DEM modelling of swelling of grains

Swelling of grains due to water absorption is ubiquitous in many natural materials and industrial products. Hence, a thorough understanding grain swelling great scientific importance. An experimental investigation can only provide limited information, whereas insight could be gained from numerical modelling, rigorous models for describing particle are essential. Thus, the objective this study develop validate discrete element method (DEM) model grains. A first order kinetic was introduced describe single grain, subsequently implemented into DEM code LIGGGHTS. Model validation performed by comparing time evolution expansion packed bed made super absorbent polymer (SAP) particles obtained numerically experimentally. It demonstrated that developed accurately predict expansion. The validated then used investigate effect material properties on behaviour using rice SAP as materials. shown depends significantly properties, expected; powder much lower than SAP. further advanced consequences phenomena granular materials, such segregation heat generation.