Discrete Element Method Simulation of Effect of Aggregate Shape on Fragmentation of Particle Composite

How primary particles affect the fragmentation of particle composites using discrete element method simulation is described. Disk‐shaped composite particles consisting of large aggregate particles embedded in a matrix of smaller sand particles have been impacted against a solid surface at range of collision velocities. The results have been analyzed to determine whether the shapes of the aggregates in the mixture have an influence on the fragmentation of particle composites. It has been identified that the fracture depends on the aggregate shapes of the particle composites. Liberation degrees and particle size distributions have also been found to be controlled by the shape of the primary particles. Particle shapes have a remarkable influence on the fragmentation behavior of the specimen, especially at lower velocities.