Numerical simulation of the impact fracture and fragmentation of agglomerates

Computer simulations of agglomerates impacting a wall have been carried out using the distinct element method. The agglomerates comprised 1000 primary particles in a two-dimensional array. Autoadhesive and frictional interaction laws between the primary particles were employed. Results are presented for a range of impact velocities and surface free energies of the particles. Three regimes of behaviour were observed depending on the relative magnitudes of these quantities; the regimes may be described as shattering, semi-brittle fracture and elastic rebound. The qualitative trends found in the current work are consistent with certain features of phenomena observed in experimental studies and lead to an improved understanding of the microscopic factors that influence the fragmentation behaviour of granular solids.