Discrete Element Method Simulation and Experimental Verification on Roller Compaction of Fine Sand

Abstract:

The discrete element method (DEM) models were established by using twodimensional particle flow code (PFC2D) to simulate the fine sand compaction process, and the influencing factors, including compaction method, static force and vibrating compaction number, were investigated by using DEM and validated by field experiments. It is shown that the compaction of fine sand can result in the densification of particles and the horizontal orientation of long axis. For static compactions, the difference of densification effect in depth and the rotation of long axis are comparatively insignificant. For vibrating compactions, the decreases of porosity in the upper sands are more pronounced, and the number of particles with horizontal angle of deviation less than 30° increases by 33%. The increase in the number of vibration compaction can lead to the decrease in the porosity of the upper sands, however, it is not effective after fifth vibrating compaction. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of PFC.