A discrete element model to predict the pressure-density relationship of blocky and angular ceramic particles under uniaxial compression

In this study, we present a numerical model based on the discrete element method (DEM) that incorporates contact friction and rolling resistance to simulate the uniaxial, isostatic compaction of hard, blocky and angular ceramic powders. The model has been formulated using the open-source software, YADE. In this numerical model, packing followed by the compaction of up to 25,000 powder particles has been simulated and the Hertz–Mindlin contact model has been used to simulate the rolling resistance and contact friction between the particles. The numerical model is discussed in detail and the pressure-density relationships developed by this model are compared with experimental data derived during the course of this study as well as data from two previous studies. Overall, the proposed simplistic DEM model is shown to produce good agreement with test results under considered loading conditions.