A Discrete Element Method Calibration Approach for Large Ore-flow Applications

Abstract The major constraint for large discrete element method (DEM) simulations is the high demand for computation power. To keep the model in a feasible range of simulation time and to conduct the numerical calculations efficiently, the implemented material can be simplified and upscaled. After this, a calibration of the material is inevitable and sets the link between the simulation model and reality. Therefore, an alternative calibration approach is established in this contribution to mimic the flow behaviour of the original material with multi-spherical DEM particles. The calibration approach utilises flow zone dimensions, which were observed in block-caving operations. Additionally, a passive draw-point is used to calibrate the angle of repose. Applying the calibration approach for Kiruna iron ore showed that, with the help of the calibration approach, the material in the simulation could successfully reproduce the targeted flow zone and angle of repose.