Symbols in Bulk Solids Technology

Overview of symbols for calculations and measurements. Deviations from the notation according to DIN EN 1991-4 are marked accordingly.

Silo Calculation Symbols

Symbol DIN EN 1991-4 Unit Description
aamDistance from transition to outlet (hopper)
bbmWidth of outlet opening (rectangular cross-section)
dcdcmDiameter of circular outlet opening
hhmHeight of vertical section
hbhbmHeight of hopper
hchcmEquivalent surface height
hhhhmHopper height
hohomCharacteristic height, reference height
zzmVertical coordinate
αα°Hopper half angle
ββ°Wall slope angle
AACross-sectional area
UUmPerimeter of cross-section
KK-Horizontal load ratio (lateral pressure ratio)
PhphkN/m²Horizontal pressure
PvpvkN/m²Vertical pressure
φwφw°Wall friction angle
μμ-Wall friction coefficient
bminbminmMinimum outlet width
DRHmHydraulic diameter ratio

Yield Locus Symbols

Symbol DIN EN 1991-4 Unit Description
σrPaReference stress (pre-consolidation stress)
σNσNPaNormal stress on shear plane
σ1σ1PaMajor principal stress
σ2σ2PaMinor principal stress
σcσcPaUnconfined yield strength
τcPaCohesion
ρb0kg/m³Bulk density at pre-consolidation
ρrkg/m³Bulk density at rest (static)
FL-Flowability factor (ffc)
φiφi°Internal angle of friction
φeφi°Effective angle of internal friction
Tc-Tensile strength

Wall Friction Symbols

Symbol DIN EN 1991-4 Unit Description
σwσwPaNormal stress at the wall
τw,sPaShear stress at the wall (static)
τw,dPaShear stress at the wall (dynamic)
μs-Wall friction coefficient (static)
μd-Wall friction coefficient (dynamic)
φs°Wall friction angle (static)
φd°Wall friction angle (dynamic)
τsPaShear strength (static)
τdPaShear strength (dynamic)

Bulk Density Symbols

Symbol DIN EN 1991-4 Unit Description
ρbρbkg/m³Bulk density
ρb0kg/m³Bulk density at rest (after consolidation)
ρ(σ)kg/m³Bulk density as function of consolidation stress
ρ(σ)Logkg/m³Bulk density (logarithmic function)
ρ(σ)Powkg/m³Bulk density (power function)
RLog-Correlation coefficient (logarithmic)
RPow-Correlation coefficient (power)
CILog%Compressibility index (logarithmic)
HRLog%Hausner ratio (logarithmic)

Angle of Repose Symbols

Symbol DIN EN 1991-4 Unit Description
ΦAR°Angle of repose
hpeakmmHeight of peak (cone height)
doutsidemmOutside diameter of cone base
ΦAR,avg°Average angle of repose
SDAR°Standard deviation of angle of repose

Referenced Standards

  • DIN EN 1991-4 - Eurocode 1: Actions on structures - Part 4: Silos and tanks
  • ASTM D6682 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Flow Properties of Powders
  • DIN ISO 4324 - Surface active agents - Powders and granules - Determination of the angle of repose