Distinct element modelling of mechanical alloying in a planetary ball mill

The distinct element method (DEM) of modelling interactions in particulate systems has been used to analyse the motion of grinding media in a planetary ball mill. A two dimensional computer simulation has been developed which incorporates a modified Kelvin viscoelastic spring/damper system to model the impact process using experimentally derived collision parameters. The model enables quantitative analysis of the collision energies and their spatial distribution. The results of the model have been compared with experimental measurements of the effect milling parameters have on the kinetics of the CuO/Ni displacement reaction.