Transformation of Chord Length Distributions into Particle Size Distributions Using Least Squares Techniques

For the characterization of particulate systems, various measuring techniques exist. Many of these assume that the particles are spherical in order to compute a particle size distribution (PSD) from the measured data. However, in many applications the shape of the particles deviates from a sphere, and as a consequence the computed PSD will contain errors because of this violated assumption. Measuring techniques that do not require this a priori assumption are, for example, those that measure the chord lengths of the particles. A disadvantage of the latter techniques is that the interpretation of the chord length distribution (CLD) is less transparent than the interpretation of a shape-based PSD (the PSD given an assumed particle shape). To facilitate the interpretation of a CLD, an algorithm based on least squares optimization techniques is presented. This algorithm computes the shape-based PSD that best explains the measured CLD and can, for example, discriminate spheres from rods using information of the CLD only. Knowledge about the type of PSD (e.g., Gaussian or log-normal) is not required.     

Changes of Dextrose Particles with Pneumatic Conveying: Analysis of Size and Shape

When conveying particulate materials, changes in size and shape of individual particles can be observed. These changes can have a great impact on the bulk powder and affect its flow properties in the pipeline. Changes can be wanted or unwanted depending on the whole process chain and final use of the powder. In this investigation, dextrose monohydrate particles were pneumatically conveyed repetitively in a pilot plant–scale rig, and the size and shape of the particles were characterized by a semiautomatic image analysis method. This characterization was done qualitatively by observing micrographs and quantitatively for each individual particle (a total of 16,120 dextrose crystals) by using two statistical diameters and two shape factors. The effect of the changes in shape and size of the particles on the mass flow rate in the system was studied. It was concluded that the mass flow rate of the pneumatic conveying tests was not affected considerably by the changes of the dextrose particles.     

Transformation of Chord Length Distributions into Particle Size Distributions Using Least Squares Techniques

ABSTRACT

For the characterization of particulate systems, various measuring techniques exist. Many of these assume that the particles are spherical in order to compute a particle size distribution (PSD) from the measured data. However, in many applications the shape of the particles deviates from a sphere, and as a consequence the computed PSD will contain errors because of this violated assumption. Measuring techniques that do not require this a priori assumption are, for example, those that measure the chord lengths of the particles. A disadvantage of the latter techniques is that the interpretation of the chord length distribution (CLD) is less transparent than the interpretation of a shape-based PSD (the PSD given an assumed particle shape). To facilitate the interpretation of a CLD, an algorithm based on least squares optimization techniques is presented. This algorithm computes the shape-based PSD that best explains the measured CLD and can, for example, discriminate spheres from rods using information of the CLD only. Knowledge about the type of PSD (e.g., Gaussian or log-normal) is not required.     

Magnetic Shape Memory Polymers with Integrated Multifunctional Shape Manipulation

Shape-programmable soft materials that exhibit integrated multifunctional shape manipulations, including reprogrammable, untethered, fast, and reversible shape transformation and locking, are highly desirable for a plethora of applications, including soft robotics, morphing structures, and biomedical devices. Despite recent progress, it remains challenging to achieve multiple shape manipulations in one material system. Here, a novel magnetic shape memory polymer composite is reported to achieve this. The composite consists of two types of magnetic particles in an amorphous shape memory polymer matrix. The matrix softens via magnetic inductive heating of low-coercivity particles, and high-remanence particles with reprogrammable magnetization profiles drive the rapid and reversible shape change under actuation magnetic fields. Once cooled, the actuated shape can be locked. Additionally, varying the particle loadings for heating enables sequential actuation. The integrated multifunctional shape manipulations are further exploited for applications including soft magnetic grippers with large grabbing force, reconfigurable antennas, and sequential logic for computing.     

基于颗粒真实几何形状的铁路道砟剪切过程三维离散元分析

铁路道床由尺寸和形状各异的道砟颗粒组成,道砟颗粒的形状对道床的强度、变形等力学特性具有显著影响,反映颗粒单一方向尺寸分布特征的级配曲线难以全面描述形状不规则的道砟颗粒的几何特征。该文利用计算机视觉成像技术获得道砟颗粒在三个相互垂直方向的投影图,提取投影图轮廓并计算其几何特征参数;基于颗粒三视图重建与真实道砟颗粒具备相同几何特征的三维模型,引入到自行开发的三维块体离散元数值模拟程序中,建立了真实道砟颗粒料的三维离散元分析模型。通过与多种竖向压力作用下的室内直剪试验结果进行对比,验证了该方法可靠性;并在此基础上对道砟颗粒料在直剪试验中的变形和细观力学特性进行了深入详细的分析。     

Predicting porosity of binary mixtures made out of irregular nonspherical particles: Application to natural sediments

Predicting porosity or packing density of sediments made of coarse and fine components of arbitrary geometry is critical to many science and engineering applications. Well-established analytical models for packing of spheres express porosity of the binary mixture as a function of fine-to-coarse particle size ratio. Nevertheless, the applicability of such models to natural granular materials is limited given the nonspherical and irregular nature of the particles whose packing depends on both particle size and shape. The objective of this study is to develop a model that predicts the porosity of binary mixtures made up of irregular nonspherical particles. We modified a previously developed linear sphere-packing model so that it takes into account the effect of both the particle size and shape. As an input, the modified model uses the coarse-to-fine particles specific surface area ratio instead of using the particle size ratio required by the sphere-packing model. We tested the modified model by predicting the porosities of a binary mixture composed of coarse and fine calcite aggregates. We further validate the model by using published data on the porosity of binary mixtures made of synthesized, cubical and cylindrical particles. Our model predictions show good agreement with the measured porosity.     

冷喷涂中颗粒形状和温度对其沉积过程的影响

为提高镁合金的抗腐蚀性能,以冷喷涂方法在其表面喷涂铝颗粒并采用有限元ALE网格方法对该过程进行了数值计算。考察了颗粒和基板的变形特性、温度分布;研究了颗粒形状、颗粒和基板初始温度对其沉积过程、颗粒反弹特性等的影响。结果表明,颗粒形状对系统局部变形影响较大;颗粒形状及速度对其反弹能、基板表面坑深、最大接触面积等也有较大影响。对系统预热有利于颗粒和基板的结合。当椭球形颗粒沿着其长轴碰撞以及球形颗粒碰撞时,温度和塑性变形都对称分布。结果可初步用于冷喷涂实验参数的选择和优化。     

Continuous-flow lithography for high-throughput microparticle synthesis

Precisely shaped polymeric particles and structures are widely used for applications in photonic materials, MEMS, biomaterials and self-assembly. Current approaches for particle synthesis are either batch processes or flow-through microfluidic schemes that are based on two-phase systems, limiting the throughput, shape and functionality of the particles. We report a one-phase method that combines the advantages of microscope projection photolithography and microfluidics to continuously form morphologically complex or multifunctional particles down to the colloidal length scale. Exploiting the inhibition of free-radical polymerization near PDMS surfaces, we are able to repeatedly pattern and flow rows of particles in less than 0.1 s, affording a throughput of near 100 particles per second using the simplest of device designs. Polymerization was also carried out across laminar, co-flowing streams to generate Janus particles containing different chemistries, whose relative proportions could be easily tuned. This new high-throughput technique offers unprecedented control over particle size, shape and anisotropy.     

DEM investigations of failure mode of sands under oedometric loading

It will be practically useful to explore the evolutions of the failure modes of sand grains within a sand specimen subject to compression for the particle breakage research. This paper attempts to deal with this challenge by conducting a discrete element method (DEM) simulation study on oedometric compression of two kinds of sands (spherical and non-spherical particles). In this study, particle morphologies reconstructed by the spherical harmonic (SH) analysis were created using the agglomerate method, and the micro-parameters used to define the contact model and the properties of walls and balls were adopted based on the single particle crushing tests. The effects of particle shape on the crushing behavior of granular materials and on the evolutions of failure modes of sand grains were captured, and the experimental data was used to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed DEM modelling strategy. The simulation results show that particle shape affects not only the number, type and orientation of cracks but also the evolution of the particle failure modes. The failure mode of chipping is the most common way to crush for both spherical and non-spherical particles. The particles that have less aspect ratio, sphericity and convexity are more likely to experience the failure mode of comminution. These findings shed light on the key role of particle shape in the investigation of the failure mode of sand grains and facilitate a better understanding of grain-scale behavior of granular materials.     

Development of particle size and shape measuring system for machine-made sand

Abstract

In recent years, the use of machine-made sand has gradually increased. Simultaneous monitoring of the particle size and shape of machine-made sand during its production is vital. Here, a machine-made sand size measuring methods were developed using vibration dispersion and high-speed video imaging and subsequently evaluated. Moreover, a software system for particle size and shape identification of machine-made sand was also developed using image processing algorithms. Experiment studies on this system were conducted, and the results show that the measurement results of particle size between the vibration screening method and imaging method are different. The measurement results of particle size obtained from the imaging method were affected by the degree of dispersion and particle shape of the machine-made sand. The particle shape parameter of the machine-made sand was modified to compensate for the measurement results of particle size. After compensation for measurement results of the sand size by the imaging method, the cumulative curve of the particle size distribution was in agreement with that obtained from the vibratory sieve method; the measurement error of sand size is less than 3%. Based on sphericity characterization of the particles, the particle shape measurement using the imaging method was accurate. Thus, the particle size and shape measuring system based on imaging method met the monitoring requirements for machine-made sand.     

矿物颗粒形状对球磨机磨矿性能的影响

为了探究矿物颗粒形状对球磨机研磨作业的影响机制,运用离散单元法,采用球体和由球形颗粒凝聚而成的正四面体、平行六面体矿物颗粒模型,数值模拟球磨机的磨矿过程,分析矿物颗粒形状对运动形式、碰撞形式以及球磨机磨矿性能的影响。结果表明,矿物颗粒形状对球磨机磨矿性能的影响很大,相同条件下,球形矿粒碰撞能最大,正四面体矿粒次之,平行六面体矿粒最小。     

Enhanced Voidage Correlations for Packed Beds of Various Particle Shapes and Sizes

Mean voidage in packed beds of spherical, cylindrical, and nonconventional cylindrical particles has been accurately measured, and the data obtained were employed to develop predictive mean voidage correlations that were not only simpler to use and more accurate than existing correlations, but also helped in developing a single general voidage correlation incorporating a particle shape factor applicable to a variety of particle shapes. Such mean voidage correlations are highly sought in packed bed design for a multitude of applications and can also assist in minimizing pressure drop in such packed beds by guiding particle shape selection.     

Nonspherical Noble Metal Nanoparticles: Colloid‐Chemical Synthesis and Morphology Control

Metal nanoparticles have been the subject of widespread research over the past two decades. In recent years, noble metals have been the focus of numerous studies involving synthesis, characterization, and applications. Synthesis of an impressive range of noble metal nanoparticles with varied morphologies has been reported. Researchers have made a great progress in learning how to engineer materials on a nanometer length scale that has led to the understanding of the fundamental size‐ and shape‐dependent properties of matter and to devising of new applications. In this article, we review the recent progress in the colloid‐chemical synthesis of nonspherical nanoparticles of a few important noble metals (mainly Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt), highlighting the factors that influence the particle morphology and discussing the mechanisms behind the nonspherical shape evolution. The article attempts to present a thorough discussion of the basic principles as well as state‐of‐the‐art morphology control in noble metal nanoparticles.     

Sintering models and the development of instabilities

A mathematical model is developed to describe, at least approximately, the densification and reorganization of a random stacking of particles due to internal transport of material. In this model, local stresses due to time varying coordination of particles are allowed which are found to alter the overall sintering behaviour significantly. Further, variations on stacking density and coordination on both a local and a global scale are investigated for their influence on small and large scale particle reorganization during sintering. It is found that these local variations will easily give rise to the development of a porosity of high coordination along with local densification. The overall effect is that this porosity disappears after a large sintering period when grain growth has become already substantial.Global variations in coordination are seen to be responsible for defect formation. A number of criteria will be derived to estimate under which conditions this formation of defects may be expected. The present model will be discussed with the help of own and a number of examples found in the literature.     

Numerical study of the motion behaviour of three-dimensional cubic particle in a thin drum

The motion of three-dimensional cubic particles in a thin rotating drum is simulated by the SIPHPM method. The drums with frictional or smooth front and rear walls, and the particles of cubic and spherical shapes, and different particle numbers are considered to study the effect of cubic particle shape, end-wall frictions and filling levels. Different flow patterns of cubic particles are observed, which are significantly dominated by the friction from the end-walls. The probability density function of velocity components, the flatness factors are used to analyze the motion behaviour of cubic particle. The Froude number, ensemble mean and time averaged particle velocities are also analyzed. A primary and secondary mode of driving from the end-wall frictions are indicated and the mechanisms on the influences of wall friction, particle shape and filling levels are fully explained.     

Large-scale GPU based DEM modeling of mixing using irregularly shaped particles

Mixing of particulate systems is an important process to achieve uniformity, in particular pharmaceutical processes that requires the same amount of active ingredient per tablet. Several mixing processes exist, this study is concerned with mechanical mixing of crystalline particles using a four-blade mixer. Although numerical investigations of mixing using four-blades have been conducted, the simplification of particle shape to spherical or rounded superquadric particle systems is universal across these studies. Consequently, we quantify the effect of particle shape, that include round shapes and sharp edged polyhedral shapes, on the mixing kinematics (Lacey Mixing Index bounded by 0 and 1) that include radial and axial mixing as well as the inter-particle force chain network in a numerical study. We consider six 100 000 particles systems that include spheres, cubes, scaled hexagonal prism, bilunabirotunda, truncated tetrahedra, and a mixed particle system. This is in addition to two six million particle systems consisting of sphere and truncated tetrahedra particles that we can simulate within a realistic time frame due to GPU computing. We found that spherical particles mixed the fastest with Lacey mixing indices of up to 0.9, while polyhedral shaped particle systems mixing indexes varied between 0.65 and 0.87, for the same mixing times. In general, to obtain a similar mixing index (of 0.7), polyhedral shaped particle systems needed to be mixed for 50% longer than a spherical particle system which is concerning given the predominant use of spherical particles in mixing studies.     

不同形状Janus颗粒自驱动特性数值模拟

Janus颗粒利用自身非对称的表面性质建立浓度梯度场,并在其作用下产生自驱动,在微机电系统、生物学、流体力学等领域具有重要的应用.本文首先建立了模拟这一过程的数值模型,并由Pt-SiO2型Janus微球的实验数据确定了迁移速率匹配常数.随后,研究了3种相同体积、不同形状的Janus颗粒的自驱动,结果表明,与相同体积的球形Janus颗粒相比,圆柱及椭球状Janus颗粒具有更快的自驱动速度,同时燃料消耗更多.对于圆柱状颗粒,研究了粗细程度对圆柱状颗粒自驱动性能的影响,结果表明存在最优的直径与长度比(d/l=0.28).这一研究可为Janus颗粒具体应用提供理论基础.     

CFD–DEM Model for Simulation of Non-spherical Particles in Hole Cleaning Process

During the well drilling process, particles are produced in different shapes. The shape of particles can influence the characteristics of particles transport process. The aim of this work is to analyze the effects of particle shape on the transportation mechanism. For this purpose, a three-dimensional model is prepared for simulation of particle transportation with spherical and non-spherical shapes, during deviated well drilling. The motion of particles and the non-Newtonian fluid flow are simulated via discrete element method and CFD, respectively. The two-way coupling scheme is used to incorporate the effects of fluid–particle interactions. Three different samples of non-spherical shapes are constructed using multi-sphere method. The interactions of particle–particle/wall/drill pipe are taken into account via Hertz–Mindlin model. Simulations are carried out for some laboratory-scale configurations and fair agreements with the experimental data available in the literature are established.