Mathematical Modeling of Particle Stratification in Jigs

Abstract

Recognizing mathematical modeling as a powerful tool for systematic process analysis and control, this paper attempts to critically'review the theories and mathem-atical models which have been advanced to explain and simulate the behaviour ofjigg ing process. The existing literature on mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis of jigging has been divided into six subheads : (i) classical theory, (ii) potential theory, (iii) dispersion models, (iv) energy dissipation theory, (v) stochastic analysis and (vi) empirical models. A new modeling approach based on Newtonian mechanics is used to describe the stratification behavior of particles in jig. In this approach,the motion of solid material is treated using the discrete element method (DEM) while the corre-sponding motion of the liquid is determined by marker and cell (MAC) technique. For illustration purpose, a jig bed consisting of 100 particles of two different densities is simulated. Preliminary results show that the model predicts the stratification of particles reasonably well.