Discrete element modeling of the transient heat transfer and toner fusing process in the Xerographic printing of coated papers
In this study, a computer model based on discrete element method is employed to simulate the unsteady state heat transfer from the fuser roll to the toner and coating layer during the Xerography printing of coated papers. The model coating layers consisted of randomly arranged spherical pigment and latex particles with commercially relevant size distributions. Effects of coating characteristics, toner size, multiple toner layers, toner melting energy, toner thermal conductivity, coating layer thermal conductivity, and fuser roll temperature and pressure were investigated. Iso-thermal contours of fusing time were generated to demonstrate the relative importance of different fusing conditions and toner properties. Simulation results showed that temperature variation highly depended on the toner size, toner melting energy and the fuser roll temperature. Moreover, simultaneous coupling of the compressive stress and heat transfer indicated that the pressure exerted by the fuser roll did not significantly affect the rate of heat transfer.
A study on adjusted contact force laws for accelerated large scale discrete element simulations
Abstract The aim of this work is to systematically investigate the effect of the normal force law and the applied stiffness on the behavior of single particles and particle systems. A detailed review of the literature regarding altered stiffnesses and their use in force laws is provided. The effect on macroscopic simulation properties such as contact numbers, velocity profiles, discharge rates and quality of dispersion for different fractions of maximum overlap is studied in the case of a stirrer vessel and a rectangular hopper. In order to provide further acceleration beyond the limits imposed by classical force models, a number of alternative force laws are developed which have a more favorable ratio between contact time and maximal overlap. Their employment in large scale simulations is investigated in light of their applicability. Some of the suggested force law modifications reveal artificial characteristics requiring further alteration.
The Effects of Void Geometry and Contact Angle on the Absorption of Liquids into Porous Calcium Carbonate Structures.
The absorption (permeation) of alcohols into porous blocks of calcium carbonate has been studied experimentally and with a computer model. The experimental measurement was of change in apparent weight of a block with time after contact with liquid. The modeling used the previously developed 'Pore-Cor' model, based on unit cells of 1000 cubic pores connected by cylindrical throats. To gain some insight into absorption into voids of complex geometry, and to provide a representation of heterogeneities in surface interaction energy, the cylindrical throats were converted to double cones. Relative to cylinders, such geometries caused hold-ups of the percolation of nonwetting fluids with respect to increasing applied pressure, and a change in the rate of absorption of wetting fluids. Both the measured absorption of the alcohols and the simulated absorption of the alcohols and of water showed significant deviations from that predicted by an effective hydraulic radius approximation. The simulation demonstrated the development of a highly heterogeneous wetting front, and of preferred wetting pathways that were perturbed by inertial retardation. The findings are useful in the design of high-performance, low-waste pigments for paper coatings, and environmentally friendly printing inks, as well as in wider industrial, environmental, and geological contexts. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.