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Volume 110
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DEM-based coupled calibration of contact and breakage parameters for wheat kernels using the Tavares model
Shuai Zhang a, Yuxin Han a, Xinyu Wei b, Linlin Li a c d *, Weiwei Cao a c d, Wenchao Liu a c d, Shanshan Zhang a, Xu Duan a c d, Junliang Chen a c d, Guangyue Ren a c d *
a College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
b College of Agricultural Equipment Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
c Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Agricultural Products Processing Equipment, Luoyang, 471000, China
d Henan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Product Drying Equipment, Luoyang, 471000, China
10.1016/j.partic.2025.12.021
Volume 110, March 2026, Pages 37-48
Received 13 November 2025, Revised 16 December 2025, Accepted 21 December 2025, Available online 2 January 2026, Version of Record 20 January 2026.
E-mail: linlinli@haust.edu.cn; rgy@haust.edu.cn
Highlights

• Developed a DEM breakage model for wheat kernels using the Tavares framework.

• Constructed realistic kernel models via X-ray micro-CT and multi-sphere approximation.

• Calibrated multi-sphere DEM parameters using Micro-CT-based wheat geometry.

• Simulations reproduced fragmentation patterns with errors below 5%.

• Model accuracy was validated by linking single-kernel breakage and bulk flow.

Abstract

To address the limited accuracy of discrete element method (DEM) simulations in modeling the compression-induced breakage of wheat kernels, this study systematically calibrates the breakage model parameters through a combination of experimental and simulation approaches. A DEM breakage model for wheat kernels was developed in combination with the Tavares breakage model. The three-dimensional morphology of wheat kernels was obtained using X-ray micro-computed tomography, and multi-sphere models were constructed for particle representation. Parameter calibration was conducted in two steps: first, contact parameters were determined through angle of repose experiments and corresponding DEM simulations; then, breakage parameters were calibrated based on single-kernel compression tests. The results showed that the simulated angle of repose was highly consistent with the experimental values, with a relative error of about 1.9%. Compression simulations successfully reproduced the fragmentation patterns and force–displacement responses observed in experiments, with errors of less than 5% across different kernel morphologies. This study provided theoretical support and technical guidance for simulating wheat grain processing and optimizing equipment design, establishing a DEM breakage model with high accuracy and practical applicability.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Tavares breakage model; Multi-sphere model; Discrete element method (DEM); Repose angle; Granular flow compression simulation
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