Advancements In Bulk Storage Vessel Design Utilising Finite Element Analysis and Discrete Element Method Modelling

Abstract

Advancements in computational power, software capability, cost and availability are driving a new generation of engineering; computer aided engineering (CAE). One area that has been impacted by CAE developments, is the design of bulk material storage vessels. This area has transitioned from using first principles and hand calculations to linear and non-linear static Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. In recent years, Discrete Element Method (DEM) flow modelling has developed and now offers greater accuracy and the ability to couple to FEA tools.

This paper demonstrates the correlation between existing theoretical standards, namely AS-3774 and EN-1991-4, and derivation of wall loads from DEM modelling. Which is further extended into a discussion on coupling the loads with FEA and investigating the differences in traditional ‘quasi-static’ and ‘dynamic’ analysis and what it means for safe, reliable, and robust bin design.