Coupled DEM and FEM simulations for the analysis of conveyor belt deflection

The application of numerical analysis and simulation methods is a main part of the design process of today's bulk solids handling facilities. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is mainly used for static and dynamic structural analysis when designing and optimising components. Meanwhile the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to simulate and optimise the transport and material flow processes. The advantage of these two methods of proven by the rapidly growing interest in the use of these techniques in both industry and research. The Finite Element Method is a very useful tool to analyse the deformation behaviour of components. The main disadvantage of this technique is that all the load assumptions that accrue from the interaction of the components and the bulk material can not be found easily so some simplifications are needed. This is the point where the Discrete Element Method becomes useful. It provides the opportunity to calculate the contact forces between the bulk material and components of the bulk handling equipment that is being simulated. The main disadvantage of this method is that the components can only be represented by rigid walls. The coupling of these two methods can help to overcome the disadvantages occurring from the use of the individual methods. This paper will explain the theoretical background of the coupling of the two methods and how they can be used for analysing conveyor belt deflection. It will introduce the use of ANSYS^TM Classic to cover the Finite Element Method and the use of PFC^3D for the Discrete Element section