Method and application of discrete element model for granular flow

The basic principles of DEM(discrete element model),and the equations of particle motion and models of particle particle interaction are introduced.The new progress and applications of DEM in many fields are reviewed,including fluidized bed reactor,fixed bed reactor and some unit operations such as discharge of silo,mixing,etc.It is shown that DEM can simulate the highly complex processes on the basis of basic data,and reveal the mechanism of these processes.The main limitative factors which should be resolved in DEM development are also presented.