Random loose packing of cylindrical particles considering filling rate

Abstract

Abstract Void fraction of cylindrical particles greatly influences heat and mass transfer and resistance characteristics involved in the processes. The effect of the filling rate of cylindrical particles on the void fraction of the random loose packing (RLP) was studied through the experiments. Then, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to reproduce the RLP process of the cylindrical particles, and the effect of the filling rate on the void fraction of the packing was revealed by the internal packing structure. The following conclusions can be drawn: the void fraction increased with the logarithm of the filling rate and did not change after reaching the maximum value; a void fraction prediction model of cylindrical particles, considering filling rate, was established; a larger filling rate would cause the particles to interact to form “bridge” structures, forming larger particle inclination angles and resulting in a larger void fraction of the packing.