Numerical Simulation of Development Particle Transport in Electrophotography by Distinct Element Method

In the two component development system of electrophotography, carrier beads which attract toner particles by static electric force are necessary to develop real images. The magnetic carrier beads are transposed to the develop zone on photoreceptor drum by the development magnet and the rotating sleeve. In the development process, carrier beads are degraded by some reasons, such as compression or confriction between particles, and this results in poor image quality. To clarify dynamic behavior of development particles in development system, D. E. M. (Distinct Element Method) is applied to simulate a transport of magnetic carrier beads and clarify the mechanism of carrier beads degradation. The potential energy of Cundall model's elastic springs is used to show the elastic loads of all particles. The influence of trimmer blade which is settled over carrier beads to make the uniform thin layer was examined.