Digital models of widely-used powder characterisation tools and their application in DEM calibration Part II: Angle of repose testers

Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations are capable of numerically reproducing the dynamics of a wide range of physical and industrial systems with quantitative accuracy; this accuracy, however, is dependent upon the precision with which they are calibrated. The calibration of DEM simulations is a non-trivial process, as standard powder characterisation tools typically provide only information regarding the bulk (macroscopic) properties of a given particulate material, whereas the calibration of DEM models requires detailed information regarding the particle-level (microscopic) parameters. The digital models presented in this paper enable researchers, both academic and industrial, to bridge the gap between the macro and micro scales, and thus produce more rigorous and reliable DEM simulations. In this work, we provide details and demonstrate potential applications of the digital models of two widely-used powder characterisation tools: a static angle of repose tester, and a dynamic angle of repose tester, specifically GranuHeap and GranuDrum (Granutools, Belgium) systems. Links are provided to open-source repositories in which the full DEM models, CAD geometries and auxiliary code associated with each digital model may be accessed by the reader and freely used in their own future research. • Open-source DEM models for GranuHeap and GranuDrum instruments. • Aims to improve quality and repeatability of DEM calibrations. • Available on GitHub freely to use for any researcher.