Asymmetric dynamics in a horizontally stirred mill using DEM

•The orientation of the rotation axis greatly increases the complexity of governing equations of motion.•Tangential velocity profiles in horizontal annular shear cells are exponential.•Velocity distributions are anisotropic and dependent on particle friction.•Shear band thickness is dependent on applied shear rate and particle friction.•Peculiar wear patterns in horizontal stirred mills can be managed by tuning the friction between particles.