On the Numerical Calibration of Discrete Element Models for the Simulation of Bulk Solids

Due to the rapid increase of the computational power direct particle simulations, such as simulations on the basis of the Discrete Element Method (DEM), become increasingly popular in the field of bulk solids handling and processing. In order to obtain realistic simulations these projects require an accurate characterisation of the bulk solid properties in the Discrete Element Model. Therefore, the so called calibration of bulks solids deserves particular attention. The purpose of the numerical calibration is the adjustment of microscopic parameters, such as particle stiffness and inter-particle friction, in order to fit the macroscopic numerical behaviour, e. g. stress-strain-behaviour, measured on real experiments. The paper discusses the influence and effects of the microscopic parameters and explains the need for the development of new calibration methods.