Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Discrete Element Simulation and Validation of a Mixing Process of Granular Materials
Jian Chen1, Mikito Furuichi1,2, Daisuke Nishiura2
1Project Team for Development of Production Technology for Deep Ocean Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology; 3173-25 Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0001, Japan.
Abstract:
The mixing processes of granular materials have gained wide interest among various fields of science and engineering. In this study, our focus is a mixing process for offshore mining. We conducted numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) in comparison with experimental works on mixing color sand. Careful calibration of initial packing densities has been performed for the simulations. For validation, the steady-state torques on the mixer head, the maximal increase of surface height after mixing, and the surface mixing patterns have been compared. The effect of particle size on the simulation results has been clarified. With the particle size approaching the actual particle size, consistent torques and mixing patterns indicate the capability of the DEM code for studying the particular mixing process, while the results for the maximal increase of surface height should be interpreted with more caution.
More Related Videos
09:00Visualization of Failure and the Associated Grain-Scale Mechanical Behavior of Granular Soils under Shear using Synchrotron X-Ray Micro-Tomography
Published on: September 29, 2019
10:12Analyzing Mixing Inhomogeneity in a Microfluidic Device by Microscale Schlieren Technique
Published on: June 12, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Design Example: Aggregate Gradation
The grading, or particle-size distribution, of sand is determined using sieve analysis, with standard sizes ranging from 150 μm to 10 mm (ASTM No. 100 sieve to 3⁄8 in. sieve). Sand is...
Mixing Concrete
Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
Mixing Time