Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122114
Ziyi Bo , Jingkun Han , Qishan Zhao , Shicheng Li , Shidong Xue , Zhong Lan , Xuehu Ma
During the pesticide spraying process, fine droplets are highly susceptible to wind-induced drift, resulting in substantial pesticide loss and potential ecological risks. To mitigate this issue, a superhydrophobic baffle is developed for drift reduction. By promoting droplets rebound, the baffles not only increase the collision-coalescence probability between fine droplets and larger ones—thereby improving the droplet size distribution—but also lower the trajectory height of fine droplets to promote their depositions. With these combined effects, the superhydrophobic baffles decrease droplet drift. Analysis of the optimized droplet size distribution reveals that the superhydrophobic baffle increased the volume median diameter of droplets generated by both hollow cone nozzle (TR80 015) and standard flat fan nozzle (ST110 015), while improving size distribution uniformity by up to 42.42%. Wind tunnel experimental data indicate that the optimal baffle angle for both nozzles is 45°, achieving a maximum average drift reduction rate of 45.83%. This study demonstrates that the proposed drift reduction technology, which leverages superhydrophobic baffles to accomplish a superior uniformity of droplet size distribution, offers a promising approach to enhancing the performance of existing spraying systems and supports reduced pesticide usage without compromising efficacy.
{"title":"Optimization of pesticide droplet size distribution and analysis of drift reduction performance using a superhydrophobic baffle","authors":"Ziyi Bo , Jingkun Han , Qishan Zhao , Shicheng Li , Shidong Xue , Zhong Lan , Xuehu Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During the pesticide spraying process, fine droplets are highly susceptible to wind-induced drift, resulting in substantial pesticide loss and potential ecological risks. To mitigate this issue, a superhydrophobic baffle is developed for drift reduction. By promoting droplets rebound, the baffles not only increase the collision-coalescence probability between fine droplets and larger ones—thereby improving the droplet size distribution—but also lower the trajectory height of fine droplets to promote their depositions. With these combined effects, the superhydrophobic baffles decrease droplet drift. Analysis of the optimized droplet size distribution reveals that the superhydrophobic baffle increased the volume median diameter of droplets generated by both hollow cone nozzle (TR80 015) and standard flat fan nozzle (ST110 015), while improving size distribution uniformity by up to 42.42%. Wind tunnel experimental data indicate that the optimal baffle angle for both nozzles is 45°, achieving a maximum average drift reduction rate of 45.83%. This study demonstrates that the proposed drift reduction technology, which leverages superhydrophobic baffles to accomplish a superior uniformity of droplet size distribution, offers a promising approach to enhancing the performance of existing spraying systems and supports reduced pesticide usage without compromising efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122114"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122125
Jianhua Fan , Daizhe Yang , Qingyang Xu , Lu Wang , Zhiwu Han , Jianqun Yu
The discharge of wheat seed particles from a wedge-shaped hopper are investigated using the discrete element method. The effect of hopper angle, sliding friction coefficients of particle-particle and particle-wall on the flow behaviour and discharge rate are systematically analysed. The results show that the discharge rate generally decreases with the hopper angle. However, the discharge rate at a hopper angle of is higher than that at due to the formation of stagnant zones. It is found that the discharge rate reduction for the outlet width = 10 mm is attributed to two factors. One is the enhancement of normal forces due to the increase in the particle-particle friction. Another is the reduction in average particle velocity caused by the particle-wall friction. For hopper angel = , particle-wall friction plays a dominant role in the discharge rate reduction, with a contribution of 57.42%, compared to the 28.81% reduction caused by particle-particle friction. Both friction parameters contribute equally to the rate reduction at = and . For > 40 mm, the coefficient of friction between particles has a significant effect on the empirical parameter. A new expression for the factor in the Beverloo equation is proposed by introducing an empirical modification. This revised formula provides accurate predictions of the mass discharge rate by integrating the hopper angle and friction parameters of particle-particle and particle-wall. Finally, the validity of this correlation is verified experimentally with a maximum error of 7.7%. The results offer a valuable reference for predicting discharge behaviour for varying particle properties and hopper geometries.
{"title":"Flow characterisation and discharge rate prediction of wheat seed particles in wedge-shaped hoppers","authors":"Jianhua Fan , Daizhe Yang , Qingyang Xu , Lu Wang , Zhiwu Han , Jianqun Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The discharge of wheat seed particles from a wedge-shaped hopper are investigated using the discrete element method. The effect of hopper angle, sliding friction coefficients of particle-particle and particle-wall on the flow behaviour and discharge rate are systematically analysed. The results show that the discharge rate generally decreases with the hopper angle. However, the discharge rate at a hopper angle of <span><math><msup><mn>90</mn><mo>°</mo></msup></math></span> is higher than that at <span><math><msup><mn>75</mn><mo>°</mo></msup></math></span> due to the formation of stagnant zones. It is found that the discharge rate reduction for the outlet width <span><math><msub><mi>W</mi><mi>o</mi></msub></math></span> = 10 mm is attributed to two factors. One is the enhancement of normal forces due to the increase in the particle-particle friction. Another is the reduction in average particle velocity caused by the particle-wall friction. For hopper angel <span><math><mi>α</mi></math></span> = <span><math><msup><mn>15</mn><mo>°</mo></msup></math></span>, particle-wall friction plays a dominant role in the discharge rate reduction, with a contribution of 57.42%, compared to the 28.81% reduction caused by particle-particle friction. Both friction parameters contribute equally to the rate reduction at <span><math><mi>α</mi></math></span> = <span><math><msup><mn>75</mn><mo>°</mo></msup></math></span> and <span><math><msup><mn>90</mn><mo>°</mo></msup></math></span>. For <span><math><msub><mi>W</mi><mi>o</mi></msub></math></span> > 40 mm, the coefficient of friction between particles has a significant effect on the empirical parameter. A new expression for the factor <span><math><mi>C</mi></math></span> in the Beverloo equation is proposed by introducing an empirical modification. This revised formula provides accurate predictions of the mass discharge rate by integrating the hopper angle and friction parameters of particle-particle and particle-wall. Finally, the validity of this correlation is verified experimentally with a maximum error of 7.7%. The results offer a valuable reference for predicting discharge behaviour for varying particle properties and hopper geometries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122125"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122119
Farid Rabiei Motmaen, Christian Brandl, Tesfaye Molla
The Continuum Theory of Sintering (CTS), which models the sintering body as a viscous medium, is widely used to simulate the behaviour of materials during sintering. However, its application in optimizing industrial sintering processes is often limited by the lack of key material parameters, particularly the viscosity of the sintering body. Most available viscosity models are also derived by considering idealized microstructures, limiting the predictive capability of the CTS. In this work, we present a computational framework for evaluating the viscosity of sintering bodies by explicitly incorporating their evolving microstructure during the sintering process. The approach integrates discrete element method (DEM) simulations with microstructural characterization, reconstruction, and homogenization. Simulated microstructure at a given density is characterized using multiple state variables, which are used to generate statistically equivalent microstructures. These are then used to define Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) for evaluating the effective properties and their associated uncertainties. Application of the method to the sintering of 316 L stainless steel powders demonstrates its ability to capture experimental data, while also enabling the assessment of existing viscosity models, particularly in relation to the evolving particle size. The results underscore the impact of pore morphologies, which can lead to variations in macroscopic viscosities by up to 145 % compared to existing models. The proposed framework links microstructural evolution of sintering bodies to their macroscopic properties, offering an efficient alternative to costly experimental methods. It also enables the routine application of the CTS for optimizing sintering cycles, thereby contributing to the development of advanced materials.
{"title":"Computational evaluation of viscosity under microstructural uncertainties for the continuum model of sintering","authors":"Farid Rabiei Motmaen, Christian Brandl, Tesfaye Molla","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Continuum Theory of Sintering (CTS), which models the sintering body as a viscous medium, is widely used to simulate the behaviour of materials during sintering. However, its application in optimizing industrial sintering processes is often limited by the lack of key material parameters, particularly the viscosity of the sintering body. Most available viscosity models are also derived by considering idealized microstructures, limiting the predictive capability of the CTS. In this work, we present a computational framework for evaluating the viscosity of sintering bodies by explicitly incorporating their evolving microstructure during the sintering process. The approach integrates discrete element method (DEM) simulations with microstructural characterization, reconstruction, and homogenization. Simulated microstructure at a given density is characterized using multiple state variables, which are used to generate statistically equivalent microstructures. These are then used to define Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) for evaluating the effective properties and their associated uncertainties. Application of the method to the sintering of 316 L stainless steel powders demonstrates its ability to capture experimental data, while also enabling the assessment of existing viscosity models, particularly in relation to the evolving particle size. The results underscore the impact of pore morphologies, which can lead to variations in macroscopic viscosities by up to 145 % compared to existing models. The proposed framework links microstructural evolution of sintering bodies to their macroscopic properties, offering an efficient alternative to costly experimental methods. It also enables the routine application of the CTS for optimizing sintering cycles, thereby contributing to the development of advanced materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122119"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A granular vibration pumping system, which employs granular capillary action in a vibrating pipe, is a promising method for vertically transporting powders in dusty environments, such as the lunar surface. This study aimed to experimentally investigate the lifting performance of the system for fine cohesive particles and characterize the unique climbing behaviors, including fluidization and decompaction phenomena. The experiments showed that climbing initiated when the dimensionless vibration strength reached approximately Γ ≈ 5, enabling the upward transport of cohesive glass beads smaller than 20 μm and those of 38–53 μm, which reached maximum heights of about 200 mm and 400 mm, respectively. However, when the vibration strength exceeded approximately Γ ≈ 10, the climbing performance declined due to excessive fluidization. Based on the concepts of compaction and decompaction, the particles ascended in the pipe when fluidized under increasing vibration intensity (in the static fracture (SF) and convection fracture (CF) regions) but could not climb in the consolidation (CS) region, where compaction occurred and fluidization did not occur under lower intensity. With a further increase in vibration intensity, the particles became excessively fluidized and ceased to ascend in the dynamic fracture (DF) region as the interparticle network required for climbing was lost.
{"title":"Climbing dynamics of fine cohesive powders in a granular vibration pumping system","authors":"Mohammadhossein Shahsavari , Matthias Sperl , Daniela Zander , Kenta Shirode , Sota Suzuki , Masato Adachi","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A granular vibration pumping system, which employs granular capillary action in a vibrating pipe, is a promising method for vertically transporting powders in dusty environments, such as the lunar surface. This study aimed to experimentally investigate the lifting performance of the system for fine cohesive particles and characterize the unique climbing behaviors, including fluidization and decompaction phenomena. The experiments showed that climbing initiated when the dimensionless vibration strength reached approximately Γ ≈ 5, enabling the upward transport of cohesive glass beads smaller than 20 μm and those of 38–53 μm, which reached maximum heights of about 200 mm and 400 mm, respectively. However, when the vibration strength exceeded approximately Γ ≈ 10, the climbing performance declined due to excessive fluidization. Based on the concepts of compaction and decompaction, the particles ascended in the pipe when fluidized under increasing vibration intensity (in the static fracture (SF) and convection fracture (CF) regions) but could not climb in the consolidation (CS) region, where compaction occurred and fluidization did not occur under lower intensity. With a further increase in vibration intensity, the particles became excessively fluidized and ceased to ascend in the dynamic fracture (DF) region as the interparticle network required for climbing was lost.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122117"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122118
Jialiang Cai, Jiliang Ma, Xiaoping Chen, Daoyin Liu, Cai Liang
Granular shear flow refers to a granular flow characterized by a velocity gradient. In this flow, particles move in a simple shear pattern. However, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the fragmentation of wet agglomerates within granular shear flow are not yet fully understood. This study uses the discrete element method (DEM) combined with liquid bridge and drag force models to analyze the fragmentation behavior of wet agglomerates in granular shear flows. The drag force model is first validated against experimental terminal velocity data. The research then explores how shear rate, liquid content, and solid volume fraction in granular shear flows affect agglomerate fragmentation. Using fractal theory, the study examines changes in the gyration radius and fractal dimension of the largest fragments. A regime map is developed by integrating the dimensionless number (Пs) with liquid content to predict fragmentation behavior. The key results include the identification of three fragmentation stages—erosion, deformation, and fragmentation—with deformation marked by an increase in gyration radius ratio and a decrease in fractal dimension, indicating structural breakdown. Higher shear rates and increased solid volume fractions promote fragmentation, which reduces the average liquid bridge force and the coordination number of agglomerates. Conversely, higher liquid content enhances shear resistance, thereby suppressing breakage. Finally, fragmentation is categorized into deformation, mild fragmentation, and complete fragmentation regimes based on the total fragmentation index. The ratio of granular shear flow intensity to the cohesive force of agglomerates (Пs), along with the liquid content, serves as a predictive parameter in the regime map.
{"title":"Fragmentation behavior of wet agglomerates in granular shear flow: A discrete element method study","authors":"Jialiang Cai, Jiliang Ma, Xiaoping Chen, Daoyin Liu, Cai Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Granular shear flow refers to a granular flow characterized by a velocity gradient. In this flow, particles move in a simple shear pattern. However, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the fragmentation of wet agglomerates within granular shear flow are not yet fully understood. This study uses the discrete element method (DEM) combined with liquid bridge and drag force models to analyze the fragmentation behavior of wet agglomerates in granular shear flows. The drag force model is first validated against experimental terminal velocity data. The research then explores how shear rate, liquid content, and solid volume fraction in granular shear flows affect agglomerate fragmentation. Using fractal theory, the study examines changes in the gyration radius and fractal dimension of the largest fragments. A regime map is developed by integrating the dimensionless number (<em>П</em><sub>s</sub>) with liquid content to predict fragmentation behavior. The key results include the identification of three fragmentation stages—erosion, deformation, and fragmentation—with deformation marked by an increase in gyration radius ratio and a decrease in fractal dimension, indicating structural breakdown. Higher shear rates and increased solid volume fractions promote fragmentation, which reduces the average liquid bridge force and the coordination number of agglomerates. Conversely, higher liquid content enhances shear resistance, thereby suppressing breakage. Finally, fragmentation is categorized into deformation, mild fragmentation, and complete fragmentation regimes based on the total fragmentation index. The ratio of granular shear flow intensity to the cohesive force of agglomerates (<em>П</em><sub><em>s</em></sub>), along with the liquid content, serves as a predictive parameter in the regime map.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122118"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122120
Shuixiang Li , Shixuan Zhang
We demonstrate that a polydisperse sphere packing can be decomposed into binary sphere subsystems sharing the same equivalent packing diameter. Nonspherical particles can be effectively represented by a binary sphere system with identical equivalent packing diameter and packing fraction. Consequently, a polydisperse packing of nonspherical particles can be transformed into a polydisperse sphere packing, which can be further decomposed into binary sphere subsystems. We propose a universal method for predicting the packing fraction of both polydisperse spherical and nonspherical particles using the linear superposition principle. The method is based on the equivalent packing diameters and packing fractions of binary spheres and monodisperse nonspherical particles. An iterative algorithm is developed to decompose polydisperse spheres and determine equivalent packing diameter. Notably, the proposed approach requires no empirical fitting parameters and is practically precise. Numerical examples confirm its high accuracy in predicting packing fractions for both size- and shape-disperse particles. This method effectively reduces the dimensionality and complexity of the packing fraction estimation for polydisperse particles to that of binary spheres.
{"title":"Predicting the packing fraction of polydisperse particles: A binary sphere decomposition method","authors":"Shuixiang Li , Shixuan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We demonstrate that a polydisperse sphere packing can be decomposed into binary sphere subsystems sharing the same equivalent packing diameter. Nonspherical particles can be effectively represented by a binary sphere system with identical equivalent packing diameter and packing fraction. Consequently, a polydisperse packing of nonspherical particles can be transformed into a polydisperse sphere packing, which can be further decomposed into binary sphere subsystems. We propose a universal method for predicting the packing fraction of both polydisperse spherical and nonspherical particles using the linear superposition principle. The method is based on the equivalent packing diameters and packing fractions of binary spheres and monodisperse nonspherical particles. An iterative algorithm is developed to decompose polydisperse spheres and determine equivalent packing diameter. Notably, the proposed approach requires no empirical fitting parameters and is practically precise. Numerical examples confirm its high accuracy in predicting packing fractions for both size- and shape-disperse particles. This method effectively reduces the dimensionality and complexity of the packing fraction estimation for polydisperse particles to that of binary spheres.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122120"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122111
Liang Chen , Tao Shen , Xiaowei Shen , Lianfeng Wang , Liang Guo , Di Wang , Xiao Peng , Kainan Liu
This study employs the dense discrete phase model (DDPM) within the Eulerian-Lagrangian framework, coupled with the particle collision model from the discrete element model (DEM), to numerically simulate the impact and diffusion characteristics of smoke particles in dual-nozzle pneumatic spray. The focus is on investigating the flow field evolution mechanism and the effects of nozzle angle, spacing, and initial gas velocity (Reynolds number) on diffusion characteristics. The results show that the dual-nozzle impinging flow field consists of a central region (upward flow, radial diffusion flow) and a peripheral region (symmetric vortices, recirculation flow), which together regulate the diffusion speed, area, and concentration distribution of smoke particles. A nozzle angle of 90° achieves the optimal balance between vertical and radial diffusion. Increasing the spacing alters the concentration distribution characteristics in the collision zone. Although increasing the initial gas velocity (Reynolds number) accelerates diffusion, it reduces the uniformity of the concentration distribution. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of spray system parameters and the controllable release of smoke, and also offers a practical case for the CFD-DDPM-DEM coupled model.
{"title":"Numerical simulation of impact and dispersion characteristics of smoke screen particles in dual-nozzle pneumatic spraying systems based on CFD-DDPM-DEM coupling","authors":"Liang Chen , Tao Shen , Xiaowei Shen , Lianfeng Wang , Liang Guo , Di Wang , Xiao Peng , Kainan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study employs the dense discrete phase model (DDPM) within the Eulerian-Lagrangian framework, coupled with the particle collision model from the discrete element model (DEM), to numerically simulate the impact and diffusion characteristics of smoke particles in dual-nozzle pneumatic spray. The focus is on investigating the flow field evolution mechanism and the effects of nozzle angle, spacing, and initial gas velocity (Reynolds number) on diffusion characteristics. The results show that the dual-nozzle impinging flow field consists of a central region (upward flow, radial diffusion flow) and a peripheral region (symmetric vortices, recirculation flow), which together regulate the diffusion speed, area, and concentration distribution of smoke particles. A nozzle angle of 90° achieves the optimal balance between vertical and radial diffusion. Increasing the spacing alters the concentration distribution characteristics in the collision zone. Although increasing the initial gas velocity (Reynolds number) accelerates diffusion, it reduces the uniformity of the concentration distribution. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of spray system parameters and the controllable release of smoke, and also offers a practical case for the CFD-DDPM-DEM coupled model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122111"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122115
Haiyang Zhao, Annan Zhou
Defects within recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) can significantly compromise its mechanical performance. To investigate how an initial defect affects the mechanical behaviour of RAC, this study develops a 3D discrete element model (DEM) of RAC containing a cuboid defect. The defect is characterised with normalised depth (0.08–1.0), length (0.08–0.64), width (0.02–0.08) and inclination angle (0–90 degree). The DEM results show that both the elastic modulus and compressive strength of RAC decrease approximately linearly with increasing defect size. In contrast, the mechanical properties gradually increase as the defect angle increases. The reduction in elastic modulus is primarily associated with the defect's projected area along the loading direction, whereas the loss in compressive strength is influenced by both the projection and overall defect size. Stress concentration is mainly determined by the defect geometry and is also influenced by the presence of high-stiffness aggregates. Crack growth initiates predominantly within the interfacial transition zones (ITZs) and new mortar. Based on the DEM results, analytical equations are proposed to interpret the relationships between RAC mechanical properties and the defect characteristics. These equations enable prediction of the mechanical properties of RAC containing a defect with various geometries and RAC with multiple irregular defects. The findings provide guidance for defect-informed structural assessment and design, supporting serviceability and safety in sustainable infrastructure applications.
{"title":"Particle-scale modelling of mechanical and fracture behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete with an initial defect using DEM","authors":"Haiyang Zhao, Annan Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Defects within recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) can significantly compromise its mechanical performance. To investigate how an initial defect affects the mechanical behaviour of RAC, this study develops a 3D discrete element model (DEM) of RAC containing a cuboid defect. The defect is characterised with normalised depth (0.08–1.0), length (0.08–0.64), width (0.02–0.08) and inclination angle (0–90 degree). The DEM results show that both the elastic modulus and compressive strength of RAC decrease approximately linearly with increasing defect size. In contrast, the mechanical properties gradually increase as the defect angle increases. The reduction in elastic modulus is primarily associated with the defect's projected area along the loading direction, whereas the loss in compressive strength is influenced by both the projection and overall defect size. Stress concentration is mainly determined by the defect geometry and is also influenced by the presence of high-stiffness aggregates. Crack growth initiates predominantly within the interfacial transition zones (ITZs) and new mortar. Based on the DEM results, analytical equations are proposed to interpret the relationships between RAC mechanical properties and the defect characteristics. These equations enable prediction of the mechanical properties of RAC containing a defect with various geometries and RAC with multiple irregular defects. The findings provide guidance for defect-informed structural assessment and design, supporting serviceability and safety in sustainable infrastructure applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122115"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122101
Taswald Llewelyn Moodley , Indresan Govender
This study compares two coarse-graining approaches — Artoni and Richard (2015) and Rycroft et al. (2009) — using statistically validated DEM (Discrete Element Method) simulation data and experimental PEPT (Positron Emission Particle Tracking) measurements. DEM and PEPT are fundamentally different in the type of data they provide: DEM data is Eulerian, covering the entire flow field, while PEPT is Lagrangian, tracking the trajectory of individual particles. The coarse-graining methods used also differ in their approaches, with Artoni and Richard spreading each grain’s effect smoothly via a distance-weighted kernel, and the Rycroft method being devoid of any smoothing kernel, instead relying on a least-squares regression. The primary objective of this study is to determine the suitability of each coarse-graining scheme based on the data source — whether DEM or PEPT — and to statistically compare the resultant shear rate continuum fields. By using previously validated high resolution DEM and PEPT data (Moodley and Govender, 2022), we assess the impact of kernel-based and kernel-free coarse-graining methods on shear rate computation. This work contributes to refining continuum descriptions for practical applications by identifying optimal coarse-graining strategies depending on the nature of the underlying data. The shear rate tensor is evaluated in terms of axial and shear components, revealing how coarse-graining choices affect different components of flow behaviour. This research thus bridges the gap between Lagrangian and Eulerian data handling in granular flow studies, enabling accurate modelling of continuum fields in a variety of industrial processes.
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Pub Date : 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122112
Ezgi Akyildiz, Camilo M. Silva, Kornel Tobiczyk, Stefanie Lode , Kurt Aasly, Przemyslaw B. Kowalczuk
The European Green Deal targets a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient economy by 2050. Rare earth elements (REE) are essential to this transition, especially for green energy technologies. However, rising demand and supply concerns have prompted research into REE mining and processing. This study focuses on flotation behavior of rare earth minerals (REM), particularly parisite, monazite and bastnäsite, synchysite from a Norwegian carbonatite deposit.
REM (parisite, bastnäsite, monazite, synchysite) were tracked throughout the beneficiation process using ICP-MS and SEM-based automated mineralogy. Results showed 72 % recovery of total rare earth oxides (REO) with a 48 wt% REO grade in the final concentrate. The second cleaner step yielded a concentrate with 39 wt% parisite (72 % recovery), 14 wt% bastnäsite (75 % recovery), 8 wt% monazite (70 % recovery), and 4 wt% synchysite (69 % recovery).
In this study, mineral association patterns of major REM subtypes (parisite-Ce, parisite-Ce-La, monazite-Ce, bastnäsite-Ce-La, and synchysite-Ce) were analyzed across all beneficiation products and the feed. The mineral association analysis revealed that parisite-Ce and bastnäsite-Ce-La had similar trends, while monazite-Ce was associated with apatite and barite, reflecting its geochemical origin. Synchysite-Ce had the highest intergrowth with other REM and the lowest liberation. Nevertheless, all target minerals exhibited a sufficient surface exposure to be successfully recovered in the final concentrate, meeting the requirements for a marketable REM concentrate.
The study offers critical mineralogical insights into REM flotation, particularly the underexplored parisite, supporting future beneficiation strategies for carbonatite-hosted REE deposits.
{"title":"Flotation response of parisite, monazite, bastnäsite and synchysite from a carbonatite deposit","authors":"Ezgi Akyildiz, Camilo M. Silva, Kornel Tobiczyk, Stefanie Lode , Kurt Aasly, Przemyslaw B. Kowalczuk","doi":"10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.powtec.2025.122112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The European Green Deal targets a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient economy by 2050. Rare earth elements (REE) are essential to this transition, especially for green energy technologies. However, rising demand and supply concerns have prompted research into REE mining and processing. This study focuses on flotation behavior of rare earth minerals (REM), particularly parisite, monazite and bastnäsite, synchysite from a Norwegian carbonatite deposit.</div><div>REM (parisite, bastnäsite, monazite, synchysite) were tracked throughout the beneficiation process using ICP-MS and SEM-based automated mineralogy. Results showed 72 % recovery of total rare earth oxides (REO) with a 48 wt% REO grade in the final concentrate. The second cleaner step yielded a concentrate with 39 wt% parisite (72 % recovery), 14 wt% bastnäsite (75 % recovery), 8 wt% monazite (70 % recovery), and 4 wt% synchysite (69 % recovery).</div><div>In this study, mineral association patterns of major REM subtypes (parisite-Ce, parisite-Ce-La, monazite-Ce, bastnäsite-Ce-La, and synchysite-Ce) were analyzed across all beneficiation products and the feed. The mineral association analysis revealed that parisite-Ce and bastnäsite-Ce-La had similar trends, while monazite-Ce was associated with apatite and barite, reflecting its geochemical origin. Synchysite-Ce had the highest intergrowth with other REM and the lowest liberation. Nevertheless, all target minerals exhibited a sufficient surface exposure to be successfully recovered in the final concentrate, meeting the requirements for a marketable REM concentrate.</div><div>The study offers critical mineralogical insights into REM flotation, particularly the underexplored parisite, supporting future beneficiation strategies for carbonatite-hosted REE deposits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":407,"journal":{"name":"Powder Technology","volume":"471 ","pages":"Article 122112"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}