DEM and CFD-DEM Modeling: Current Capabilities, Limitations, and Industrial Applications
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The Discrete Element Method (DEM), coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD-DEM), is a powerful tool for optimizing and designing particle-based processes. However, applying these methods to real-world industrial scenarios presents significant challenges due to high computational demands and the need for model simplifications. Efficient implementation requires a scalable, parallelized framework suitable for high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Despite advances in supercomputing, Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) remains impractical for industrially relevant problems. Developing predictive and applicable models necessitates a careful balance between computational efficiency and model accuracy, particularly in representing particle size, shape, and contact dynamics. This review explores the state-of-the-art in DEM and CFD-DEM modeling, emphasizing their strengths, limitations, and potential for addressing complex industrial challenges.