Characteristics of force chains in the flow of photoelastic particles under a barrier

The essence of particle flow is the microscale breaking and rebuilding of force chains. Therefore, it is essential to conduct research on force chains during the process of particle flow. This study focuses on particle flow during the ore drawing process, develops a photoelastic experimental system for physical ore drawing, studies the macroscopic change characteristics of force chains, analyzes the statistical properties of force chain intensity, length, quantity, and azimuth, and discusses the particle blockage phenomenon and its engineering application in ore drawing. The results show that the length of the strong force chains is mostly about five particles, with fewer numbers, and their direction is primarily concentrated between 60° and 120°. Weak force chains are abundant and distributed uniformly in all directions. In addition, based on the arching and blocking characteristics of particles, a novel sealing method for the ore pass is proposed. The research results deepen the understanding of granular material flow hazards and provide a valuable reference for similar engineering analyses.