Particle weight spatial distribution and force chain network evolution in flat-bottomed silos using the discrete element method

In industrial-scale powder storage facilities, abnormal stress distribution on silo walls can lead to severe safety accidents, including structural deformation and collapses. The powder weight distribution in three-dimensional flat-bottomed silos was studied from the force chain network rearrangement of the micro-mechanism to the wall stress distribution of the macro-behavior. The effects of particle size, silo diameter, and powder type were considered using the discrete element method. At a constant filling height-to-diameter ratio (Hfilling/D), increasing particle size slightly raises the bottom load-bearing percentage, while maintaining a constant filling height significantly increases this percentage as silo diameter increases. The size effect notably affects load-bearing distribution and pressure accumulation on the silo wall. The bottom effect weakens the sidewall load-bearing capacity near the bottom. The average particle–wall friction coefficient in static packing is lower than the predefined value, indicating insufficient wall friction mobilization. Shallow silos primarily support powder weight from the bottom. As Hfilling/D increases, strong force chains develop, enhancing force transmission and uniformity, while enhancing the sidewall load-bearing capacity.