Numerical prediction on abrasive wear reduction of bulk solids handling equipment using bionic design

Abrasive wear can cause surface damage of bulk solids handling equipment. Reducing the abrasive wear is beneficial to lower the maintenance cost. Previous research elaborated on the bionic design methodology to reduce surface wear of bulk solids handling equipment. To facilitate the application of the bionic design methodology in bulk solids handling, this research examines the effectiveness of a bionic model using discrete element method (DEM) simulations. A reference case of an abrasive wear scenario in bulk solids handling is simulated, and the wear volume of a smooth chute surface is predicted. By applying a bionic model to the chute surface and using the same simulation model, the wear volume of a bionic surface is predicted. By comparisons, it is identified that the bionic surfaces produce less wear than the smooth surface. In addition, the sensitivities of the geometrical parameters for the wear reduction are predicted. Therefore, the abrasive wear reduction effectiveness of the bionic model is demonstrated.