Investigation of impacts of particle shape on mixing in a twin paddle blender using GPU-based DEM and experiments

Non-spherical particle flow plays a crucial role in many industrial processes. Experiments and discrete element method (DEM) were used to compare the mixing behavior of a twin paddle blender containing non-spherical particles with that comprising spherical particles. The DEM model was calibrated using experimental data from a rotary drum. The impacts of particle shape on mixing quality were examined using the calibrated DEM model by calculating the relative standard deviation (RSD), particle velocities, contact forces, coordination number, diffusivity coefficient, Peclet number, normal and shear stress profiles. The degree of homogeneity for spherical particles was better than those for non-spherical particles. The cubical particles exhibited the highest compactness of solid mixture in the mixer. Compared to spherical particles, non-spherical particles showed a higher resistance to movement. It was discovered that diffusion was the superior mixing mechanism. The shear and normal stresses varied with mixing time, peaking near the blade tips. [Display omitted] •The impact of particle shape on mixing quality in a twin paddle blender was studied.•GPU-based DEM model was calibrated using experimental data obtained from a rotary drum.•The cubical particles exhibited the highest compactness of solid mixture in the mixer.•Non-spherical particles had a higher flow resistance than spherical particles.•Shear and normal stresses changed with mixing time, peaking near the blade tips.