Discrete element method simulation of bed comminution

This paper evaluates fragmentation behaviour, particle size distribution and liberation degree during bed comminution of particles. Three different cases of bed comminution are modelled through discrete element simulations. The role of stressing velocities on breakage, effects of crushing walls on fragmentation and influence of crushing gaps on liberation and particle size distribution are considered. The discrete element sample is modelled to represent the concrete specimens of B35 strength category. It has been observed that the particles around the stressing walls fail differently than the inner particles during bed comminution. The stressing velocity and the crushing walls have been found to affect the cracking mechanism of the particles. The liberation degree in bed comminution is less as compared to single particle crushing. The results presented in this paper can be used to model the liberation and recycling of valuable aggregates from cheaper matrixes. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.