Continuous potential model of particle flow in hoppers

This paper describes a computer program which models the filling and discharge of 2D hoppers with particulate material. The model uses a discrete particle time stepping simulation to calculate the forces acting on each particle at each time step and subsequent motion. The program models normal particle forces, friction, contact damping, wall-particle interaction and gravity. Mass flow and funnel flow hoppers were modelled and the principal parameters investigated were: flowrate, flow angle, wall stress. Their variation was assesssed for different hopper dimensions and frictional properties. The results were compared with those from conventional theoretical continuum models. The program gave good agreement for flowrate predictions. Wall stresses were in general agreement with the differential slice method although there were some differences which are being investigated. The analysis gives a good basis for model development.