(1): 2835.

［9］Garcia X, Latham J P, Xiang J, et al. A clustered overlapping sphere algorithm to represent real particles in discrete element modeling［J］. Geotechnique, 2009, 59(9): 779784.

［10］Ferellec J F, McDowell G R. A simple method to create complex particle shapes for DEM［J］. Geomechanics and Geoengineering, 2008, 3(3): 211216.

［11］巍柏, 彭刚, 戚永乐, 等. 基于CT图像的混凝土细观结构的有限元重建［J］. 混凝土，2008, 30(2): 6465.

WEI Bai, PENG Gang, QI Yongle, et al. Reconstructing finite element model of concrete mesolevel structure with CT scanning image［J］. Concrete, 2008, 30(2): 6465.

[1]	WANG Yanlin, GUO Qi, SUN Shanshan, WEI Sihao, XU Ning. Discrete Element Simulation and Analysis of Ice-Inclined Structure Interaction [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2022, 56(9): 1168-1175.
[2]	AKAMPUMUZA Obed, WU Jiajun (吴佳骏), QUAN Zhenzhen (权震震), QIN Xiaohong (覃小红). Simulation of Bimodal Fiber Distribution Effect on Transient Accumulation of Particles During Filtration [J]. J Shanghai Jiaotong Univ Sci, 2021, 26(2): 176-185.
[3]	ZHANG Mengxi,ZHANG Zisheng,WANG Wei,Lü Yan,HAN Jiayao,JIN Qi. Discrete Element Analysis for Instability of Undercrossing Shield Tunnel Face [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2018, 52(12): 1594-1602.
[4]	MEI Dengfei,FAN Haojie,TIAN Fengguo,CUI Xuan,ZHANG Mingchuan. Simulation of Bubble Behavior of Cohesive and Non-Cohesive Particles in Fluidization [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2015, 49(05): 577-582.
[5]	ZHOU Huai-1, 2 , ZHANG Meng-Xi-1. Numerical Simulation on Mechanism of Soil Retaining Wall Reinforced with H-V Inclusions by DEM [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2012, 46(10): 1548-1552.