FURI | Fall 2025

Determining an Empirical Coefficient for Particle-surface Interactions in Discrete Element Method Simulations

Polyethylene and resin are two very common materials used in industrial manufacturing, present in goods such as films, bags, and bottles. The discrete element method (DEM) simulates contact forces between particles and surfaces to model realistic motion by moving forward incrementally through time. This research describes a method for determining an empirical lumped-parameter surface adhesion coefficient for polyethylene and resin that encompasses interactions such as electrostatic forces, capillary forces, and other non-contact forces in DEM simulations. Enhancing the understanding of creating calibration models for novel material interactions will enable future simulations to enhance their predictive capabilities for unknown materials.