Computer simulation of mechanoactivation process in the planetary ball mill: Determination of the energy parameters of milling

Analysis of milling process in a planetary ball mill was carried out by computer simulation. A character of a ball motion depending on a vial occupancy was studied. The dependences of energy dissipation and average temperature in a vial on the filled fraction and size of balls are determined. Contributions of tangential and normal collisions of balls to the magnitude of energy dissipation were considered. The values of energy dissipation and temperature for various milling materials were estimated. The results of computer simulation were compared with the calculated results obtained using analytical formula and with literature data as well. The obtained results allow to choose the optimal modes of ball milling with regard to the specific character of concrete problems.