A Predictive Model for Arch Destruction in Hopper-Bottom Bins for Cohesive Bulk Solids

A theoretical model is developed to predict arch destruction by vibration in hoper-bottom bins for bulk solids. The bulk solid in the bin is divided into layers of equal mass and two adjacent layers are connected by a spring and a frictional damper. The Lagrange equations are established for the bin system. These equations are solved numerically. The predicted resonant frequencies and accelerations of vibration for arch destruction are in close agreement with the experimental values reported in the literature for a model bin.