An accurate and efficient algorithm to model the agglomeration of macroscopic particles

The agglomeration of particles during the handling of powders results in caking, lumping or the local accumulation of electrostatic energy which represents a serious hazard to the operational safety of industrial facilities. In the case of dry powders the attraction in-between particles can be mainly attributed to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Nonetheless, due to the challenges related to the small size and distance of relevant particles and the optical density of powder flows the detailed physical mechanisms of their interaction are so far little investigated. In this paper we present a novel numerical approach which is based on an algorithm developed by Erleben [1] in the field of computer graphics. This algorithm is extended to compute binary and multiple particle interaction with each other and solid surfaces. Therein, besides van der Waals and electrostatic forces also collisional forces and plastic particle deformation is accounted for. The herein presented results demonstrate that this algorithm allows to predict accurately and efficiently whether particles agglomerate or separate depending on their kinetic parameters. In particular, the imposed constrain forces prevent spurious velocity fluctuations and potential particle overlapping in statically over-determined systems. Simulated test cases reveal how electrostatic and van der Waals forces lead to the growth of structures in case the particle restitution coefficient is sufficiently low. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.