Abstract

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been widely used to model mineral breakage using bonded particle models (BPM) and particle agglomeration through adhesive contact models. In this context, the morphological characterization of metaparticles is crucial to understand ore behavior and assess the ability of DEM to replicate reality. This work presents a three-dimensional post-processing methodology to determine the size and shape of metaparticles in DEM simulations. Contact data between particles is analyzed to identify metaparticles based on cohesive connectivity. The proposed algorithm captures threedimensional features from surface point clouds and reconstructs geometry through surface mesh generation. The algorithm was first validated with independent post-processing techniques, showing strong agreement with image analysis, with deviations in the fine size range. The methodology was evaluated under both breakage and agglomeration conditions. Experimental uniaxi al compression tests on irregular quartz particles were conducted, and the algorithm was applied to calibrated DEM simulations for comparison with experimental mechanical responses and fragment size distributions. Close agreement was obtained, with a deviation of 8.6% in P80. The results demonstrate that the methodology provides a robust and physically representative characterization of metaparticle morphology, enabling comparison between numerical and experimental results. (c) 2026 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.