(113b) Particle Motion in a Rotating Drum with Gaps in the Side Wall

This paper presents a numerical investigation of particle motion in a rotating drum using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The side wall of the drum consists of 53 steel boards and there are gaps between adjacent boards. The width of the gaps is large enough for small particles to leak but big steel balls remain in the drum. Computational experiments have been carried out to explore the particle behavior and microdynamics for two kinds of small particles under several rotation speeds. Particle segregation has been found under certain rotation speeds. And it is found that rotation speed has great influence on the outflow rate and residence time of the particles. In general, high rotation speed is favorable for the smooth operation of the drum and for grinding the small particles.