DEM simulation of temperature increases of granular media during blade mixing

¹ School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
² Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
³ Institute of Biopharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 1 December 2025

Abstract

Heat generation and temperature increase in granular systems are critical factors influencing manufacturing processes of particulate product, particularly for heat-sensitive materials. This study applies the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with heat generation and thermal transfer models to investigate the thermal behaviours of granular systems during overhead stirring. The effects of particle size and material properties on temperature rise are systematically analysed. Results reveal that larger particles show higher temperature rises due to increased collision areas under the same conditions. For material effects, lead particles exhibit the highest temperature increase, followed by steel and glass.