(34c) Application of Open Source FEM and DEM for Dynamic Conveyor Belt Deflection Modelling

Dynamic belt deflection refers to the deformation of conveyor belt over each idler spacing when transporting bulk solids. It is closely associated with the interaction between the belt and bulk solid particles. Computational modelling of this process is challenging due to the complexity involving both continuum and discontinuum domains where the belt deformation and acting forces from particles influence mutually. To represent the interaction of the belt and bulk solids, a combination of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) was used in this study. The DEM, which is advanced in describing the behaviour of individual particles, was used to model the motion and forces of the conveyed particles; while the FEM provided a more versatile approach to represent the belt deformation attributed to the acting forces of particles. An innovative coupled FEM and DEM model was developed to predict the dynamic belt deflection, based on the open source modelling and simulation packages – Code_Aster and Liggghts. A python interface was programmed to act as the platform for exchanging the data and coupling the FEM and DEM simulations. The easy access to suitable source codes of open source software enabled the proposed model to be customized for our cases and realise a two-way coupling.

Furthermore, this paper also introduced a method to achieve the dynamic measurement of belt deflection based on the photogrammetry technique. Experiments were conducted on the special designed test rig which reversed the movement of the belt and idlers by fixing the belt and recirculating the idlers underneath. The feasibility and effectiveness of the model were validated by comparing the simulation results with the obtained test results. The comparison showed that all simulated cases delivered by the coupled FEM and DEM model were in good agreement with the experiments. Therefore, the developed model is capable of simulating the belt and particle interaction and predicting the dynamic deflection of conveyor belts, which can be also used for other cases simultaneously involving particulate particles and continuum materials in the future.