Geometric similarity on interparticle force evaluation for scaled-up DEM particles

The scaled-up particle model, which is also commonly known as the coarse grain model or discrete parcel model, is frequently used to reduce the computational cost in Discrete Element Method (DEM). In the direct force scaling approach, the forces acting on original particles are first estimated and then directly scaled to apply to scaled-up particles. It is therefore crucial to appropriately evaluate the variables of the original particles, e.g. overlap and separation distance, from the scaled-up particles particularly when estimating complex interparticle forces. The present work proposes the use of geometric similarity for the evaluation of the original particle overlap and separation distance. It is demonstrated that the proposed method can provide an almost identical stress-strain curve between the original and scaled-up particles during uniaxial compression of a packed particle bed, whilst the conventional method in the literature gives significant overestimation of the stress. In addition, the scaled-up particles can reasonably replicate the original velocity distributions of cohesive particles with both liquid bridge and JKR surface adhesion forces in a dynamic flow system (vertical mixer). The simulation results suggest that the method proposed can be applied to any type of interparticle forces. A scaling of time step limit is also derived theoretically and discussed. • A scaled-up particle model is developed for the speed-up of DEM simulation. • The overlap and separation distance of original particles are evaluated based on geometric similarity. • Force scaling criteria derived from continuum approximation are employed. • Good agreement between original and scaled-up particles are observed in both static and dynamic systems. • The proposed model can be universally applied to any interparticle force.