A brief review paper of averaging methods in press: linking micro- and macro-properties of particulate flows

Linking discrete particle simulation to continuum process modelling for granular matter: Theory and application
H.P. Zhu^a, Z.Y. Zhou^b, Q.F. Hou^b and A.B. Yu^b, , 
In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 12 June 2011

^a School of Engineering, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia

^b Laboratory for Simulation and Modelling of Particulate Systems, School of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

Received 8 September 2010;  

revised 11 January 2011;  

accepted 11 January 2011.  

Available online 12 June 2011. 

Abstract

Two approaches are widely used to describe particle systems: the continuum approach at macroscopic scale and the discrete approach at particle scale. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in the modelling of particle systems. It is of paramount significance to develop a theory to overcome the disadvantages of the two approaches. Averaging method to link the discrete to continuum approach is a potential technique to develop such a theory. This paper introduces an averaging method, including the theory and its application to the particle flow in a hopper and the particle-fluid flow in an ironmaking blast furnace.

Zhu, H.P., Zhou, Z.Y., Hou, Q.F., Yu, A.B., 2011. Linking discrete particle simulation to continuum process modelling for granular matter: Theory and application. Particuology 9, 342-357.