Modelling comminution of granular materials using a linear packing model and Markovian processes

This paper proposes an analytical model to calculate the evolution of the grain size distribution due to crushing of granular materials under cyclic loading. The model, that requires very low computational cost, combines a theory for polydisperse mixtures with Markovian processes. The evaluation of the performance of the model was carried out experimentally using a gyratory compactor. The comparison of the results obtained experimentally with those obtained using the proposed model shows very good agreement. As a result, the analytical model proposed here is a useful alternative to be included in a model based in continuum mechanics.