Defining Interactions Between DEM Particles and the Walls

The DEM particle interactions define how the tablets behave when they collide with one another and with the cylinder walls.

To define the interactions:

  1. Right-click the Physics 1 > Models > Multiphase Interaction > Phase Interactions manager and select New > caplet > caplet.
Specify the models and properties for the caplet-caplet interaction:
  1. Rename the node Phase Interaction 1 to caplet-caplet.
  2. Right-click the Phase Interactions > Phase Interaction 1 > Models node and select the Linear Spring contact model.
    The Rolling Resistance model is selected automatically. The DEM Phase Interaction model is already selected.
  3. Click Close.
  4. Right-click the caplet-caplet interaction node and select Copy (or use Ctrl-C).
  5. Right-click the Phase Interactions node and select Paste (or use Ctrl-V).
  6. Rename the copy to caplet-wall.
Specify the model properties for the caplet-caplet interaction:
  1. Edit the caplet-caplet > Models node and set the following model properties:
    Node Property Setting
    Linear Spring Static Friction Coefficient 1.0
    Normal Restitution Coefficient 0.1
    Tangential Restitution Coefficient 0.1
    Normal Spring Stiffness Method > Constant Value ${SpringK}
    Tangential Spring Stiffness Method > Constant Value ${SpringK}
    Rolling Resistance
    Rolling Resistance Methods > Force Proportional Coefficient of Rolling Resistance 0.2
Specify the model properties for the caplet-wall interaction:
  1. Edit the caplet-wall > Models node and set the following model properties:
    Node Property Setting
    DEM Phase Interaction Second Phase Wall
    Linear Spring Static Friction Coefficient 1.0
    Normal Restitution Coefficient 0.1
    Tangential Restitution Coefficient 0.1
    Normal Spring Stiffness Method > Constant Value ${SpringK}
    Tangential Spring Stiffness Method > Constant Value ${SpringK}
    Rolling Resistance
    Rolling Resistance Methods > Force Proportional Coefficient of Rolling Resistance 0.1
  2. Define the parameter SpringK:
    1. Right-click Automation > Parameters, and select New > Scalar.
    2. Rename the Scalar node as SpringK.
    3. Select the SpringK node and set the following properties:
      Property Setting
      Value 20000.0
      Dimensions Force/Length
    The value for SpringK simulates a softer caplet than do the default values. Softer caplets result in longer collision times, which allows a longer DEM time-step. This value is used to describe the caplet-wall interaction.
  3. Save the simulation.