DEM simulation of the single particle crushing test using an improved fragment replacement method

This study proposes and uses an improved Mohr–Coulomb–Weibull (MCW) failure model to simulate the single particle crushing test with random-shaped polyhedra as particles. Six key modifications are made to the original MCW model with respect to the contact model, the failure model and computational geometry. The process of creating the simulation model, including adjusting and selecting particle geometry, calibrating and determining parameters, is explained in detail. The simulation results demonstrate good alignment with the test results with regard to Weibull survival probability, particle heights and displacements at breakage. This shows the feasibility of the improved MCW failure model and the proposed modelling method. This study is a step forward in simulating particle breakage in large-scale particle systems using the fragment replacement method.