Abstract:Based on the particle rolling friction, the force chain spatial distribution of corn particles in the silo is studied. The silo model and the corn particle model are established through EDEM discrete element software to simulate the unloading of grain, and the flow pattern is compared with the silo unloading test to verify the accuracy of the model and simulation results. Through slice observation and data processing of the simulated silo, the evolution of the meso-parameters of the force chain with time under different rolling friction conditions are analyzed. The results show that the larger the coefficient of friction between particles, the longer the final time for unloading; the smaller the coefficient of rolling friction between particles, the earlier it takes for the particles to transform from bulk flow to tubular flow. For a silo with a funnel, reducing the friction between particles will change the limit between the bulk flow and the tubular flow, thereby increasing the area where the tubular flow is generated. Under the standard rolling friction coefficient, the corn particles will have the arching-collapse effect during the unloading process. Reducing the rolling friction, the corn particles will be discharged more stable, so there is no sudden increase in the stress of arching nor attenuation in the stress of arch collapse. Increasing the rolling friction between particles will increase not only the feeding effect, but also cause arch height is higher from the funnel mouth.