Potential of DEM for investigation of non-consolidated flow of cohesive and elongated biomass particles

•Rotating drum experiments are relevant for unconsolidated flowability assessment.•Multisphere DEM models of raw/torrefied biomass are calibrated using bulk setups.•Flowability is evaluated from rotating drum experiments and DEM simulations.•Granular flow dynamics of biomass is correctly captured by the DEM simulations.•DEM could successfully predict biomass flowability in an unconsolidated regime.