Inclined chute flow of rod-like particles using the discrete element method

An inclined chute flow of rod-like particles is investigated both experimentally and analytically. The behavior of the particles is solved by the discrete element method (DEM). The rod-like particle model consists of a cylinder, capped at both ends by hemispheres whose radii are the same as the radius of the cylinder. The rod-like particles have three translational degrees of freedom, their rotational motion being described through quaternions, and the interparticle contact is described by a force that accounts for the elastic and dissipative interactions. The contact patterns for the rod-like particles are classified into six types. In the experiment, brass and acrylic resin cylinders of uniform size were used. The validity of the theory was confirmed by comparing the experimental and analytical results. In addition, the effect of the particle material on the flow pattern was examined.