Powder Flow Characterization and Discrete Element Model Calibration using Flow Patterns around Obstacles
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The numerical simulation of bulk materials is used in many areas - from food technology and pharmaceuticals to additive component manufacturing. A recurring problem hereby is the calibration of material parameters for a given bulk material. The Fraunhofer IWM has developed a novel test rig that enables the flow behavior of powders to be investigated efficiently. The analyzed powder property is its gravity-driven flow through a transparent chamber interspersed with obstacles. An image or video of the flow serves as a fingerprint of the flow behavior. The test rig makes it possible to carry out the measurement required for calibration within a few minutes. The corresponding material parameters are then obtained using a combination of a material database and inverse discrete element simulations. The sensitivity of the observed flow pattern with respect to powder properties and the obstacle setup will be discussed.