A numerical model, based on a rate-dependent constitutive model, via a flow formulation, and in the framework of the particle finite element method (PFEM) is proposed. It is settled on the assumption that the powder can be modelled as a continuous medium. The model, provided with the corresponding characterization of the parameters, is able to capture the two fundamental phenomena observed during the granular material flow: 1) the irreversibility of most of the deformation experienced by the material and 2) the energy dissipation of the granular system through the inter-particle friction processes, modelled by the plastic dissipation associated with the material model. Experimental and numerical results have been compared in order to study the viability of the proposed model.

Peer Reviewed