Results are described of simulations based on the discrete element method (DEM) using a code developed by Tsuji, Kawaguchi, and Tanaka (Discrete particles simulation of 2-dimensional fluidized bed. Powder Technology 77 (1993) 79-87). The mechanical interactions between particles and also between particles and the walls in granular flows are modelled by linear springs, dash-pots and friction sliders. The simulation parameters are the restitution coefficient, normal stiffness, friction coefficient between particles and between particles and the walls, and two ratios which relate the normal and tangential stiffness and damping coefficients. Their influence on particle motion in a V-mixer has been evaluated and compared with radioactive tracer measurements of particle motion. A number of quantitative methods for comparing DEM and experimental data were developed. Given the simplified nature of the modelled interactions, the agreement between the predicted and measured data is remarkably close for restitution coefficient values of 0.7 and 0.9, internal friction coefficient values of 0.3 and 0.6 and wall friction coefficient values of 0 and 0.3. The internal and wall friction coefficients are important in determining the initiation of particle movement, while the value of the restitution coefficient has a larger influence on particles in a dynamic state. The simulation of the fully elastic case (coefficient of restitution = 1.0) with zero internal and wall friction, gives results that are very different from the experiment data. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.