Quantitative comparison of experimental and Mohr-Coulomb finite element method simulation flow characteristics from quasi two-dimensional flat-bottomed bins

Four different flow characteristics obtained from Eulerian finite element method (FEM) simulations using a Mohr-Coulomb material model are quantitatively compared to experiments performed on laboratory-scale concentric and eccentric quasi two-dimensional flat-bottomed bins. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments are performed on Ottawa 20–30 sand discharging through the bins. The experimental steady state velocity profiles, mass discharge rate (MDR), duration of steady MDR (TSS), and free surface profiles are compared to the FEM predictions. The significance of material dilation and associated softening (DS) on FEM flow characteristics is examined through comparisons to simulations without dilation or softening (NDNS). FEM DS simulations using a Mohr-Coulomb material model that includes material dilation and softening are shown to be capable of predicting the four flow characteristics in both discharging bins with reasonable accuracy. [Display omitted] •Quantitative comparison of hopper flow characteristics between FEM and experiments•Granular PIV measurements for concentric and eccentric bins•Significant impact of material dilation and softening in FEM simulations•Demonstrated applicability and flexibility of Mohr-Coulomb model in FEM.