Research on discrete element parameter calibration of ore particles based on Tavares breakage model in a SAG mill

Accurately simulating the crushing process of ore particles in a semi-autogenous grinding mill (SAG mill) is quite challenging. This study utilizes the discrete element method (DEM) to construct a breakage model for ore particles. Calibration of the discrete element basic parameters and Tavares breakage model parameters is conducted based on angle of repose (AoR) tests and single-particle impact tests. 3D scanning is employed to capture the morphology of the ore for particle modeling. On this basis, a discrete element breakage model for ore particles is built for single-particle impact simulations and validated through testing to determine the calibrated model parameters. The results indicate that the AoR angles and stacking shapes from the simulation and tests are highly similar, with a relative error of about 0.19%. The similarity in crushing outcomes and quantitative values between single-particle impact simulations and tests preliminary validates the reliability of the calibration method and the applicability of the Tavares breakage model, successfully determining a group of model parameters suitable for simulating ore particle crushing processes. This study lays the groundwork for utilizing DEM to simulate the visualization of ore particle crushing.